Exploring East Africa on Your Own

The self-drive or FIT (Flexible Individual Travel) touring option is one of the most cost-effective ways to tour this fascinating region of East Africa. Safely tour East Africa and the region at your own pace with a large degree of flexibility. You can choose the type of vehicle for hire from the fleet of first class cars like Rav4, 4x4Land cruiser and TX, the standard and type of the accommodation that can suite your mode of travel, the time of the year you wish to visit, the duration of your self-drive tour / safari, which regions and most importantly, you can select a tour itinerary that fulfils your personal interests. From a tour / safari that includes – wildlife & bird watching, stunning scenery, various cultures, interesting history, sightseeing, bathing, sport, adventure or just a little bit of everything. All these activities can be enjoyed in almost all East African countries like Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. There are various reasons as to why one should visit the East African region which include the following;

The most important aspect of a tour to East Africa or Eastern part of Africa is the planning and it is therefore pretty handy to have someone like us on your team that has the experience, expertise and knowledge of the region.

As we have years of experience in conducting and planning of tours to East Africa and surrounding countries, we can offer you a safe, interesting, enjoyable and well planned tour. We offer both fully escorted and self-drive tour.

We always include the most important or interesting highlights / attractions of a region or country when planning our various escorted tours / safaris, but what is unique about our tours / safaris is that most of the travelling takes place “off the beaten track”. Many of our clients comment after travelling with us that “they don’t feel they had been caught up in a tourist trap”. These tours / safaris are very popular for singles, couples, family or friends travelling together, adventurers who don’t mind travelling with other people from all parts of the world in a small group of between 6 and 12 people. All the tours are conducted in English, and if you compare these tours / safaris – “apple to apple”, with any other similar touring package, you will find that our tours / safaris are the best value for money available.

The purely Ugandan 4×4 self-drive tour starts and ends in Entebbe international airport since it is the only airport in the land and it is an easily accessible international airport hub. Over the course of two weeks you will experience a taste of what Uganda offers to explorers and adventurers.

From Entebbe head to any part of the country and see what makes Uganda the pearl of Africa. Visit any region of your choice and enjoy Uganda’s endowments like national having a variety of animals especially the big five (Rhinos, Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffalos), the different bird species like shoebill, hornbill, pelicans etc.You can as well go gorilla tracking and chimpanzee trekking in the western part of the country. All this can be memorable with a rented car from a reputable car hiring company like Ugandaself drive and you will live to remember this holiday.

Although a 4×4 vehicle is recommended, prior 4×4 driving experience is not essential. A thorough briefing prior to departure and guidance throughout the route will adequately equip you to handle the terrain and trails of this self-drive 4×4 holiday.

This kind of safari concentrates on the ideal 4×4 overland region of western Uganda, home to some of Africa’s wildest game parks and the world renowned Bwindi impenetrable forest national park which is the country’s only habitat of mountain gorillas. The 4WD tour showcases the splendor and teaming wildlife that make Uganda a hallowed adventure for game and 4×4 enthusiasts. Although a 4WD vehicle is essential for this safari given the terrain and topography of most of Ugandan roads linking to the various national parks which are not in a good state especially in the rainy season, prior 4×4 driving experience is not essential. Guides will provide a comprehensive briefing and introduction to the vehicle prior to departure and hands on tuition is available throughout the tour.

Explore the largest wildlife reserve in Uganda encompassing a massive 20000 square kilometers of wilderness, claiming a huge variety of wildlife and bird species,the’Big Five’ and not forgetting the flora and fauna.

Make a city tour of Uganda’s capital city Kampala and watch most of the magnificent malls and other tourist attractions ranging from cultural, physical to religious. Play at the spectacular golf courses around the city and in between rounds enjoy night breeze and gigs in the different night clubs in the city like Angenoir and club silk plus the marvelous club venom. Enjoy the luxury and entertainment presented by various artists in the numerous theatres around the city as well. Discover world-class assorted wines in the several magnificent wine stores around the city like Kampala wines and spirits located on Martin road in the middle of the city and other Wine lands before embarking on your journey to wherever you are heading to.

