31 Days of Self-Drive in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and Kenya.
A 31 day self-drive adventure around East Africa during a vacation offers a unique experience for families, groups, and friends to explore the enchanting landscapes of East Africa, all with the convenience of one visa in a Land Cruiser equipped with a rooftop tent. Be sure to embrace the adventure across the five member states that constitute the East African Region, all of which are ideal for a self-drive experience! Organize your 4×4 car rental roadtrip in East Africa with Self Drive Kenya.
The 31 Days East Africa Self Drive safari is ideal for group travelers and families looking to explore the diverse countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and Kenya, with the added convenience of one-way rental fees available. It’s a delightful alternative to the Self driving around Lake Victoria, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya in a reliable Landcruiser 76 series or 78 series.
Suggested 4×4 Vehicle Rental for Extended Periods
We recognize that the road conditions in East Africa can be challenging, necessitating a dependable and robust 4×4 Land cruisers for long-term rentals while exploring Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi on a private guided tour.
The Toyota Landcruiser Hardtop is a highly dependable vehicle for self-drive adventures in East Africa, available with either a double rooftop tent or a single tent. The driving comfort on paved roads, along with features such as air conditioning and speaker quality, is unmatched by modern vehicles.
Highlights of a Self-Drive Safari
Observing Wildlife in the National Parks of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania
Tracking Rhinos in Ziwa Sanctuary.
Exploring the Cultural Heritage of Burundi and Rwanda
Mountain Gorilla Permit, Golden Monkey & Chimpanzee Observation
Housing:
Camping throughout East Africa in a rooftop tent (Tent Co brand)
A Detailed 31 Days Self Drive Uganda, Kenya Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi
This 31-day self-drive Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania encompasses a journey through all five East African Community countries, offering visits to renowned destinations in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by the Self Drive Kenya representative, including the Booking Handler and the Driver Guide. One will provide you with an orientation on car operation and traffic rules, while the handler will inform you about the various safari activities you have booked with us for your self-drive holiday in East Africa.
Subsequently, you will be taken to your accommodation, where you will establish your initial campsite in Uganda. The team on the ground will manage the opening of the rooftop tents and other specifications.
Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park
Your journey to explore Uganda will begin with a visit to Murchison Falls National Park, including a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking, before continuing on to Murchison Falls National Park. Entering the park via the Kichumbanyobo gate. Next, make your way to your camping site at one of the following locations: Red Chili Camp, UWA Campsite, or other designated areas.
Day 3: Morning safari and river cruise
Our day starts with an early morning game drive along the Buligi, Albert, or Queens tracks to the north of the river Nile. This is an opportunity to closely observe animals that are closely linked to the African Savannah, such as the lion, leopard, giraffe, antelope, elephant, and warthog.
After lunch, we will embark on a cruise along the Nile River. The cruise descends to the base of the roaring falls, offering views of massive crocodiles, hippos, buffalo, elephants, and an array of water birds, including herons, cormorants, ducks, bee-eaters, kingfishers, skimmers, fish eagles, and the elusive shoebill.
Camping at the Delta is highly recommended as the ideal choice, especially since it’s the final day in Murchison Falls. You can sleep near the River Nile, under the watchful eye of a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide.
Day 4: Journey to Kibale Forest National Park
Enjoy your breakfast before embarking on the drive to exit the park and connect to Kibale Forest National Park. The picturesque trip to Kibale National Park takes about 6 hours, linking Fort Portal before reaching the primate haven of Kibale Forest National Park. Evening meal and a night spent at the campsite.
Camping locations: Rweteera Safari Camp
Day 5: Tracking Chimpanzees in Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
You will rise early in the morning and proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on the chimpanzee tracking rules, along with the registration of your passport and chimpanzee permits. Kibale National Forest boasts one of the highest diversities and concentrations of primates in Africa, making it one of the premier locations, not just in Uganda, but globally, to observe chimpanzees. Travel to Fort Portal for lunch, then continue to the area where Kibale National Park connects with Queen Elizabeth National Park to the south, facilitating the free movement of wildlife. The total population of this park is around 1,450.
