DISCOVER AFRICA
Your Ultimate Checklist for a Kenya Tanzania Self-Drive Safari
Start Your Adventure Right!
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Checklist for a Kenya Tanzania Self-Drive Safari
The open savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania offer some of Africa’s most memorable wildlife experiences. A self-drive safari combining Kenya and Tanzania is one of the best self-drive trips you can take. These two countries are where the whole idea of the safari was born, and their incredible wildlife, beautiful landscapes and safari industry with unrivalled experience make this an outstanding combination. During your Kenya and Tanzania Self-drive safari, you can see most of Africa’s charismatic megafauna, its highest mountains and some of its most beautiful beaches worldwide. So get ready for the 4×4 self-drive safari of a lifetime. Lets explore the Checklist for a Kenya Tanzania Self-Drive Safari
Laba Africa is a specialist local agency owned by Africans who live and work here. We have put up this comprehensive Kenya and Tanzania self-drive safari guide to assist intrepid travellers in navigating this vast wilderness that our countries have to offer; you will find these step-by-step instructions useful if you want to ensure that your self-drive safari experience is both mesmerizing and seamless.
2. Necessary Documentation
All citizens travelling to Kenya and Tanzania must have a valid passport and visa, except for East African citizens. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date and contain at least 2 blank visa pages for endorsements (per country visited). Visas are required to enter Kenya and Tanzania and must be obtained online before departure from your home country.
To apply for a Kenya visa, please visit https://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html
For Tanzania, visit: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa
Driving license and International Driving Permit (IDP): A (valid) driver’s license from European Union member states, COMESA states and the USA is enough for you to drive here. Sometimes, the police will ask you for an international driver’s license, but you can politely show them your home country’s license, and they will let you go. It’s not a requirement to have an international permit when driving a car in Tanzania and Kenya. Vehicle Documentation: A log book Registration, car owner’s permission and COMESA insurance are required if you cross from Kenya to Tanzania, and if it’s a rental, your rental agreement copy might be needed for the customs office at any given border.
3. 4x4 Vehicle choice to rent for Kenya and Tanzania
A 4×4 is recommended due to varying terrains. When choosing a 4×4 to rent for your self-drive safari in Kenya and Tanzania, you have to determine the main purpose this 4×4 will have to fulfil. If you are in a financial position to afford a 4×4 for every occasion, then the choices are endless. Most car rental companies in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania offer Rav 4s; we are not saying they are not good cars, but these small 4x4s lack ground clearance. For example, going on a self-drive will take you to some of the most challenging terrains in Africa, and you must be prepared for that. A small car is cheaper, but you will likely get stuck in the muddy trail. We have rescued many of them, and you don’t want to be among them. The idea of self-drive is the freedom to explore but not get stuck in the middle of nowhere.
That being said, we advise cars like a Land Cruiser 78 series Land Rover Defender, and if you’re in Uganda, renting a Prado TX is perfect. Make sure to rent this car in Tanzania!!!!. Our 4x4s are robust and reputable, and our guests love them. They come with spare Tyres, a jack, and other basic tools to help you navigate the trails like a pro.
4. Navigation during your Kenya and Tanzania self-drive safari.
Getting lost in the vast wilderness can be easy during your Kenya and Tanzania self-drive safari, especially in areas with no signs (prevalent 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. Download Maps Me and have a local SIM card. You want to follow the map book which has specific distances etc. No. Google Maps will send you straight into a dam or swamp.
5. Fuel type in your rented 4X4 around Kenya and Tanzania
Fuel stations can be sparse. Carry extra fuel in secure containers. We have them fitted on the cars. Avoid petro engines in Tanzania as most parks won’t have them. It is a well-proven fact that diesel engines in off-road vehicles are more fuel/energy efficient than comparable petrol engines; however, many factors influence the actual differences. Also
Off-road diesels use around 40% less fuel on average than comparable petrol engines.
Best Kenya self-drive Safari Routes and parks.