Tailored Self-Drive Tours

Self-drive tours are an increasingly popular means of travelling around East Africa, self-drive holidays offer independence and flexible travel with the assurance that your accommodation, route and facilities have been tried, tested and trusted. As an alternative to scheduled tours, self-drive tours liberate you from rigid itineraries, allowing you to experience the natural splendor of East Africa at your own pace from the comfort of a Self-drive Uganda rental car.

Uganda self drivecan help arrange your self-drive tour of East Africa, tailored to your requirements and interests. We arrange your rental car Rav4, 4×4 Land cruiser or TX, pre-book your accommodation and provide you with a route map and directions so you can sit back and enjoy your African holiday without having to worry about any administration. All Ugandaself drive tours and vacations are adaptable, our experienced team of travel consultants is happy to help you adapt or modify a self-drive holiday to accommodate your preferences or requirements and our itineraries can be extended or shortened to suit your arrival and departure dates .We accommodate shoestring travelers by offering budget packages with reputable cheap Ugandan accommodations and save your money with Ugandaself drive’s economical range of cheap car hire. African luxury self-drive packages are readily available and are equally adaptable to suit individual tastes and preferences.

Uganda self drivehas organized African self-drive safaris and travel for tourists, visitors and families since 2002. We have in depth industry knowledge and a wealth of first hand travel experience. East Africa is our backyard and each part of your self-drive itinerary has been specifically chosen for its attractive combination of charm and quality at a reasonable price. Our trained team of travel consultants can assist in tailoring your perfect African Safari Holidays where independent mobility presents an ever-changing landscape of scenery and experiences.

While self-drive holidays are an appealing prospect to many travelers, some visitors to East Africa prefer to join an organized overland tour to experience the Eastern region of Africa, Ugandaself drive’s sister site safari gorillas has full details of budget African safaris, overland tours, camping safaris and backpacking advice.

A Great Way to Experience East Africa

Much of East Africa with the exception of a few countries has a decent road network and boasts diverse topography, climate, culture and wildlife. Self-drive packages and Africa Travel Packages are an excellent way to experience this region of Africa. Many of our most popular routes lie in Uganda, though we do offer several routes beyond Ugandan borders in countries like Rwanda, Kenya and Congo. Our travel consultants can advise you on routes or help you put together a suitable travel package and self-drive safari that incorporates your interests and tastes, giving you the freedom to discover the many wonders on East Africa at a pace that suits you.

We offer Super Hot deals from low dollars a day and instant quotes from all of the major car rental companies in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and the surrounding East African countries. You can also view full vehicle photos, specifications and day and night layouts.

Uganda self driveis also committed to offering the highest possible standard of customer service. Our consultants are happy to discuss your car rental travel plans and offer travel suggestions. Please contact us at for any rental needs. We respond to all enquiries within 24 hours or sooner.

The beauty of East African lands lies in its variety and renowned World Heritage Sites. Visitors come to East Africa mainly to have some rustic adventure of their own or to enjoy the solace of typical African lands with their loved ones. In either case, hiring with a rental company.

East Africa has something to offer everyone with its varying climate and different entertainment options. You can swim, shop, and explore the mountains or the hidden enclaves on your own while in East Africa. The driving force behind most international visits to this country is business or recreation. People who visit East Africa mainly for business purposes are compelled to take out time for their own fun!

What to Expect on a Uganda Safari

Picture yourself with your camera in hand gazing at the beautiful wildlife and breathtaking sites as you carefully listen to the intriguing sounds of Uganda’s wilds. As you look around you – you can’t quite believe you are here.

Uganda Safaris are incredibly popular because Uganda is one of the top African safari destinations. With an amazing array of safaris to choose from, that is the most desirable safari that is gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable forest, Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Kibale national park, Chimps in  Kyambura gorge and Kalinzu found in  Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison falls national parks respectively. More safaris to choose from include Uganda wildlife safaris, Uganda bird watching safaris including a visit to see the rare shoebill in Mabamba Bay swamp and Murchison falls, Mountain Hiking / Mountaineering safaris on Mountain Rwenzori and mountain Elgon, Cultural safaris that has many options either to visit historical sites of Buganda and Uganda like the Tanda Caves,  The source of the Mighty Nile, Kasubi Tombs, Palaces, Namugongo Shrine , Ssemuliki hot springs or Visiting the  people that has unique cultures like the Batwa people, the Karamojong people.

