Guided Vs Self Drive in Kenya
A Self-drive road trip is an endeavor to take a drive on your own without hiring a driver guide as you explore fascinating destinations. This gives you an opportunity to enjoy rewarding road trips on your own pace, cruise along the scenic roads and delight in your own unforgettable adventure memories.
A guided trip is a convenient and stress-free way to discover a new destination with all the trip details already organized for you, and with a team to support you every step of the way.
This is especially the case when you’re looking to explore more remote destinations where food drops are needed, when you prefer an experienced guide on hand to keep you on track, or when carrying a full pack with all your camping gear seems overwhelming and tiring.
At Kenya car rental, we are glad to present to you some of the astounding advantages of Kenya self-drive tours over Driver guided road trips;
MERITS OF SELF-DRIVING
Flexibility
While on a self-drive road trip, you get chance to delight in your own stopovers whenever you feel like doing it. You as well start the safari any time you want and end when you want. However, this depends on which destinations you are planning to visit.
Cost Friendly
Self-drive road trip is one of the cheapest ways to get around fascinating places. You don’t need to prepare extra fees for the driver guide charged by the company. If you have your own international driving license, then this is one of the opportunities to save some dollars on your safari.
Better Pictures
Another interesting fact about self-drive safaris is that you can choose to stop so as you are able to take clear pictures and video at your pace without anyone rushing you. Clear pictures will always remind about your self-drive trip adventure.
Saves you from inconveniences from Strangers
Taking a drive on your own offers you a chance to delight in your own adventure and you don’t need to share your experience with strangers. Most travelers find it hard to bond with strangers; instead they find them annoying and a little inconveniencing along the way because of their weird behaviors. And with a self-drive, it’s you to choose who travel with in your car.
Comfort
When you choose a self-drive road trip, we grantee you all the ultimate comfort on your safari. There will be no need for you to fight for a window seat with Strangers. Be ready to enjoy a flexible seating with enough leg room space, enough cargo space and you have all the freedom to play your own music. Such comfort can be hard with guided road trips.
MERITS OF GUIDED TOURS
Local and knowledgeable guides
Secret spots, tips and the best of laughs, it takes a special kind of person to be a guide. In addition to being friendly and engaging, they are skilled at getting groups to interact and become fast and lifelong friends.
If you’re new to the area, don’t speak the local language or just want good advice; tour guides can be an invaluable resource. Our local guides are passionate about their country or region you are exploring and will help bring to life the history, culture, flora and fauna of their homelands. They are often what make your walking, cycling or rafting adventure extra special.
As well as knowing hidden gems, our professional team of local guides and tour leaders can enhance your adventure so you can focus on your outdoor experiences and less about getting lost or what happens should you get into an accident.
Our guides also know about environmental regulations and local customs, so you can rest assured that the correct protocols are being followed. You’ll also be supporting the local economy of the destination you are visiting with your money going back to local businesses and its community.
Increased chance of success
Want to reach the prized summit of Mount Kenya or have always wanted to trek its peaks but were too worried about altitude sickness? Our guides and tour leaders are highly experienced; they’ve seen it all and can help you overcome the biggest of hurdles.
Think of your tour leader or guide like personal trainers that will help you push your limits and walk that final kilometre or gear up for a long climb with their “can do” attitude.
While our team tries to ensure that travellers are of an adequate fitness level to complete their chosen adventure, we recommend guided trips for people who are nervous about their fitness level and capabilities and may benefit from the support of an experienced guide.
Added support
Our tour leaders are with you from the time your trip commences until it concludes and work tirelessly to ensure your holiday runs smoothly. Our team understands our travel style and expectations of an active holiday and can tailor trips to the group’s interests, that way everyone has a great experience.
For cycling trips, even though you’re travelling in a small group, you can still ride at your own pace – as far or as little as you feel comfortable – knowing a support vehicle is close by for you to hop on should you want a break from your cycle.
