Are you planning for a self-drive trip in Africa but still stuck on the best destinations to opt for? 4×4 Africa has got you covered with the three best countries that are worthy your visit and money. Africa is the world’s second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia.
With a total surface area of 30,370,000 square kilometers, the continent encompasses 5 countries in different regions like south, east, north and western regions. In these regions, there are respective countries that are good for a visit especially during a self-drive encounter and in Eastern part, there are four countries that are best for the experience and they are listed below;
- Tanzania
Tanzania is an East African country within the African Great Lakes region along the international borders of Uganda, Kenya, Indian, Ocean, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Occupying a total surface area of 947,303 square kilometers, Tanzania is renowned for its incredible wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty and almost 38% of its total land has been set aside for conservation of the wildlife both animals and plants.
The country is ranked among the best tourism destinations for both guided and self-drive safaris with 21 national parks, 32 controlled areas, about 30 reserved areas, mountains, forests and many others. Among the areas to encounter the self-drive safaris include; Serengeti National Park, Tarangire national park, Lake Manyara national park, Gombe national park and others.
Also, during the experience, you can explore the highest summit of Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro and also beautiful cities and towns like Arusha, Dar es salaam, Mwanza, and the beautiful beaches and islands in Zanzibar. Also, you can enjoy cultural experiences with different tribes like the Masai, museums, Bomas and others.
- Uganda
Uganda is another destination in the eastern region perfect for a self-drive safari. The country is landlocked bordering several countries in different directions like Kenya in the east, South Sudan to the north, DR Congo to the west, Tanzania to the south and Rwanda to south western direction.
Stretching over an area of approximately 241,038 square kilometers, Uganda features a number of attractions including 10 national parks, reserves, towns and cities and many others. Among the national parks include; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori mountains national park, Kidepo valley national park, Lake Mburo national park and many others. While in these destinations, have different views of unique attractions like the magnificent mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the big African five, powerful waterfalls, virgin and rich vegetation zones, and the mighty Rwenzori mountains.
While in wildlife safaris in Uganda like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo national park, self-drives will be more enjoying if a traveler books a good vehicle like 4WD with a pop-up roof since it can easily access all terrains and surfaces and also provide excellent views.
- Kenya
Kenya is an East African country bordered by different countries like South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania and Indian Ocean. The country is named after Mount Kenya, its highest summit and the second highest on the African continent. Experiencing the mighty Kenya at your own pace is one of the adventurous and amazing things to encounter. While in your comfort zone and at your own pace, enjoy the natural attractions of the country like Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi, Diani Beach and many others.
Also, during the drives, explore Kenya’s cultural landmarks like the Maasai societies where you will enjoy their traditional customs like foods, practices like dances and drams and others. Renowned for its abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes, self-driving in Kenya can provide a more immersive experience of the country’s natural beauty.
- Rwanda
Located in the heart of the Albertine Rift, Rwanda is one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions and a haven of rain forest. Besides its small size of 26,338 square kilometers, Rwanda is a home to different tourist destinations that are good for a self-drive experience. Among these destinations include one of the Virunga massifs – Volcanoes national park which hosts the most visited attraction in the country – endangered mountain gorilla. Other destinations include Nyungwe forest national park, Akagera national park, cities, reserves, historical sites like Kigali genocide monarchy, museums and many others. Sharing a border with Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo, a self-drive trip in Rwanda will help you have a perfect combination with other countries.