Uganda is located in Eastern part of Africa bordering Kenya, Rwanda, Congo Sudan and Tanzania. Uganda is well known for mountain gorillas which brings a number of tourists to the country to see these rare creatures. Tourism is important to this country, and with the amazing gorillas and wildlife, tourists are drawn to this area of Africa. You can look forward to viewing all types of wildlife including: Tree climbing lions, Leopards, Elands, Uganda Kobs, Elephants, Hippos, Buffaloes, Water bucks, Buffaloes, Zebras, Giraffes, Impalas, Warthogs among others.
If you book a  Uganda safari , you will likely visit one or more of these areas:

Queen Elizabeth National Park – This Park is a unique wildlife area that is home to a number of different species. Which includes warthogs, buffalo, rare aquatic sitatunga antelope, giant forest hog, beautifully horned Uganda kob, topi, waterbuck, elephant and leopard?
The Kazinga Channel alone is said to contain the world’s largest concentration of hippos, but interestingly enough not many crocodiles!

Murchison Falls National Park: This is also a truly wildlife paradise and it has a number of Wildlife attractions that includes lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees and many bird species including the rare shoebill

To book your own Uganda wildlife safari, you need to work with a company with the experience, expertise and connections to create your ideal safari vacation. Gorilla trail Safaris Company is the leading safari planning company and they would be pleased to help you with your plans.

We offer you a dedication to quality unmatched by anyone else in the industry. When you book your gorilla safari in Uganda   with Go Gorilla Trekking, you get to draw on their resources of highly respected professional guides, stay at the leading safari camps and lodges and indulge in unique adventure and safari activities. Gorilla Trail Safaris company continually monitors and evaluates all ground operators and accommodation providers to ensure they are providing you with the quality product and service you are looking for.

Renting Cars in Uganda – Do You Have Enough Car insurance?

Many people who reserve a rental car in Uganda show up to the counter with little thought given to the “what if’s” that could result from them driving a car that is not their own. You wouldn’t think of driving your own car without coverage, so take a few moments to consider how you will make sure that your rental car is covered.

Here are 3 steps to take to ensure you have adequate coverage.

  1. When you’re calling the rental car company for a quote, find out how much the coverage costs and what it covers. Their rates for insurance/coverage may be higher but they also offer the least hassle, since you may not have to file a claim on your own insurance. Many car rental companies have a couple of options, including buying down the deductible to a hundred dollars (or so, depending on where you live) or even to zero.
  2. Contact your car insurance company. They may already cover you for rental cars in certain situations. For example, if your car is in the shop, they may automatically transfer your coverage and deductible to a rental car. This is a replacement-only type of coverage because they are covering you on a different car. For an additional cost, you may be able to purchase either a temporary or ongoing rider (depending on the insurance company) to cover your rental car even if your car is not in the shop. This is considered a non-replacement-type of coverage since you will need coverage on both cars because they potentially could both be driven.
  3. Contact your credit card company or check out the Cardholder’s Agreement. Your credit card may cover you for rental car insurance. Check to see that they cover you in your specific situation. For example, there are certain cars they cover (some don’t cover trucks or SUVs) or they may not cover you depending on where you drive or how long you have the car.

Armed with this knowledge, you can make an educated estimate of what the costs are to ensure that you are fully covered on your rental car. After all, you want to have peace-of-mind when you’re on your next trip.

Have Fun this Christmas on a Uganda Safari

Have you ever been in Uganda? Do you plan to visit Uganda this December? It is a brilliant idea to celebrate this Christmas in Uganda and you should do something different either with your beloved family or your partner by taking a Uganda safari this season!

Taking of the many different Uganda safaris, Uganda as a country will give you an adventure you are sure to never forget elsewhere. From visiting the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable, host to more than half of the remaining mountain gorillas, to trekking the Rwenzoris (Mountains of the Moon), enjoying sunset cruises along the Kazinga Channel, taking game drives through the savanna landscapes of the Queen Elizabeth National Park to rafting the mystical Kalagala Falls along the Majestic Nile. There are many opportunities to discover while on a safari adventure in Uganda.