Convenience
You can forget the stress of researching the best walking or cycling routes for hours on end, or where the next town is to find food. Leave the planning and the boring stuff to the experts so you can focus on the exciting adventure ahead. Our guided itineraries are fully supported with plenty of quality inclusions – from comfortable accommodation to hearty, delicious meals.
Comfort, value and more inclusions
Enjoy the best hand-picked accommodation and restaurants to make sure you get a high-quality experience and have somewhere comfortable to relax and unwind after a long day on foot or bike. We’ll keep you energised for your adventure with most meals and dietary requirements catered for and snacks provided.
The inclusiveness of a guided holiday showcases great value for a quality experience, with the added flexibility of tailoring your experience based on your interests and fitness level.
Safety first
The guides are your eyes and ears of a tour and are trained to problem solve in difficult or unsafe situations (including medical emergencies). Having them around definitely takes the edge off should things not go as expected. It’s always reassuring to know you are in safe hands with our experienced team.
Get access to more of the destination
With all the logistics taken care of and a support team backing you from beginning to end of your trip, you can simply focus on your beautiful surrounds and enjoy the solitude between walks or rides.
World Expeditions have been pioneering remote, “out there” adventures on paths less travelled for over 45 years, crafting itineraries that allow travellers to delve deep into the culture and nature of a destination. So, it definitely helps to choose an experienced adventure specialist for your guided tour to get the chance to explore places you could not easily get to on your own.
Reduce your environmental footprint
While the active elements of your adventure by bike, on foot or on water does not emit carbon emissions, World Expeditions have calculated any emissions from your accommodation and have purchased credits in renewable projects so that you can be assured that your adventure tour is 100% carbon offset.
Conclusion
Regardless of whether you are a family, solo, group, we provide a wide range of rental cars that can be customized for a self-drive road trip, guided tours adventure. In case you would love to book with us, feel free to get in touch our professional reservation team. Contact Kenya car rental for more information.
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Skeleton Coast: The Most Dreaded Coast Present On Earth
Skeleton coast the name itself is enough to horrify people and the coast has earned this name because of the numerous of deadly shipwrecks have happened in this remote and almost not reachable shores. The Portuguese have called it as The “Gates of Hell” while the Namibian Bushmen have named it “Land of God made in Anger”. The 20000sq km park you can presume that is among the not so visited places in the planet. It is segregated into two sections northern and southern. The place it seems is cut off from the rest of the world and you would really enjoy this aloofness of the coast which is influenced by chilling sea breezes and covered in thick fog. The place is a perfect example of nature wining against the man, the stories of shipwrecks echoes in the region. There are no social groups living here but deep inland among the desert border, Himba the nomadic tribe lives.
Where it is located
The Skeleton Coast is situated in the Atlantic Ocean’s northern part, the coast of Namibia.
Fauna and flora that you would find in the skeleton coast
You would find desert elephants in the interior regions of the Skeleton Coast Park. There are desert Oryx, springbok, giraffe, brown hyena, rare black rhino, and you can find lion as well if you get further inland. There is a seal colony close to the place where you would get see many thousand Cape fur seals along with dolphins and whales. There coastal birds that sustain their lives on the rich plankton and Benguela Current’s pelagic resources. The cleaning of beaches is done by the jackal, ghost crabs and brown hyena. Springbok and gemsbok are other two important animals found in the region, they are also animals whom lions attack for the food.
You could only find vegetation adapted to desert like lithops and welwitschia. There are hundreds lichen species in the hot west faced mountain slopes and on the gravel plains. Luscious ‘flowering stones’ is found in rocky fissures.
There are more than 200 species of birds found and many among this are Nambia’s endemic desert species like Gray’s Lark, Ruppell’s Korhaan and Tractrac Chat. Jeagers and Skuas are can be frequently traced in the seal colonies, Subantarctic Skua , Parasitic Jaegar and Pomarine Jaegar are the common one and you can notice them all in the summer season.
