DISCOVER AFRICA
Challenges Solutions of Self-Drive Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania
Challenges & Solutions of Self-Drive Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania
Going on a self-drive safari in Kenya and Tanzania can be one of the most exciting experiences for adventurers; you will spend much time in the wilderness with your 4×4 rented jeep. However, self-drive safaris come with their challenges. As with any other safari into the wild African savannas, it is essential to go for self-drive with a mind that will respect the environment and the people who live in the destinations you will be visiting. In this article, we will look at the challenges faced during self-drive safaris in Kenya and Tanzania and the solutions to make your Africa self-drive safari journeys more enjoyable, impactful to the local communities and environment, and, of course, pleasant for you as a self-driver.
1. Environmental Impact of Self-Drive Safaris:
Vehicle Emissions: Traditional gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles release emissions that can contribute to pollution, harming the environment. Try to find organizations to offset the negative impacts of your self-drive safari in Kenya or Tanzania. In Kenya, we recommend Vi Agroforestry, while in Tanzania, we recommend Carbon Tanzania.
Laba Africa works with local organizations that inspire travelers and the travel industry to consider the carbon impact of their self-drive safaris in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Carbon emissions from vehicles, aircraft, and industry are adding to the acceleration of climate change, with the world’s poor feeling the effects most acutely.
2. Disturbance to Wildlife during a self-drive safari:
Please respect personal space for wild animals. Many guests, especially on guided safaris, insist that guides take the vehicle closer to the animals so you can get a better photograph. A car driven too close can hinder a hunt or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal. Furthermore, excessive use of spotlights during the night game drives disrupts the activities of nocturnal animals, causing temporary blindness and disorientation. Never tease or corner wild animals; this may cause an unpredictable and potentially dangerous reaction towards you.
3. Road Erosion and Degradation:
The continuous use of safari trails by heavy vehicles can lead to road erosion, further endangering the habitats of animals and plants. Laba Africa advises always staying on marked paths to minimize environmental damage. Avoid creating new tracks, as this disrupts the ecosystem. Avoid using overland trucks since these are usually heavy for the small roads in Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park.
Before your 4×4 self-drive safari journey, educate yourself about the area’s flora and fauna. Understanding the environment helps in respecting it.
4. Navigational Difficulties:
Getting lost in the vast wilderness can be easy during your Kenya and Tanzania self-drive safari, especially in areas with no signs ( very common here ) . Google Maps are only partially accurate in East Africa since they go off cell signals, which are only sometimes strong. Cell signals are better closer to camps but otherwise weak. You want to follow the map book which has specific distances etc. No. GPS will send you into a dam or swamp.
5. 4x4 Vehicle Breakdowns and off road-driving experience
Roads in National parks and safari destinations can be challenging. Rough terrains can be challenging for standard vehicles, leading to potential breakdowns. You must be careful and have some experience especially on rainy day when driving from Serengeti to Ngorongoro, in Ruaha National Park, from Selous ( Nyerere National Park) to Morogoro in Southern Tanzania, Northern Serengeti to Lake Natron, Amboseli and Masai Mara National Reserve can be challenging. Being careful and not fixing a lot of activities within a very short 4×4 rental period can allow you time to take it slow through rugged terrains.
Our 4×4 rentals are robust and well-maintained to take on the rugged roads. However, should a breakdown happen, we will do anything possible to support you within the shortest time possible or replace the 4×4.
Unpredictable Animal Behavior during the self-drive safari and Camps:
Wild animals such as buffalos, elephants, and hippos can be unpredictable. A Rhino’s eyesight is relatively poor, which gives you an advantage should they start chasing you. In your state of panic, you generally have some options: run away, distract them, and If you are around trees, stand where you can get the tree in between you and the Rhino; they tend to avoid enormous obstacles while running. Animals usually attack if you ignore warnings and safe distance and get very close to them.
In case of a mountain gorilla encounter, try to Incorporate Gorilla behavior by acting like one. Remember not to make eye contact ( gorillas hate that) , and do NOT back away. The idea behind this is being submissive to the Gorillas and making them think you’re one of them. Here are safety tips for gorilla trekking
7. Lack of Proper Amenities during your self-drive safari.
Many areas may need adequate facilities like fuel stations, restrooms, or first aid. We advise you to preplan your Route and equip yourself with updated maps and GPS devices. Some areas might not have cellular signals, so offline maps are crucial. Gasoline is hard to get in Serengeti; the best idea is to have a diesel car since diesel is widely available in remote parks. Our 4x4s usually have two large fuel tanks, which can take you extra km.
8. 4X4 Vehicle Check before rent:
Before starting your Kenya and Tanzania self-drive, ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition. Our 4x4s are well serviced every after each rental period; we equip each 4×4 with spare tires, extra fuel sub tanks, and essential recovery tools like Nylon towing rope cable in case you get stuck in mud or sand.
9. Pack Essentials.
As silly as it might sound, some guests have gone to self-drive without basics like drinking water and enough food to very remote National parks. Take sufficient water, cash, phone with local sim-card food, first aid kits, and other vital supplies. Also, familiarize yourself with the locations of the nearest lodges to your special or public campsite in a designated National park or reserve.
10. How to deal with traffic police?
Kenya and Tanzania have a significant number of traffic police. Tanzanian traffic police is usually easier to deal with but Kenya’s police is harder and sometimes will try to accuse you of having broken traffic rules, if you didn’t, stand firm and ask them for a video footage. If you committed and traffic offence, you will be given an express fine that you can pay by M-Pesa (mobile phone banking) if you don’t have a local phone number, we can assist you to pay this and you can refund that to us or we can remove that from your security deposit.
| Camping Gear Set | |
|---|---|
| 🛏️ | Folding foam mattress |
| 🛌 | Sleeping bag (with pillows and bed sheets) |
| 🪑 | Chairs and small table |
| 📦 | Storage box |
| 🔥 | 1 gas tank & 1 burner |
| 🍽️ | Cups, plates & bowls |
| 🍳 | Pots, frying pans, cutlery set |
| 🔪 | Knife, can opener, corkscrew |
| 🧀 | Cutting board |
| 🧽 | Dishtowel and detergent |
| 💡 | Solar table lamp |
| ⛺ | Roof tent or ground Tent |
| ❄️ | Fridge |
In conclusion, while self-driving safaris offer a unique perspective of the wild, it’s our responsibility to minimize our footprint and related issues during your 4×4 rental period in Kenya or Tanzania. By preparing ahead and adopting sustainable practices, you can enjoy the beauty of nature without causing harm, ensuring these habitats remain pristine for future generations.
