Driving Across East Africa on a Road Trip
For any traveler/tourists making plans for a road trip or driving across East Africa, the first thing that comes to one’s mind is always driving across a wildlife park which in not a lie but rightly so given the diversity of landscapes, wildlife species, thick rain forests and water bodies exhibited in this region. If anyone is looking for a memorable wildlife adventure, true cultural experience, historic and entertainment tour, driving across East Africa adventure is the best destination option. The region is home to a number of local and internationally renowned attractions.
A number travelers to this region are treated to guided safaris while others choose self drive adventure in a fully equipped 4×4 with or without a rooftop tent, and self drive road trips is really gaining popularity. However, to get the best out of your driving across East Africa adventure destination, you always require two things; a strong 4×4 safari car and if needed a professional driver guide with adequate knowledge about the attractions and how to get around for guided tours. And for self drive adventures a strong 4×4 land cruiser or Land rover defender with options of a pop up or rooftop tent and camping gear if needed can give you an experience of a lifetime.
With a handful of 4×4 vehicles that are proven to manage adventures given the state of roads and topography in this region especially those accessing wildlife parks, it can be such a challenge. Drive East Africa ltd has compiled for you a number of vehicle types to help you pick the right vehicle that suits East African roads, the number of people and most importantly fits your budget as well as personal needs. Drive East Africa ltd presents to you the top five 4×4 adventure vehicles that will give you a piece of mind when driving across East Africa adventure trip you deserve.
1-4×4 Land Cruiser VX Limited
This 4×4 is a 5 door SUV and commonly called balloon land cruiser locally, simply because of its oval shape. This is one of the old type but top-rated for self drive in East Africa because of its powerful engine and comfort. Was designed with best shock absorbers to offer extra comfort, has extra power like 4wd and diff lock to keep you pushing through rough, slippery and muddy roads. Has a wide body to create spacious interior and cozy seats as well as spacious boot. Best used for self-drive road trips in East Africa. Has AC, FM/CD/MP3 player. The classy exterior makes this car multipurpose as you can add a rooftop tent and camping gear then drive it to a game park and tour around the city or head for the beach as well.
2- 4×4 Land Cruiser V8
Many travelers prefer that VIP road trip, hence require an affordable luxury car for that to come to fruition. The 4×4 land cruiser V8 will give you that VIP treat. What probably makes this type of 4×4 land cruiser stand out is its business look, it boasts a powerful V8 engine and composed handling on- and great off-road ability. Its first- and second-row seats are comfy and spacious, and there are lots of standard convenience and safety features. Wide body, AC as well spacious for cargo in the rear and sits above the road. The only disadvantage, it has a bad fuel economy ratings.
- 4×4 Land cruiser Hardtop (LX)
This type of 4×4 is proven over time to be the best for all terrain in Africa, it has a high engine performance that produces 228hp and 360Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox and a four-wheel drive system. The acceleration time and peak speed for the engine, has a figure of 9.9sec for acceleration and an approximate top speed of 180km/h.
With its high technology 4WD system, the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series is appropriate for off-roads and big loads. It can be driven on any terrain without issue. This 4×4 vehicle has a nice-looking cabin that gives comfort for lengthy travels. The Land Cruiser 70 series is the vehicle for you if you are planning to enjoy off-road driving.
Comes with safety features that keep you secure while driving, like a driver and front passenger airbags, antilock braking system (ABS), vehicle stability control (VSC), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), brake assist (BA), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), hill assist control (HAC), active traction control (ATRC), and parking sensors are among the safety and driver assistance features. However, the disadvantage is its relatively bad fuel economy ratings and high rental rate. If you’re looking for a long term rental, with a rooftop tent, this is the best 4×4 vehicle for you.
- 4×4 Land Rover Defender
The 4×4 Land Rover defender speaks for itself, it shines right even in tough off-road, nothing can beat a Defender. The defender is very fashionable in the jungle, even those 4×4-haters at Greenpeace say they would never attack a Defender… It would be a bit like assaulting your grandpa, unlike the Range Rover. This 4×4 defender has won the hearts and minds of new and previous customers with a reputation of easily getting you there and back regardless of climate or terrain and a greater ground clearance (323mm). Its full-time four-wheel drive is powered by a 90kW 2.4-litre diesel engine which punches out 300Nm of torque. Safety features come in the form of ABS and traction control. The air-conditioning system can cool up to 10-12 degrees, while the heater works up to 12 degrees hotter.
The Defender will always feel out of its natural habitat while on tarmac, however, it is brilliant in the mud and on wet leaf-mulched lanes or mounting over rocks therefore suitable for driving across East Africa adventure. Use low-range and the diff locks, by good old-fashioned mechanical levers, and the Defender is ready for anything. You can wade through rivers up to half a meter deep, scramble up impossibly steep muddy banks, and scale over rocks and generally play mountain goat.
- 4×4 Toyota Hilux Single or Double Cab
This is one of the latest add-on to our adventure fleet, with its advanced chassis and bodywork, the Toyota Hilux is the pick-up by excellence thanks to its unprecedented power proven over 50 years. The power and performance of this 4×4, be it 2.4GD Comfort Single Cab or 2.8GD Executive Double Cab, meets every challenge be it in the city or on off-road, making it an excellent choice for driving across East Africa adventure. Its robust but sporty design offers the promise of an exhilarating driving sensation in single or double cabin variants with an automatic or manual transmission. More adventurous, more powerful and more agile than ever, Hilux offers an exceptional level of driving and comfort as well as an unprecedented safety. Made in Africa, for Africa.
Drive East Africa is the region’s most reliable car rental agency ready to offer all clients excellent 4×4 rental cars at affordable rates. Whether you’re into self-drive road trips or prefer exploring the region with personal informative driver guide, we’ve got you covered.