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.