Camping at Bush Lodge
Day 6: Morning game drive and boat cruise at Queen
This morning, set out on a game drive through the open savannah, adorned with acacia trees, at the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. Look for the unique tree-climbing lions, among other things, a population that exists solely in this region of the country. The sight of animals resting atop the fig trees is truly remarkable.
In the afternoon, embark on a cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a slender stretch of water that links lakes Edward and George. This experience stands out as one of the highlights of a trip to Uganda, providing a chance to glide through the waters alongside Africa’s largest hippo population. Alongside these large semi-aquatic mammals, the launch provides exceptional chances to observe various mammals and birds as they approach the water’s edge to drink and bathe. Birding offers a remarkable experience, with the anticipation of observing species that vary from the diminutive, vibrant Malachite Kingfisher to the imposing Goliath Heron.
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Following breakfast, you will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through the Ishasha sector in search of the tree-climbing lions. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Enjojo Camp before continuing your drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you will camp at Ruhija Rest Camp. Evening meal and stay at the lodge
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Bwindi, a World Heritage Park, is home to just over half of the world’s last surviving mountain gorilla population, which consists of 1,000 individuals. The hike may be physically challenging, yet the thrill of the adventure to come is refreshing, and the allure of the forest and its creatures is captivating.
Your day begins with an early morning breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for a briefing by the ranger guide. Following this, you will embark on a trek through the forest until you come across the majestic mountain gorillas. The duration may range from 2 to 4 hours, contingent upon the gorillas’ movement. Upon discovering them, you will have the opportunity to spend one hour with these gentle giants before returning to the lodge, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight as previously mentioned.
Day 9: Boat Cruise on Lake Bunyonyi and Bwindi, Uganda – Journey to Rwanda
Following an early breakfast, you will transfer to Rwanda, passing through Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale. Here, you will embark on a boat cruise, exploring the various islands while taking in the stunning scenery and abundant birdlife. Enjoy lunch and then proceed to Rwanda via the Cyanika Border. Upon completing immigration procedures, make your way to Volcanoes National Park for an unparalleled experience in Rwanda’s premier destination for Gorilla Trekking in the entire East African region.
Camping at Da Vinci Lodge
Day 10: Tracking Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
Following breakfast, you get ready to embark on your journey to Volcanoes National Park, situated within the Virunga Massif, a home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, as well as numerous mountaineering excursions and winding roads in the land of a thousand hills.
Day 11: Trekking with Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Rise early for breakfast, then drive to the headquarters for a briefing ahead of your mountain gorilla trekking adventure. Embark on a two-hour hike through the forest until you encounter the day’s Gorilla family. Following your Gorilla trekking adventure, you will return to the lodge for lunch. In the evening, you have the option to embark on a cultural tour at the Iby’iwachu cultural center. Head back to the hotel for dinner and another evening.
Day 12: Volcanoes – Kigali
Today, You are returning to Kigali. In Kigali, You will take a short tour of the city and visit the Genocide Museum, which was inaugurated in 2004 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide. The genocide, stemming from a complex interplay of factors, stands as an undeniable tragedy for Rwanda and its people. A visit to the Genocide Museum is both poignant and essential for grasping the remarkable courage and resilience of this beautiful, small nation.
Camping in Kigali City.
Day 13: Kigali, Rwanda – Burundi
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Bujumbura city, crossing via the Rusizi border. Arrive at the Bujumbura hotel or Roca Golf in the evening to refresh, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.
Day 14: Karera Falls and the Source of the Nile
Following breakfast, set out on a journey to the source of the Nile. Situated in Rutovu province, near the magnificent Karera Falls, you can explore the source of the Nile and the stunning Karera Falls found in Rutana.
Day 15: Gishora Drum Sanctuary and Gitega Museum
Following breakfast, you head to the Gishora drum sanctuary to meet one of the oldest drumming groups, which originated in the early 19th century. Later, visit the Burundi National Museum in Gitega and the Mushasha Catholic village. Head back to your lodge for dinner and an evening’s rest.