Why Tour Uganda?

  • You will travel all through the surrounding areas of Uganda and see all kinds of wildlife in their natural habitat.
  • You will be guided by expert highly knowledgeable tour guides and you will be completely safe since they do everything they can to take the necessary precautions.
  • You can track gorillas and watch how they interact with each other.
  • There are other bird tracking safaris that you can choose from.
  • Each safari has a different time set that they can last. Some are a few hours, others are days and some are even weeks, it all depends on what your budget is and of course how comfortable you are with the whole idea.
  • These safaris are for those tourists who want to get the full Uganda experience.

Interested in booking last minute discounted safari deals? Contact your local travel agency today for more details.

Popular Holidays in East Africa

Holidays in East Africa are some of the most enjoyable and memorable safaris you can always take. On an East African safari there are lots of adventure activities to enjoy for both local travelers and international visitors.

East Africa has a pleasant climate in most regions thus making it a place you can enjoy a holiday at any given time of the year. Some areas in East Africa have more sunny days and are popular spots for holidaymakers especially those from colder regions of Europe and other parts of the world. All countries in East Africa Safari have unique attractions. A Uganda Safari will lead you into the rainforests for a gorilla trekking tour whereas a safari through Kenya or Tanzania is a real wildlife safari that will show you interesting wild game of East Africa!

Beach Holidays; are some of the most popular holiday options in countries like Kenya. With the coast dotted with so many with stunning beaches, it is definitely a great place for that deserved beach holiday. The beach offers fun activities to all and it is one of the major features that tourists look for in this holiday destination. Some of the beaches are ideal for specific water sports such as windsurfing while others are most suitable for scuba diving. Others will offer basically every water sport you could be interested in on the Indian Ocean.

When choosing the best spot for your beach holiday therefore, it is important to consider all the activities that you will be exposed to. The beaches in Kenya have beach resorts and modern hotels as your accommodation options. So you always have to make a point of checking what each option has to offer you in terms of facilities and comfort. You will find everything from luxurious to adventurous thus it is not as hard to make a decision of where to stay while in Kenya.

Green Holidays; are also quite popular in East Africa, with lots of natural grounds and the ever green vegetation, the holidays are breathtaking and memorable in every sense. They are spent in areas with majestic mountains, shimmering lakes, plantations, National parks and landscapes that will leave you breathtaking. The best activities that you will enjoy on your green holiday include; the ever magnificent and incredible activities which include; gorilla tracking, chimps trekking, nature walks, hiking, cycling, mountain climbing and also picnicking in the most attractive natural grounds.

The green holidays also comes with numerous options for your accommodation with the most impressive being lodges. The lodges come in different budgets and size, will therefore easily accommodate even families on holiday. They are eco friendly and are located in the most beautiful areas making it possible to enjoy those beautiful sunrises and romantic sunsets.

Hotels and guests houses also make wonderful accommodation options for your green holiday in East Africa. Always choose an option that will help in meeting all the holiday needs and expectations that you have.

Enjoy Luxury Tours for less in Rwanda

Talking about luxury, many travellers freak wondering how expensive it could   be but in Rwanda it’s the opposite   with many affordable Luxury tours including culture, wildlife and adventure. Don’t go budget and sleep cheap yet you can afford to sleep comfortable in a great luxury setting during your Rwanda holiday in a perfect location. Wonder no more because every Rwanda city has several affordable luxury hotels with good reputation and ready to serve every guest to the country. Sometimes the luxury price for luxury lodges change depending on the travel season an open chance to grab for all travelers seeking affordable luxury tours. With different tour demands and travel seasons   its possible for travellers to get compromised prices year round at different lodge premises for one night or more. High season travels will make you tighten your pockets unlike the low season despite the demand being moderate throught the country. May be this will change as time goes by but if well planned you can’t miss the shot.

