Explore East Africa on a self-drive safari | Guestblog by Roadtripper Geena Truman in East-Africa
What’s it like to go on a self-drive safari in East Africa? Writer Geena Truman found out first-hand when she and her husband hit the road and explored Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania for several months. They chose to rent a car through Roadtrip Africa and go on a self-drive safari, the ultimate way to explore at your own pace.
Below you’ll find a first glimpse of Geena’s tips and trips. Want to dive in deeper? Make sure to check out the links to her blog and get inspired for your own adventure.
What's it like to self-drive in East Africa?
When I started planning my trip to East Africa, I was surprised by how little practical information was available online. I had this big idea: an overland safari through Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It seemed like the perfect way to save money on expensive guided tours and experience wildlife in a more immersive, unfiltered way.
But there were a lot of unknowns. Could rental cars cross borders? Were guides required in national parks? What were the roads actually like? I had never been to this part of Africa before, and tackling it alone felt daunting.
That said, my husband and I weren’t new to adventurous road trips. We had driven across the vast taiga of Mongolia, motorcycled through Pakistan, and explored the rugged terrain of Iraqi Kurdistan. So we took the leap.
Now, after navigating East Africa behind the wheel, I finally have the answers I wished I’d found before our trip began.
Why go for a self-drive safari in East Africa?
There are many reasons to choose a self-drive safari in East Africa rather than join a tour or hire a guide. These are some of the less obvious pros to independent travel that we discovered while driving across the region:
- Total freedom. Stop when you want, take detours, and stay longer in your favourite spots.
- More affordable. Skip the high costs of guided safaris without missing out on the experience.
- Authentic adventure. See East Africa up close - its landscapes, wildlife, and culture - without a guide leading the way.
Most national parks in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda allow self-driving. With a reliable 4x4 rental (like those from Roadtrip Africa), you can even cross borders and explore multiple countries in one trip.
What to expect on the road
Driving in East Africa is part of the adventure. You’ll navigate dirt roads, pass through villages, and learn to spot wildlife from a distance. It’s safe for travellers, but preparation is definitely important. A good navigation app (like Maps.me or iOverlander), basic off-road driving skills, and a flexible mindset will make your trip smoother. Here's some other things I found:
- Roads range from highways to rugged tracks - especially in national parks. But if you take it slow, every road is fairly easy to navigate.
- Corruption is rare, and most travellers feel safe on the road.
- It's recommended that you know how to change a tyre. This is likely the only vehicle problem you will have.
- Campsites range from well-equipped lodges to remote spots with breathtaking views.
- Mud will not be the problem you think it will be, as long as you stay away from the rainy season.
My East Africa favourite: 11-day self-drive route in Tanzania
Want an unforgettable roadtrip in East Africa? Then Tanzania is definitely a top pick! The roads are manageable, the wildlife is abundant, and the scenery is straight out of a nature documentary. This 11-day itinerary covers the must-see parks while giving you time to soak in the experience at your own pace.
Day 1-2: Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Pick up your 4x4 in Arusha, stock up on supplies, and hit the road toward Tarangire National Park—an underrated gem. This park is famous for its huge herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. Spend your days on game drives, looking for lions, giraffes, and maybe even a leopard lounging in an acacia tree.
Where to stay: Campsites inside the park or lodges just outside the gate.
Day 3-4: Ngorongoro Crater
Drive to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO-listed wonder packed with wildlife. The crater floor is home to rhinos, lions, hippos, and thousands of grazing animals. Game driving here is straightforward, and the views from the crater rim are incredible.
Where to stay: Campsites or lodges on the crater rim for an unforgettable sunrise.
Day 5-7: Serengeti National Park
No trip to Tanzania is complete without the Serengeti. Enter through the Naabi Hill Gate and prepare for wide-open plains filled with cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, and, if you time it right, the Great Migration. Spend three days driving through different sections of the park, from the Seronera Valley (big cat territory) to the remote northern areas.
Where to stay: Public campsites inside the park or tented lodges.
Day 8-9: Lake Natron
For a change of scenery, head to Lake Natron, a strikingly remote landscape near the Kenyan border. The alkaline lake is home to thousands of flamingos, and the nearby waterfalls are perfect for a refreshing dip after days of dusty driving. The road here is rough, so a 4x4 is essential.
Where to stay: Simple campsites near the lake.
Day 10-11: Return to Arusha
Make your way back to Arusha, stopping at Mto wa Mbu for a local lunch or a quick cultural tour. After nearly two weeks on the road, it’s time to return the car, swap stories with fellow travelers, and reflect on an unforgettable journey.
Where to stay: A lodge in Arusha for a well-earned rest.
Ready to hit the road?
I recommend self-driving to everyone considering a long trip to East Africa. The experience was one of my favorite to date, and I didn’t find it that difficult. And while it definitely wouldn’t hurt to have some previous road-tripping in the countryside under your belt, I also think that pretty much everyone with a license can figure it out and drive in East Africa.
Want to dive in deeper? Then check out my full-length blogs via the links below:
Honest review: self-driving in East Africa
11-day self-drive Tanzania itinerary
As a freelance travel writer, Geena has made a career out of chasing adventures. Besides writing for Lonely Planet, Fodor's Travel, BBC Travel, and Business Insider, she runs her own travel blog Beyond the Bucketlist. Here, she shares helpful guides and tips for planning adventurous trips, including roadtrips abroad.
Did Geena’s stories get you excited for a self-drive trip to East Africa? Check out our itineraries, and get in touch with us for a tailor-made roadtrip!