Most Popular Self Driving Route in East Africa

Exploring the self-driving routes and destinations across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda offers a captivating journey through some of East Africa’s most diverse landscapes, rich wildlife habitats, and vibrant cultures.

From the lush forests of Uganda to the vast savannas of Kenya and Tanzania, and the dramatic volcanic scenery of Rwanda, each country presents its own unique experiences for adventurous travelers. Let’s delve into the most popular self-driving routes and destinations in each of these East African countries, along with the attractions travelers can expect along the way. 

1. UGANDA

Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park:

• Starting from Uganda’s capital, Kampala, travelers can embark on a journey northward to Murchison Falls National Park. The route takes you through the lush countryside, passing by small towns and rural villages.
• Along the way, travelers can stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where they can track endangered white rhinos on foot, contributing to conservation efforts.
• Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park, famous for its breathtaking waterfall where the Nile River is forced through a narrow gorge. Visitors can enjoy game drives to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and numerous bird species. Boat safaris on the Nile offer the opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds up close.

Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park:

• Another popular self-driving route from Kampala is to Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes and rural communities.
• En route, travelers can make a detour to Kibale National Park, known for its population of chimpanzees and other primates. Chimpanzee tracking and habituation experiences are available for visitors.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its diverse ecosystems, including savannas, forests, wetlands, and lakes. Travelers can enjoy game drives to see lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. Boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

2. KENYA

Nairobi to Amboseli National Park:

• Starting from Kenya’s bustling capital, Nairobi, travellers can head south to Amboseli National Park, nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Along the way, travellers can stop at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Elephant Orphanage to learn about elephant conservation efforts and witness orphaned elephants being cared for.
• Amboseli National Park is known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large herds of elephants. Game drives offer the chance to see other wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras against the backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain.

Nairobi to Tsavo East and West National Parks:

• Another popular self-driving route from Nairobi is to Tsavo East and West National Parks, collectively forming one of the largest protected areas in Kenya.
• En route, travellers can visit the Maasai community for cultural experiences, including traditional dances, homestays, and learning about their pastoral way of life.
• Tsavo East and West National Parks are renowned for their diverse landscapes, including open plains, acacia woodlands, and lava flows. Travelers can enjoy game drives to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and a variety of bird species. The parks also feature notable landmarks such as the Lugard Falls and the Yatta Plateau.
  

3. TANZANIA

Arusha to Serengeti National Park:

• Starting from the gateway city of Arusha, travellers can embark on an epic journey to Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.
• Along the way, travellers can stop at the Olduvai Gorge Museum to learn about human evolution and the archaeological discoveries made in the area.
• Serengeti National Park is famous for its vast plains, teeming with wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and wildebeests. The annual wildebeest migration is a spectacle not to be missed, as millions of animals cross the plains in search of greener pastures.

Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater:

• Another popular self-driving route from Arusha is to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders.
• En route, travellers can visit Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife.
• The Ngorongoro Crater is a massive volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five. Game drives offer the chance to see lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, and leopards in a breathtaking setting surrounded by steep crater walls.
  

4. RWANDA

Kigali to Volcanoes National Park:

• Starting from Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, travellers can drive north to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
• Along the way, travellers can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s tragic history and the resilience of its people.
• Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its population of mountain gorillas, offering visitors the opportunity to trek through the forest to observe these majestic primates in their natural habitat. The park also provides habitat for golden monkeys and a variety of bird species.

Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park:

• Another popular self-driving route from Kigali is to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the largest montane forests in East Africa.
• En route, travellers can stop at the Ethnographic Museum in Huye to learn about Rwandan culture, traditions, and history.
• Nyungwe Forest National Park is a haven for primate enthusiasts, with opportunities to track chimpanzees and see other primates such as colobus monkeys and mangabeys. The park also offers excellent birdwatching, with over 300 bird species recorded.
  

Conclusion

Embarking on a self-driving in East Africa allows travellers to experience the heart of East Africa on their own terms. The routes not only lead to world-renowned national parks and wildlife reserves but also offer opportunities to connect with local cultures, history, and landscapes.

In Uganda, the journey through the lush, primate-rich forests and powerful waterfalls provides a mix of serene beauty and thrilling wildlife encounters. Kenya’s iconic savannas and migration spectacles showcase the grandeur of African wildlife and landscapes. Tanzania’s vast plains and deep craters deliver some of the continent’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s misty mountains and vibrant cultural history offer deeply moving and intimate wildlife experiences.