It   seems like winter’s boost Africa travel so much raising the demand of everything in on the travel market   especially during Christmas and New Year unlike other   months like April, May and November. You can truly escape high prices if you visit Rwanda at a right time. Last minute Gorilla permits can also be got even 3 days to the trek a rare case in the months of June –September & December –March. Lodging availability is a common thing to every lodge you check out since most of them rarely get filled up. But never countless on discounts and price reduction during the High season especially when many travellers visit the country at the same time creating price thorn among hotels and flights. However, some Luxury lodges and hotel remain affordable despite the high demand and this will definitely surprise you during your stay in Rwanda.

Palast Rock Hotel :one of Rwanda cleanest sited in a quiet environment and Guests enjoy luxury comfort in fresh surrounding with equal value for money. The available many relaxing facilities, the sauna & steam, Swimming pool, restaurant & bar will not let you think of living unless if your pocket runs out. The room suits and window views are wonderfully made, aerated and calm 24 hours. The kids’ park makes it a perfect place for family and friends while on your tour vacation in Africa. Travelers’ often inexpensive prices directly from the Hotel management and also take advantage of the hotel activities and restaurant which are pretty cheap. The rooms are well equipped in Executive suites, doubles and singles plus standard twins and single all offering lovely views of the Nyamata town. You can also visit the Nyamata Genocide memorial during your stay that is if cultural tourism is your thing. Check out time is always 10.00am so no need to wake up too early.

Luxury hotel Rwanda a Lodge of choice for travellers in a reality full of African comfort and attractive views of hills and Gardens. The wooden furniture and original artworks welcome you to a true African setting modernized with a flat screen TV & DSTV,High speed wireless internet which keeps in touch with all back home etc. The hotel is convenient for guests who make sleep overs in Kigali Rwanda Capital. All travellers are welcome here bit up market or budget travellers since the hotel has something for everyone. The Unique atmosphere gives travellers the real desired experience in Africa leaving them happy and amazed with the true cultural heritage in Africa. Get excellent services without boredom and relax at leisure at the sparkling pool outdoor as you wait for the free continental breakfast whenever you will be. Think of peace in the city surrounded by African culture all over, indeed the Africa themed hotel married with modern amenities should be your lodge in Kigali city.

Famous for gorilla tracking tours, Mountain Gorilla View lodge is another affordable luxury you should think of while booking a Rwanda Gorilla tour to Volcanoes National park. The experience here is magnificent and ultimate since your stay benefits three parties, the mountain Gorillas, the local Community and yourself since the memories last forever. This lodge bring close all Rwanda exciting tour activities the mount hikes, Golden monkey tracking, a visit to Diany fossey, the Twin lakes of Bulera and Rukundo, forest walks unlike others. Besides one can easily connect to lake kivu for beach fun and discoveries. No matter when you visit Rwanda but the most luxury affordable lodge still remains Mountain Gorilla View overlooking the gorgeous bamboo forest of Volcanoes national park. Gorilla trackers fancy the place because of its unique service and locations just close to the Gorilla Park head quarters. Other affordable loges include Flame Tree Village, Hotel Garni du Centre, Lake Kivu Serena hotel etc.

Self Drive in Uganda – Guide for Beginners

Today Uganda self drive tours offer a flexible touring experience that allows you to discover Uganda in its diversity at your own pace. Organised for you, the self drive tour often includes self drive transport, pre-planned accommodation and a self drive itinerary designed around your requirements. Pack your Uganda self drive tour with adventure or simply enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.

If you are a beginner, here is the essential information you need to know when planning a self drive trip in Uganda;

Why take a self-drive in Uganda?

It is good to take a self-drive as it gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore each and every corner of the country and you can stop at any time you feel like and you can decide on what to see and do at your own pace without any one rushing you.

When to book a car pre-book or book when on arrival?

It is very better to pre-book a car with a self drive car rental agency in Uganda as here you are very free to feel the benefit of our purchasing power. Our prices are relatively lower so this will give you an opportunity to avoid walking on streets of a foreign country looking for a car to rent; you may end up choosing a wrong car something that may ruin your safari. You can book in advance our car and then pay on arrival and this applies to many self-drive car rental services in Uganda.