Days 16 and 17: Journey from Burundi to Tanzania
Following an early breakfast, embark on your journey to Tanzania, specifically to Dodoma city, which will take approximately 2 days of driving. Consider exploring intriguing stops along your journey, enjoying lunch on the way, and perhaps discovering a hotel for an overnight stay. Considering the duration of this journey, we believe it would be enjoyable to extend this exciting road trip across multiple days. Upon arriving in Dodoma city, check in, enjoy dinner, and spend the night at the lodge.
Day 18: Journey to Serengeti National Park
This morning, step into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a stunning expanse of rolling hills that offers occasional glimpses of the Ngorongoro Crater. Prior to descending onto the Serengeti Plain, we will pause at a viewpoint that offers a stunning overlook of the crater. The term “Serengeti” comes from a Maasai word that translates to “Land-without-end.” This region is characterized by its expansive landscapes and remarkable biodiversity. Here, you have the opportunity to witness one of the most captivating natural spectacles on earth: the annual migration, a sight unmatched in the natural world. The afternoon game drive offers a superb introduction to this remarkable landscape and the diverse life it sustains.
Community Camp
Day 19: Serengeti National Park
Today, you will embark on an entire day dedicated to observing the wonders of the Serengeti’s wildlife. You will explore the “kopjes,” a collection of low, unexpected hills scattered across the open terrain that frequently offer a viewpoint for hungry predators observing the continuous flow of hoofed animals passing by. Based on the season and the timing of the rains, as many as 1.5 million wildebeest and 500,000 zebra undertake a focused and dangerous journey in search of water and grazing land.
Even when it’s not “migration” season, large herds can still be observed as they nurture their young and feed, building strength for their yearly journey back to the northern parks. Non-migratory species offer delightful opportunities for animal observation throughout the year. An optional hot-air balloon safari over the plains at daybreak may be available; today presents an excellent opportunity to engage in this experience.
Day 20: Serengeti, Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
As you journey back to Ngorongoro today, pause at Olduvai Gorge, the location of the Leakey excavations during the 1960s and 70s. This site played a crucial role in establishing the region as a prehistoric habitat for some of the earliest hominid species, with discoveries dating back 1.8 million years.
Referred to as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ and covering approximately 8300 sq km, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area features an unparalleled mix of landscapes, wildlife, communities, and archaeological treasures in Africa. The volcanoes, grasslands, waterfalls, and mountain forests serve as a habitat for a rich variety of animals and the Maasai people. Ngorongoro Crater stands as one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders, captivating visitors with its enchanting landscape and rich wildlife. Enjoy a leisurely day at our lodge with a stunning view of the crater.
Day 21: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Embark on a half-day tour in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Following an early breakfast, make our way down into the crater below for a game drive in this remarkable setting. We delve into the Ngorongoro Crater, measuring 20 km (13 miles) in width and rising 700 m (2,300 feet) high, where we might encounter the “Big Five” alongside numerous herbivores such as wildebeest, gazelle, zebra, and hippopotamus, in addition to thousands of flamingos adorning Lake Magadi.
Day 22: Journey to L. Manyara
Following breakfast, the transfer to Lake Manyara, the smallest of the northern parks in Tanzania (330 sq km, with two thirds being the actual lake), showcases a diverse array of vegetation, including savannah, groundwater forest, and riparian habitats. The park is home to thousands of pelicans, ibises, and flamingos that can be heard from a distance. Among the frequent visitors to this stunning lake are hippos and the magnificent African fish eagle, often spotted diving from its vantage point to catch a fish from the tranquil waters of the lake.
Following lunch at our lodge, we will embark on an afternoon game drive in the park, situated at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, which features a diverse landscape of forest, woodland, grasslands, and swamps. The wildlife at Lake Manyara extends beyond just birds; the park is home to animals like buffalo, elephant, giraffe, impala, hippo, and a diverse range of smaller species as well.
Day 23: Journey to Amboseli National Park
This park lies on the African plain, nestled at the base of the majestic, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, which stands as the tallest mountain on the continent at 5,894 meters (19,300 feet). The cone-shaped mountain appears to hover majestically above the shimmering African plains.
Amboseli National Park is renowned for its impressive herds of elephants. They envelop themselves in red dust, enhancing their already formidable presence. This afternoon’s game drive promises the opportunity to observe animals grazing on the open plain, with Mt Kilimanjaro serving as a stunning backdrop, provided the weather cooperates.
