Self Drive East Africa – Overland Road Trip in Africa
Unique , Less explored , Primate world, Apes and wildlife seeing in Africa is more common on Self Drive Safaris in East Africa- Tailor group adventure in the wild of East Africa with Experts in road tripping adventures in Africa.
About East Africa
East Africa, also known as Eastern Africa or the East of Africa, is a region at the eastern edge of the African continent and it has become an economic region that wants to create one border trading and tourism for ultimate safari experiences for overlanders within the region single a tourists visa , you can visit Rwanda, Kenya , Uganda and apply for Tanzania only to ensure you enjoy the overland in Africa.
The EAC comprises eight (8) Partner States which include Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Burundi, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of Uganda, and
United Republic of Tanzania but we only recommend Road trips to all of them except Somalia , South Sudan and Congo.
Each country within the East African Community is unique in its own way like Rwanda, Uganda and Congo are good for Gorilla trekking , Kenya & Tanzania for wildebeest sighting, South Sudan and Burundi rich for cultural experiences but less visited, Tanzania and Uganda for Chimpanzee watching while on overland adventure with freedom to cross borders as its less complicated within member states.
Self-Drive East Africa: The Ultimate Guide to Safaris in Africa -2025-2026
4wd Africa is the leading operator of Self drive Safaris in East Africa with the great freedom to explore the less traveled roads within the best self drive destinations in Africa like Tanzania , Kenya , Rwanda and Uganda while on road trip in East Africa adversing the wild in off road jeeps like landcruiser lxs with off road tyres.
The team of 4wd Africa limited understands that there is no better way to blend into the wild of primates and big five than opting for self drive adventure in East Africa. We offer reliable tailor made travel plans to adventures option for off road expeditions on group or private levels.
Our theme of travel packages designed grant you to leave with memories and leave Nature in untouched way by camping in designated camps within various African National Parks for unique experiences . Consider one way car rental options with Self Drive Africa
Road Conditions in East Africa – Kenya , Tanzania , Uganda, Rwanda.
Although East Africa has 8 member states , we do recommend self drive tours only in only 4 countries for safety reasons.
The road conditions within East Africa are generally fair and can be driven on, those outside the cities and in rural areas may however require a 4WD especially in the rainy season. Remember you are driving on unfamiliar roads therefore you must be cautious and well prepared.
Tanzania Roads.
Tanzania northern Circuit has the worst roads ( Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro crater) within the entire protected national parks of Tanzania and the southern , Eastern Tanzania has the best roads although they become hard to drive during the rain seasons.
Uganda Roads , Kidepo Valley national Park has the worst roads yet the ones to see the mountain gorillas are also fair although they require 4wd during rainy season as its a mountainous area.
Kenya Roads are fair and your required to be extra careful when in Masai Mara Game reserve and Turkan in the northern Kenya.
Rwanda roads are the prefect one for the self drive safari and all inter city roads are classic paved, offering luxury safaris in the region for unique to see the gorillas , big five watching.
Never rely on Google Maps
We do advise road trippers to have a number of maps to use and never rely on google map only and be aware that roads change and such changes are not effective onto the map,
What to expect on Self Drive East Africa Safari
Wildebeest Migration Experiences in Kenya
The Annual great migration which commences its seasonal cycle in neighboring Tanzania’s Serengeti national park consists of a spectacular 1.3 millions wildebeest and 400000 zebras sweeping across the landscape as they trek towards greener pastures in the Masai Mara . Along with dramatically contrasting landscapes ranging from moorlands to deserts , coastal shorelines to intricate and alluring forests , color full tribes like samburu and Masai Mara.
The best time to see the migrationn and river crossings is from approximately mid july to mid October when the herds of wildebeest and zebras reside in the Mara region and northern Tanzania before returning to the southern Serengeti . From the southern Serengeti of Tanzania a major portion of the migration moves northwest towards lake Victoria , then north cross the Mara river into Kenya in search of grass , usually returning to Tanzania in late October .
In Masai Mara National Reserve no longer allow private guided Self drive holidays .
Best Recommended Car for Self Drive in East Africa
If your planning to self drive in East Africa by wither starting in Kenya and end in Rwanda , then the best recommended car is the Toyota landcruiser lx that is classic and known as African Safari car which is popular in East Africa.
Toyota landcruiser camper are model 2010 to 2018 , 1hz diesel engine, manual, large 130L fuel tank, 1 spare tires, dual battery, inverter, A/C. Read our full car specs here.
| Landcruiser 76 Series | UGANDA | TANZANIA | KENYA | RWANDA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SELF DRIVE | $100 | $150 | $150 | $140 |
| WITH A DRIVER | $140 | $210 | $210 | $200 |
| ROOFTOP TENT | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 |
Must See in East Africa while on Self Drive Safari in East Africa
4wd Africa lists below the most interesting adventures that are recommended to overland adventurers in East Africa. Get the best unique experience with experts in Africa.
- Amazing Game Viewing: View the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo) and additional wildlife found only in Africa ( Masai Mara National Reserve , Serengeti National Park , Kidepo Valley National Park , Amboseli National Park, Akagera National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park & Ruaha National Park) .
- Walking safaris, hot-air balloon safaris, and cultural exchanges with the locals all qualify as rewarding experiences.
The Luxury of Time: Take advantage of being disconnected from the outside world in some of Africa’s most remote regions. - Enjoy Your Senses; sip sunset drinks while giraffes amble over the rosy horizon and indulge in fine African cuisine.
- The finest itineraries incorporate Africa’s major destinations, according to Beyond the Wild.
- Traveling with a Purpose: Every African safari contributes to deserving conservation and community development projects.
Travel guide on Best time for Self Drive in Africa.
Among the top questions that are always asked by travelers when planning a self drive safari in Africa is the when is the best time to visit East Africa on self drive trip? which are the favorite month to see the wildebeest migration , gorilla trekking , wildlife and big five in the wild.
The best time to visit East Africa shifts from south to east to north, depending on rainfall and wildlife. You can find somewhere for a beach holiday year-round, but most people go for the exceptional wildlife. To catch East Africa’s Great Migration, you’ll need to travel between June and early September. Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is year-round, but Jan-Feb and June-Sept are much cooler months.
Not sure when to travel?See the comprehensive travel guide to aid you plan your Africa vacation.
Best time to visit Tanzania & Kenya
the highlight is the Great Migration, best from July to October when the Mara River crossing takes place. Wildlife is present all year, however, but the long rainy season in March to May (with the heaviest rains from April to May) is not the best time to visit as animals disperse and are hidden by vegetation, and rain can make roads impassable. However, there are some great deals available during this period, so it’s worth considering if you’re on a really tight budget. Be aware that Kilimanjaro climbs are risky in the wet season, and that afternoon downpours are heavier along the coast and islands. Some lodges in remoter southern Tanzania will close during this period.
Best time to adventure Uganda & Rwanda.
For gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, be prepared if you are going during the rainy seasons of November, and from March to May – especially in Uganda & Rwanda, where treks usually take longer. It doesn’t rain all day every day, – but if you aren’t a fan of rain, think about booking outside the rainy season.