At what age is one allowed to drive in Uganda?

In order to be allowed to drive in Uganda, 18 years is the standard age, no one is allowed to get a driving permit in Uganda when below that age, so we hire our cars for persons above 18 years of age a car of his or her choice either self-drive or with a driver

Can I return the rental vehicle early?

There is no problem in returning a car before your agreed upon date , but no refund of un used rental days, however when you over stays with a car upon agreed upon days you are supposed to pay per extra day.

What kind of fuel will my rental car require?

Most cars come in both petrol and fuel models, so it’s always your choice to choose which kind is suitable for you when booking. Our staff will try their level best to find the fuel type of your choice. All our cars are given out with less fuel and no refund in case you return the car with your fuel; please note that in mind while fueling the car.

Do I require an International Driving Permit?

This is a must not to miss item needed by very many car rental companies in many counties as it act as a proof that you hold a valid driver’slicense in your home country.International driving permit must be carried out with your domestic license. So when hiring a vehicle it’s a must to present your driving permit to any car rental in Uganda

How do I receive confirmation?

Our staff will write to you and also send you a letter confirming your car hire booking

Do I need to take out Travel Insurance?

Yes, this is strongly recommended and your travel agent is the best person to advice on the right policy for your holiday vacation to Uganda.

What To Expect On a Safari To Rwanda

There a plenty of things to see on a Rwandan safari, however these vary from park to park, Rwanda is blessed with three national parks and each park has its own unique attractions and most of them cannot be seen elsewhere. A safari including two or more parks include gorilla and chimpanzee tracking and also wild life will include buffalo, lion, Elephant, Hippo, Bush buck, Water buck, Reed buck, Warthogs, Hyena, among others and these animals species can be spotted in Akagera National park.

Rwanda is known as one of the premium places in the world for chimpanzee and tracking/trekking these cousins who share almost 98% of human DNA can be done in Nyungwe forest national park which is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda over 13 species of primates inhabit the park coupled with chimpanzee the closest relative of man, other primate species include the black and white colobus monkey, golden monkey, red tailed monkey, baboon, civet monkey, owl-faced monkey, more than 300 Colobus monkeys, mona monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys among others, a three day safari can be organized to this park for chimpanzee tracking and other interesting activities you won’t miss at Nyungwe forest include; forest walk, bird watching safaris and community walks to the neighboring communities .

Gorilla tracking safaris are also available in the volcanoes national park; even a one day gorilla safari can be possible. The park is located in the north western part of Rwanda about 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital and its largest city. Access to the park can also be available in Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla tracking is the most done and interesting activity which you cannot love to miss when on a Rwandan safari. Mountain gorillas are regarded as endangered species as in the world there are only 880 remaining mountain gorillas in the world shared by three countries that’s Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda is known as the leading mountain gorilla safari in the world and tracking gorillas begins very early in the morning after reporting at the park headquarters for a short briefing about what you are expected to behave when with gorillas. You are only allowed one hour with these giants while observing their behaviors as well as taking their photos. Any safari to Rwanda without gorilla tracking is regarded as incomplete.

When on a Rwandan safari expect to see various species of birds, Rwanda is privileged with almost one third of Africa’s bird species so expect to see plenty of them, each park house plenty of them, for a birder, Rwanda is the only sought of country to go for birding safaris. A must not miss to see species of birds include Papyrus gonolek, shoebill stock, the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Rwenzori Batis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Archer’s Robin-chat, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, Grauer’s Rush, Neumann’s and Grauer’s Warbles, Masked Mountain Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit the list is endless. For more information on birding and wildlife options, check out our bird life and national parks pages. Or click on our inquiry form fill in your query, our staff is ready to get back to you swiftly.

Don’t forget also the Kigali city tour to see very may interesting things within the city, things to see include the Kigali genocide where over 25000 people were buried under the same graveyard during the 1994 genocide, you will be given a story about when and how this war started from the survivors of this horrific war, visit Rwanda national museum to get more history about Rwanda, visit the cultural sites, here you will be entertained by the local people through their music and dance, visit marketing places and if interested do the shopping from their before your departure. A safari to Rwanda is worth it.