- Day 1: Nairobi arrival and hotel transfer
- Day 2: Nairobi national park tour and evening Nairobi city tour
- Day 3: Transfer from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
- Day 4: Full-day game viewing in Masai Mara National Reserve
- Day 5: Transfer from Masai Mara National Reserve to Lake Naivasha
- Day 6: Explore Hells Gate National Park
- Day 7: Transfer to Bogoria
- Day 8: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park
- Day 9: Game drive and depart for Samburu National Reserve
- Day 10: Full day in Samburu
- Day 11: Transfer to Sweet waters (Ol Pejeta)
- Day 12: Ol Pejeta to Amboseli national park
- Day 13: Full day in Amboseli National Park
- Day 14: Transfer to Tsavo West National Park
- Day 15: Full day in Tsavo West National Park
- Day 16: Transfer to Tsavo East National Park
- Day 17: Full day in Tsavo East National Park
- Day 18: Transfer back to Nairobi
Best Tanzania Self-drive route.
- Day 01: Arrival: Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Day 2: Tarangire National Park
- Day 3&4: Transfer to Lake Manyara: breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara
- Day 5&6: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
- Day 7&8: Olduvai Gorge/ Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 9&10: Transfer to KoloIrangi Painting/Dodo
- Day 11&12: Transfer to Ruaha National Park
- Day 14: Selous Game Reserve
- Day 15&16: Transfer to Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar Beaches
- Day 17: Departure :
6. Safety Tips while on Self-drive safari in Kenya and Tanzania
– Driving: Avoid night driving as most roads are poorly lit here with many drunk drivers. It is also when wildlife is more active and harder to spot, making it more likely for an accident to happen. Our terms and conditions for self-driving car rental are clear against driving after dark. You will fully be responsible for any damages and breach of contract.
– Local Rules. Obey speed limits and park regulations as governments will heavily fine offenders. An accident with wildlife can quickly become expensive, a small kob kill, for example, costs from 500$, and speeding in parks is fined about around 100$, driving off track is fined 150$
-Wildlife encounters and conflicts: Stay in your vehicle while on game drives and camp only in designated campsites as those are the only areas where you can be safe
– Communication during emergencies: Have a local SIM card and register for mobile banking ( mpesa ). We advise you to have some money on it or have some cash in case of any emergency. Our numbers are on 24/7. Please call the Laba Africa team in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
7. Best Times to Visit self-drive safari in Tanzania and Kenya
The best time for a self-drive safari in Tanzania and Kenya on safari is generally from mid-June through to late October, the peak being around August and September. Between East Africa’s two rainy seasons, this four-to-five month window is when both the weather is at its best and game viewing is at its most thrilling. In early June, the herds of the Great Wildebeest Migration make their way towards the western Serengeti, where they must cross the swollen Grumeti River, thick with crocodiles, to access the grassy plains of the region. They quickly devour the bounty, necessitating their trek north towards the Masai Mara during late July and early August.
7. Packing Essentials for those camping for self-drive in East Africa
– Binoculars: For close-up viewing of wildlife, it is not uncommon for animals to be far.
– Sunscreen & Hats: Protect your skin against the intense African sun.
– Clothing: Mornings can be chilly in some areas like Ngogorongo highlands, yet afternoons can be hot.
– Camping Gear: Your personal camping gear. If planning to camp. We provide basic camping gear; for your comfort, here is a list
– Food & Water: Pack more than you think you’ll need, especially water, since finding safe drinking water can be challenging in some remort areas
8. Wildlife Etiquette
– Distance: Always keep a safe and respectful distance from animals. Sometimes, animals will charge because they feel like all their personal space has been taken over by visitors, in case you’re gorilla trekking, try not to to look in the eyes of a silverback. You will thank us later.
– Noise: Maintain silence to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Switching off the car engine, avoiding hooting and playing loud music in the national parks and reserve will be appreciated by the park residents
– Feeding: Never feed any wild animals. They are wild animals, and respecting that is not an option.
– Litter: Keep the parks clean; carry out what you carry in, as it will make the pumba and Timon very happy.
| 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 |
Conclusion.
A self-drive safari in Kenya and Tanzania offers unparalleled freedom and adventure. With proper preparation and respect for wildlife, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. We are looking forward to preparing your self-drive safari in Kenya and Tanzania.
You might be interested in our self-drive safaris in Uganda.