Where you can stay
- Kulala camp
- Skeleton Coast camp
- Kulala lodge
- Kulala tented camp
- Sossusvlei Wilderness camp
- Serra Cafema Camp
- Damaraland Camp
- Ongava lodge
Safaris you can opt
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- Best of Nambia Wing Safari
- Wilderness Safari
When you should visit Skeleton Coast
Anytime between April to October you can visit Skeleton Coast, the days are warm and sunny and extremely less rainfall occurs in these months.
How to reach
Windhoek (Hosea Kutako) is the nearest Airport. C34 the main coastal road starting at Swakopmund can be followed by car or you can go from Khorixas i.e. by west route.
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15 Unique Places in Africa to Explore with Rooftop Tent Vehicle
Unique places to explore have statured Africa the world’s adventure spot. The list on what to explore remain unexhausted not until one has enough of the time to mark a long line. Explore Africa’s unique places well packed with the accommodation ensures rooftop tent. Ensure to secure your super car rental deal with Rooftop tent and explore the Africa’s unique places as suggested below.
We draw a list of 15 unique places where to wander with plans of spending a night in the rooftop tent, as well can make this happen as well a route to consider when in Africa. These are places of natural beauty, historical, and wildlife rich, which are scattered in tropic, savannahs and desert sets.
How to spend a night with rooftop tent when in Africa
Well, there are moderate integers of arrangements very featuring for outdoor rooftop tent camping across Africa’s regions. There can be available in National Parks and game reserves, and several tourist destinations which can be cities, towns, beaches with camping options. There are various number of car rental agencies across regions which can hire you a safari 4×4 car with rooftop camping gears. However, such arrangements needs special arrangements and it’s advisable to reserve a vehicle at least 3 month before the traveling date to ensure that all gears are set in place.
15 Unique Africa Places to explore with a rooftop tent
- Table Mountains – South Africa
The Table Mountains have decorated Cape Town one of the fantabulous cities on the African continent. The southern roaming of Africa is the lining of these beautiful sceneries of the Signal hill, devil’s hills, and Lion’s heads forming a huge natural amphitheater for the establishment of the famous Cape Town. Cable ride is one among the great undertakings at the Table Mountains, reached with a single fingered route, after the great encounters of wildlife, still the mountains are stunning to consider for rooftop camping for the overnight and avoid the familiarity of room services.
- Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe & Zambia
The falls are wanders of Zimbabwe and Zambia, a lifetime adventure journey from the dry lands of Namibia to the green banks of the Zambezi to the thundering roars of Victoria Falls. Africa’s most spectacular water falls were thousands have hurried to enjoy the moist spray off 108m cascade. It’s the world’s wider waterfalls with the width of 1,700m, they are surrounded by the savannah opening which habitat for variety of wildlife including lions, hippos, crocodiles, rhinos that accompanied the majestic view of the falls. Still for the cape of outdoor, there are various spots around the falls where travelers can level their 4×4 safari vehicle and spend a night in the rooftop tent around Kazuma Pan Camping etc.
- Murchison Falls – Uganda
Arguably Africa’s most powerful falls, imagining of how the rapids force into the narrow gorge of 7m wide and falls at an elevation of 45m down. The falls are located in northern Uganda forming the largest National Park in the country. Murchison falls invite one of the largest concentration of wildlife in the country with great encounters being elephants, Rothschild giraffes, hippos, lions among others, taking the Murchison falls national Park adventure is an opening of viewing the big five in Uganda. It’s a great reflection when pointing out special outdoor rooftop camping grounds at the delta and several private and camping grounds. Here have a chance of spending the night in the midst of wild roars.
- Lake Malawi
At the shores of Lake Malawi can level your vehicle to and conveniently open your rooftop tents for a night. The lake is surrounded tropics and savannahs forming the Lake Malawi National Park, it’s the first freshwater lake with a national park. There a number of land and water adventure activities done when at UNESCO sites Lake Malawi National Park. Though not so common among the most visited tourist destinations in Africa, it’s one of the magical places at the continent availing much chances of relaxing and camping goodies. Rooftop tent camping at Lake Malawi rewards with a fantabulous full moon rise, and morning sun rising view.
