Category: Travel Tips

Driving in Tanzania: Tips for a Safe Self Drive Safari

Driving in Tanzania is amazingly but you need to be keen enough. Here are some of the most incredible driving tips to help you as you explore Tanzania.

How is the state of roads in Tanzania?

Northeastern Tanzania

The road conditions in Northeastern Tanzania are good according to East African standards. The major routes linking Arusha to Ngorongoro in the west, Moshi or Kilimanjaro in the East and Dar es Salaam in the extreme east are in their state and you can have a smooth road trip. When driving, be mindful of the bumps and occasional potholes. Expect also to drive on gravel roads especially on routes connecting to parks and safari lodges. The gravel and dirt roads in most cases vary depending on the season-during the rainy/wet season, it becomes a little challenging to navigate through.

Self-drive tours in the Serengeti

Driving to Serengeti on a Tanzania self-drive safari is exciting but you need a Land Cruiser. The main route stretching from Ngorongoro Crater to Naabi Hill gate; from Naabi Hill gate-Seronera, from Seronera towards East and West is complicated given its condition. It is characterized by rocky surface but self-drive tours are possible in a 4×4 Land Cruiser. The drive speed limit here should be kept within 25kms/hr. The driving times to Serengeti vary depending on the route; the Loduare gate which is also Ngorongoro entrance to Ngorongoro Crater route is approximately 1 and half hours’ drive. The Ngorongoro Crater route to Naabi Hill gate covers 2 and half hours’ drive then Naabi hill gate-Seronera is an hour’s drive.

There is also possibility to access the southern parks of Tanzania on self-drive safari holiday. The longest gravel route takes visitors from Kibiti to Selous Game Reserve about 90kms, Morogoro-Selous Matembwe gate, 90kms; from Iringa-Ruaha National Park about 110kms. Between Dodoma and Babati, it is about 2 and half hours’ drive. Off-drive from Selous Game Reserve requires a Land Cruiser especially during the wet season.

Navigating in Tanzania

The best way to navigate in Tanzania on self-drive tour is hiring a comfortable rental car. You will need to install Maps on your smartphone prior visiting Tanzania or hire GPS if you do not have one to help you find directions.

In case of breakdown/accident

While on a road trip in Tanzania, there are unexpected issues that can arise. It all requires your cooperation and patience. We offer 24/7 road assistance and that is why we are the most preferred car rental agency in Tanzania. Get in touch with our experts as soon as you have trouble on your Tanzania road trip. For cases of accidents, contact our team immediately and you will be guided appropriately, take photos of the damaged car and process a clear police report.

Dealing with traffic police in Tanzania

Along the way, you will come across many traffic police in Tanzania. You can easily notice them at a distance on white uniform. Simply remain patient and be friendly, greet in Swahili where possible or even crack a joke. Usually, traffic police cross check if the vehicle you are driving is insured and if you have valid driving license among other factors.

Visa Information in Rwanda-Uganda

If you are to visit Rwanda or Uganda, you must have a valid visa and passport. A visa acts as a legal document that allows one to enter a foreign country and therefore tourists are required to obtain them before being allowed to enter these East African countries.

Visa Information Rwanda

Due to the agreements between the Rwanda government and other foreign governments, there are some countries whose nationals do not require a visa card to enter the country like;-Hong Kong, Singapore, Mauritius, Democratic Republic of Congo and Philippines. Nationals from those states are free to visit Rwanda without Visa cards but this only applies for 90 days from the date of issue. Also nationals from East Africa do not require visas to enter Rwanda and this only applies for 6 months from the date of issue.

It should be noted that nationals from Israel, South Africa, New Zealand, Germany, Australia, Sweden, United States of America and United Kingdom are issued with entry visas which cost USD 30 and are valid for a period of 30 days. These are paid for on arrival in the country without prior application.

How to Obtain a Rwandan Visa

Foreigners who wish to get a Rwandan Visa are required to submit their applications to Rwandan Diplomatic Missions of their country of residence for further processing. They should pick them once the processing is over and after determining that they qualify for the visas. In situations where there is no Diplomatic Mission, foreign nationals should obtain a visa acceptance letter online. This acceptance letter is presented on arrival in Rwanda to obtain a visa card upon paying a fee of USD 30.

Visa information Uganda

Just like Rwanda, there are some countries whose nationals do not require a visa to visit Uganda like;- Bahamas, Burundi, Angola, Comoros, Antigua, Fiji, Barbados, Jamaica, Cyprus, Belize, Gambia, Ireland, Italy (Diplomatic Passport holders only), Grenade, Kenya, Malta, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Sierra Leone,Rwanda,Tanzania,Seychelles,Singapore,Swaziland,Tonga,Zimbabwe,Solomon Islands, Zambia, St. Vincent and Grenadines and Vanuatu.

A single entry Ugandan Visa which is valid for 3 months costs £30 in United Kingdom and USD 50 at entry point in Uganda. A multiple entry visa goes for £80 and this is for six months from the date of issue.

How to obtain a Ugandan visa

Intending foreign nationals can obtain visas from Uganda Missions abroad by simply applying for them and waiting for the processing. One may also opt to obtain it at the different entry or exit stations.

 

 

 

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.