Day 24: A complete day at Amboseli National Park
Start your day with an early morning breakfast before embarking on a full day of exploration and touring the stunning landscape of Amboseli National Park.
This park is renowned for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its large population of elephants, known for their impressive tusks. During the game drive, you will experience the beauty of wildlife, including lions, buffaloes, zebras, elephants, hartebeests, elands, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. During lunch, you will return to your lodge for a meal or enjoy a picnic at one of the park’s designated spots. In the afternoon, you will embark on another game drive, exploring areas of the park that you haven’t yet seen. In the evening, you will head back to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 25: Journey to Masai Mara National Park
Enjoy breakfast before checking out and departing from Hell’s Gate for a journey to Maasai Mara. The drive will take you through Narok town, one of the most culturally rich towns in Kenya, with an expected arrival at the reserve around lunchtime. Upon your arrival, you will check into your lodge, enjoy lunch, and embark on an afternoon game drive. During the game drive across the reserve’s plains, you will experience breathtaking views of a variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, and much more. In the evening, you will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 26: A full day dedicated to exploring Masai Mara National Park.
After enjoying breakfast at your lodge, you will embark on a full day of game driving in the Masai Mara National Reserve. As you traverse the Maasai plains, you will explore routes that wind through the savannah, providing opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, buffaloes, antelopes, wildebeests, zebras, and much more. During lunch, you will enjoy a picnic meal at one of the scenic picnic sites in the reserve, surrounded by the beauty of nature. In the afternoon, you will embark on another game drive, exploring the areas of the reserve that you did not see during the morning drive. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner and spend the night at your lodge as previously mentioned.
Day 27: Journey to Lake Nakuru
Following breakfast, head north to reach Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch. After proceeding to an afternoon game drive in the park. Evening meal and stay at the lodge
Day 28: A complete day of game viewing in Lake Nakuru
Experience a full day of game viewing at Lake Nakuru National Park, where you will have the opportunity to explore a unique sanctuary that is home to a significant population of endangered rhinoceros and the Rothschild giraffe. Waterbucks, along with predators like lions and leopards, are frequently seen in the park. The lake is also abundant with flamingoes. A diverse array of birdlife can also be observed in and around the lake.
Day 29: Journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Today you will drive from Nairobi, traversing the “White Highlands,” named for the significant European settlement in the area, and heading north to the lower slopes of Mt Kenya, which stands at 5199 m (16,728 feet), the second highest peak in Africa. Our journey will lead us into the Central Highlands, the core region of the Kikuyu people.
This region is highly fertile, abundantly watered, intensively farmed, and densely wooded. The land attracted the attention of Europeans, who started to arrive in greater numbers following the completion of the railway through the region. The settlers set up coffee and tea plantations on the eastern slopes of Mt Kenya while cultivating wheat on the western slopes.
Day 30 at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta encompasses a diverse landscape of grass plains, wooded grassland, acacia woodland, and evergreen thicket, covering more than 350 square kilometers. The conservancy features an impressive array of wildlife, including the renowned “Big Five.”
Today, You will embark on morning and afternoon game drives, along with an opportunity to visit the Sweet Waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the sole location in Kenya where this highly endangered and exceptionally intelligent species can be observed. The facility was originally created to offer a permanent sanctuary for orphaned and abused chimpanzees from West and Central Africa. The chimpanzees are thoughtfully cared for as they recover, allowing them to spend their remaining days in the security of a spacious natural habitat.
Day 31: Journey to Nairobi for departure
Following breakfast, proceed to the airport for your departure home.
Costs of Activities
Ziwa Rhino Tracking: $50
Entrance to Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth: $45
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: $800
Chimpanzee Tracking $250
Boat Cruises priced between $35 and $50
Golden Monkey Trek $100
Ngorongoro Crater $295
Entrance to Serengeti Park is $72, plus concession fees of $71.
Entrance to Masai Mara park is $200.
Lake Manyara $50
WMA fees are $30.
Note: Some locations do not offer camping options.