- Atlas Mountains – Morocco
Accompany your rooftop hiking to the atlas mountain with rooftop tent camping at the foothills. When planning for camping adventures, for camping holiday must have a good quality rooftop tent and all camping gears (all-season sleeping bag, all-weather clothing, cooking equipment, fridge or cool-box (please consider power consumption, cool boxes can be high consumption, so your vehicle electrics must be able to cope. Contact us for advice). Trekking the Atlas Mountains exposes to rich cultures of morocco.
- Kalahari Desert – Botswana
The Central Kalahari National Park is a legendary African desert in Botswana stature as the world’s 2nd largest game reserve. The scattered savannah grasses that spray across the desert sand dunes and a part covered with natural valley sites off the Orange River, the vast grass spray invite quite a number of game viewing which are mainly enjoyed on a drive through the open plain. Camping sites like Jack’s Camp, and other accommodations facilities can offer a chance to park your 4×4 safari vehicle and operate your rooftop tent for a night.
- Zanzibar Stone Island
Drawing back to historical centers, the Zanzibar archipelago is a magical paradise north of Tanzania. The ancient building style, golden beaches, sapphire waters and the waving palms trees at the shores makes this a majestic island every traveler would like to reach to. This very perfect for honeymoon outing and making it more colorful, consider an outdoor rooftop camping facing the shores of the ocean.
- Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park is among East Africa’s regional most famous tourist destinations. Hiking to the peak of Kilimanjaro is a chance to stand at Africa’s highest altitude of 5,895m, the hike to the summit brings you closer to islands of skies and creating a theater of natural drama. The trails through a number of barren landscape doesn’t suggest much concerning rooftop tent camping, rather ground camping is a way to go for overnights on a climb. The park at the foothills is a great philanthropist for wildlife and anything like rooftop camping still made possible.
- Damaraland – Namibia
The skeleton stretch of almost barely landscape, the presumed semi-desert landscape host a number of semi-arid baring wildlife geology, archaeology and ancient natural history. The land is marked with plain, rugged areas of flat topped mountains of varying granite clusters. The natural formations of the Damaraland plain landscape marks a perfect option to stop your vehicle and settle for an overnight in the rooftop tent.
- Sahara Dune – Egypt
The Sahara is the largest hot desert which is spread in over 11 African countries including Egypt. Egypt’s majority of the land is desert decorated with few oases scattered across. The oceanic dry winds blow sand dunes that peak at about 30m high. Undeviating Dunes, great sand sea in southwestern Egypt too deep of the Sahara Desert where winds control the landscape formation. The walk through the dunes can rightly be accompanied by the rooftop camping option which can be done at any camping site around.
- Seychelles
It’s one tourist destination, it has articulated its activities to tourism activities as the major source of income to the island. In the middle of Indian Ocean is this particular tourist hub, not much is available to explore but the traditional and culture are the main offers. The island offer great nature walking considerations well as rooftop tent facing the shores of Indian Ocean is a major suggestion to encounter here.
- Kruger National Park
One African most famous parks in South Africa, the park has avails space for self-drive exploration and a rooftop suggestion is a volume of idea to reflect on undertaking. Among the largest park in Africa as well with the huge concentration of wildlife species and one of the oldest conservation areas on the continent. A game drive to Kruger has been one of the most rewarding adventure considerations in the park greater wildlife encounter including herds, schools, pride and troops. But at the end of the day one must ensure a cool spot for the overnight and with several camping spots rooftop tent camping has proved cool with this unique Africa’s adventure.
- Jinja White Water Rafting – Uganda
For adrenaline adventure, this east African adrenaline adventure capital Jinja scores the highest invites. This old stone city is built northern shores of Lake Victoria in Eastern Uganda hosting the source of the world longest River Nile. The river forms number of waterfalls rapids that have facilitated a number adventures including White water rafting, Kayaking, Tubing, cliffs for Bungee Jumping and still many mental relaxing adventures. There are various camping options where one just need to pay a fee dollars for space and stretch their rooftop tents for the overnight.
- Virunga Conservation Area and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Yes, placing these two destinations is not accidental, these proximity volcanic tropical rainforests are home to the world remaining mountain gorillas. The Virunga Conservation Area is shared among three countries among which is divided in three parks respectively. Among the parks include Virunga National Park of DRC, Volcanos National Park Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda. This conservation area host half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas shared among the mentions 3 countries and the remaining half resides in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Tracking mountain gorillas is a chance to trace the basic origin human being, this has become Africa’s highlight of the rest of the adventures. With our rooftop tent regards, still the parks offer the best of the trial for all weathers though being a tropical, there are a number of varying accommodation facilities that still suggest top on the vehicle offer.
- Serengeti and Masai Mara reserve Plains
The Africa’s most two catching parks due to their annual dramatic wild show of the wildebeest migration. These two reserves of Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya have formed ever a wondrous adventure have attracted greatly a number of tourist to the destination. The two reserve has monopolized taking accolades of being Africa’s best national parks for years, there is quite a huge concentration of wildlife counting including the big five, birds, herds etc. The 4×4 jeeps, land cruiser and overland are the more widely suggest considerations drive in the parks and rooftop tent are great for the overnights.
Read MoreCross border Car hire in Kenya & Tanzania.
The best self-drive 4×4 car hire options for self-drive tours in Kenya, and Tanzania are the Toyota Land Cruiser, 4×4 Toyota Rav4, Super custom for families and Safari land cruiser. These cars have a great track record and are the most capable and enduring for a 4×4 self-drive in the wild.
Kenya and Tanzania are famous for the wildebeest migration that attracts thousands of Visitors into Masai Mara National Park in Kenya and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Book a very reliable car with Car Rental Tanzania and explore all the hidden treasures of Kenya and Tanzania in a self-guided self-drive adventure. We have huge discounts if you hire our car (s) for more days.
In case you’re anticipating driving you to hire a vehicle from one nation to another, most rental agencies will charge you a ‘cross-cross border fee‘. This is what you have to know.
In case you’re anticipating using a rental vehicle for a self-drive trip across a border, you’ll have to get ready for the additional cost of a cross border fees, this is an extra fee to cover the extra insurance needed when you drive in a different nation from where you hire the vehicle.
Some car rental company don’t charge cross border fees they just get for papers for crossing the border and even advise you on where to buy the insurance needed to drive in any country you plan to visit.
You should simply tell the rental company where you’re anticipating going and they’ll advise you on how much additional you have to pay. They’ll require some notice, so ideally let the agency know you’re itinerary when you book the vehicle, and also before you arrive to pick the vehicle or before they deliver it to you at the airport or at the hotel.
How much do I have to pay to cross a border?
That really depends on where you’re going. Simply let the car rental agency know which border you’re planning to cross with their vehicle and they’ll give all the information and papers you need to cross the board and how much you will pay for insurance.
Why I have to tell the rental company?
In case you don’t inform the rental agency before you drive into another country, you’ll void your insurance/protection. This implies on the off chance that you have an accident, or if your vehicle gets stolen or damaged in another country, you’ll need to pay all cost to the rental agency out of your own pocket.
Most car rental agencies will ask you about your travel plans before they confirm the booking. This gives them enough time to process for you all the information you require, to enlighten you about any fees and process for you all the paperwork you may need to take with you when crossing borders. Along these lines, while booking a vehicle, always tell the company you’re booking with that you’d love to cross the border to another country with your rental vehicle.
Are there any countries I can’t cross into?
Most car rental companies don’t allow clients to cross to some countries with their vehicles most especially those countries in political crises, for example, DRC, South Sudan, Somalia, and others.
Are there any vehicles I can’t take across a border?
It’s not an immovable administer, but rather as a rule you’ll struggle to get a high-value vehicle across a border. Once more, always check with the agency when you book your trip to be safe.
Border Crossing from Kenya to Tanzania
Border crossing from Kenya to Tanzania provides detailed information on how to access the two countries during a safari starting in either Kenya or in Tanzania which also involves crossing the border.
Crossing from Kenya to Tanzania or from Tanzania to Kenya is popular among tourists especially those interested in the wildebeest migration and also experiencing the big five in both countries.
The popular destinations which tourists crossing from any of the two countries visit during their safaris include Kenya and Tanzania. There are lots of attractions to encounter for example the wildlife species and the different natural physical features. Some of the places to visit in Kenya are; Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, Nairobi National Park, Nairobi city, Mombasa beaches, Samburu National Park and so many other places. The list of attractions in Kenya is endless, it is upon the travelers to select the best places of his/her own to visit.
Tanzania is one of the best places in Africa to travel to and once there, a visitor never runs out of choices of places to visit. It has numerous national parks like Serengeti, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro crater and so forth.
There are different ways to cross from Kenya to Tanzania and they include using road means and also air transport means depending on the choice of the tourist among other factors.
The borders which are used during crossing from Kenya to Tanzania include the following;
Isebania border
Isebania border is the border of Kenya and Tanzania and is found in the northern part of Tanzania and in the southern part of Migori County.
This border is commonly used when crossing from Serengeti national park which is in the northern part of Tanzania to Masai Mara national reserve located in the south western part of Kenya. These two destinations are known for the amazing wildlife viewing experiences they offer to the different visitors who go there annually.
Isebania border is found west of Masai Mara national reserve and is about a 6 hours’ drive to reach this crossing point.
Some of the customs formalities at the Isebania border include vehicles crossing from Kenya to Tanzania or Tanzania to Kenya are required to be registered in both countries to be allowed to cross the border.
For ease in crossing the Isebania border, some of the requirements which may be required include a valid visa, yellow fever vaccination card among others. Presenting these requirements during the border crossing makes the process faster and less strenuous.
Namanga border
Other borders used when crossing from Kenya to Tanzania include the Namanga border which is located in Longido district on the Tanzania side and in Kajiado County in Kenya. This border is located close to attractions such as Amboseli national park and the development of the surrounding areas around the border have been attributed to tourism.
Namanga border is favorable for tourists who wish to go to Africa’s tallest mountain which is mountain Kilimanjaro. The visa formalities when crossing from this border take up less of the tourist’s time compared to other borders and it is preferable to many.
Despite being very busy, Namanga border is relatively and involves a process of going through immigration and customs office that also involves filling out entry and exit cards of both countries, filling the visa form, checking the vehicles used during the crossing of the border, getting inline to see the immigration officer.
Lunga lunga border
Lunga lunga is another border which is used to cross from Kenya to Tanzania especially Mombasa and Tanga or Dar es salaam. This border is located in the south eastern part of Kenya in the southern part of Mombasa.
This border is found in the coastal part of Kenya and some of the formalities at the Lunga lunga border include checking the yellow fever card, waiting in line to clear with immigration followed by crossing to Horohoro on the Tanzanian side.
The Lunga lunga border is about 6.5 km from the Tanzanian side and is open for 24 hours a day.
Loitokitok border
Loitokitok is another border which can be crossed to access Tanzania from Kenya. This border favors travels from Amboseli national park to Marangu and Moshi in Tanzania.
This border is also located at the foothills of Africa’s highest mountain which is Mt Kilimanjaro and beautiful views of this mountain can be seen from the Loitokitok border which is also referred to as Oloitokitok.
The northern trail of Mt Kilimanjaro can be accessed by hikers using the Loitokitok border during their hiking adventures. Different cultures can also be experienced when crossing this border such as the Maasai culture from the side of Kenya and the Chagga people from the Tanzanian side.
There is also an airstrip that can be used for travel in Loitokitok district since this border is another common crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania.
Taveta border;
Another point of crossing from Kenya to Tanzania is Taveta which involves crossing from Voi to Moshi in Tanzania. This border is also known as the Taveta/Holili border.
The taveta border is seen as a one stop border crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania which favors movement between the two countries especially during trade by simplifying entry and exit procedures at a single location.
Taveta border reduces the lengthy processes associated with crossing from one country to another during fulfilling the entry and exit formalities for both vehicles crossing as well as pedestrians.
Conclusion
Visit Kenya and Tanzania to experience many different attractions by getting to know the different borders which you can use during your travel or safari.
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Tsodilo: An Adventure with the Ancestors
Do you love to explore the ancient world full of rocks where history is carved on those giant rocks? Then Tsodilo is one of the best places for you. This place was inscribed in the year 2001 because of its unique religious and spiritual significance to the local peoples. Tsodilo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that lies in the northwestern Botswana in Africa. The best part of this place is that it gives unique record of human settlement of more than millennia.
Tsodilo is comprised of more than 4,500 rock paintings within an area of nearly 10 square kilometers. This could be found within the Kalahari Desert. No wonder, the striking old age paintings that depict deep history of the civilization will fascinate you a lot. Recently, the discovery of 70,000 years old artifacts and a python’s head that has been carved out of stone seems to represent the first known human rituals. Right inside a cave in the Tsodilo hills, the archaeologists discovered a huge stone sculpture of a python. This sculpture was worshipped during 70,000 years ago. The sculpture has a height similar to the height of a human being and is measured close to 20 feet long.
Tsodilo today is a well-known tourist destination where people from every corner of Africa and the world visit just to take a glance of the ancient paintings. While exploring the area, you will feel like living those precious moments that was once lived by the first settlements. It is so great to see something that was made by the people dating back to 70,000 years ago. They might just want us to trace the presence of their civilization and so they formed spectacular rock art.
Six to seven hours drive from Maun will take you to explore the beauty of the highest concentrations of rock art in the entire world. This magnificent attraction is situated in the harsh landscape in the district of Ngamiland. Many people describe Tsodilo as the Louvre of the Desert. It is a home to a rich inheritance of 100,000 years of human activity. In fact, Tsodilo has been honored as a spiritual place by the local people of present generation. Locals say that this place is been visited by the souls of ancestors.
To reach to this ideal and historic destination, you have Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. For accommodation the place offers a variety of options that suites every pocket. All you need is to book completely prepared expedition style 4WD vehicles and explore the area entirely. You will get total four chief hills out of which the highest is the 1400 metres AMSL. It is the highest point in the entire Botswana. All of the four hills are commonly depicted as the Male, but the highest one is the female, chile and an un-named knoll.
You will get managed campsite that is located between the two largest hills. Along with that, showers and toilets are also available. This campsite is situated close to the most renowned of the San paintings at Laurens van der Post Panel. You can reach to the hills through good graded dirt road that lies at a distance of 40 kilometres from Shakawe. Close to the campsite, there is a museum and you can also enjoy an airplane ride, as the place boasts an airstrip.
If you want to experience most of the San rock paintings then head to the Female hill. Here you will get to see the paintings of Whale, Two Rhinos, and the Lion on the Eastern face of the Father. Few of the paintings are dated back to some 24,000 years ago. There are a variety of breathtaking paintings to explore, but could be found comparatively less on the outlying hills. You will get plenty of paintings in the obscure places that are likely to be discovered by the present generation.
The area has been developed for the tourists so that they can explore the area properly. Trails and signs have been installed, but you should explore the paintings with a knowledgeable guide, as the paintings are quite difficult to find out. So enjoy the environment to the fullest and make a real adventure with the ancestors in Tsodilo.
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Is Kenya Safe for Self Drive?
Kenya has had its own horrible past reputation. Because of its past, most Kenya safari travelers opted for structured safaris arranged from their home countries but today, the story is different. Kenya is one of the very few safest and most accessible destinations in Africa, the easiest place to explore and experience even as a solo traveler.
Whereas Kenya is considerably the safest destination compared to other African states, cases of crime in the main cities/towns usually occur. Also, it is important to crosscheck with travel advisories on the current state of the country.
Most often, visitors attract the unwanted attention from beggars or potential pickpockets and you should be keen enough while on the streets of Nairobi or other towns in Kenya.
How a self drive tour in Kenya can be done
Getting to Kenya for self drive
Solo travelers can fly up to Nairobi, the Capital of Kenya a beautiful city with a National Park set adjacent to it. From Nairobi, there are many airlines offering connecting flights between most cities or safari destinations of Kenya whether you want to visit Masai Mara National Reserve for wildebeest migration.
You can also use the SGR train which runs from Nairobi to Mombasa coastal town. Set off from Voi/Mtito Andei to Tsavo National Parks. Railway transportation is the cheapest means to navigate around Kenya while Kenya safari.
The most sought for means that most budget minded travelers often opt for is self-drive car hire in Kenya. We have the best 4×4 rental cars suitable for all road trips to Nairobi National Park, Masai Mara or Tsavo. Contact our team to book your dream ride and have the best of Kenya self drive.
Our fleet of rental cars for your Kenya road trips include among others 4×4 Toyota Rav4, Land Cruiser Hardtop Extended, Safari Land Cruisers, Super Customs, Land Cruiser GX Diesel Engine, Camper Vehicle with camping gear to Toyota Land Cruiser V8 Safari Vehicle.
Where to go for Kenya self drive tour
Kenya boasts of about 54 National Parks and Reserves and noted for its remarkable self drive experiences. Some of the best places not to miss visiting for unforgettable self drive experience in Kenya include the Masai Mara National Reserve most visited for wildebeest migration experience, big five game viewing etc.
Amboseli National Park, most popular for its large herds of elephants and mesmerizing views of the Kilimanjaro Mountains-snow-capped mountain. Tsavo National Parks-Tsavo East, Tsavo West also offer the best of Kenya self drive safari experience in Kenya.
Samburu National Reserve, a perfect semi-desert reserve set along the Northern side of Kenya. Ewaso Ngiro is the largest river in Kenya and it flows via the Samburu National Reserve. The protected area boasts of its significant wildlife species including cheetahs, elephants, leopards, lions, wild dog etc.
For unique experiences, don’t miss to visit Aberdares National Park in the western side of Mount Kenya. Chyulu Hills set between Tsavo and Amboseli N.Parks, Kimana Sanctuary and others.
Be aware of the weather
While on self-drive Kenya, weather conditions are key to take note of. In Kenya, the weather is largely temperate with Nairobi often experiencing cool weather conditions and temperature rise of 28 degrees celsius from the months of January, February, March during the day and at night 14 degrees celsius especially from July to August.
However, Kenya is an all year round self drive destination except the wetter/rainy months of the year. That is April, May, June and October, November when roads can be muddy.
Travel insurance
If you plan to visit Kenya soon, it is wise to have travel insurance. This can help safe you a lot from cases of sickness, theft etc.
What carry
Pack appropriately for your self drive Kenya starting with phone charger, bed sheets, insect repellents, safari shoes, cameras, daypack, first aid kit, valid driver’s license, sunglasses, bottled water and others.
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Top 10 Tips for Africa Travellers
Going on a vacation in Africa with your loved ones is indeed, one of the most fun-filled and joyous experiences. You get to discover the most beautiful places, exotic landscapes, virgin forests, and so much more. Traveling involves careful planning and there are travel agents who will help you to organize some of your tour preparations.
When traveling, planning is very important as it will give you enough time to decide which things need to be done first and what essential items to be carried.
- First of all, keep your travel documents securely and if you are planning overseas vacation, do not wait until the last minute to obtain, update passports or visas as this may require several weeks.
- To get the competitive rates for your transportation and holiday accommodations, you will need to make your reservations in advance. You can obtain some best bargains during the off-season when demand will be low.
- Along with travel documents and your clothing, you must carry medication that you or any of your family members may require. Before embarking on a trip, check to make sure that you are allowed to travel with certain medications as some countries have strict rules concerning certain drugs.
- Your best protection is to be careful, book your tours through trustworthy agencies, and if possible avoid traveling alone to an unfamiliar destination. Try to know the traditions and local culture of the destination before you start your trip. It is important to do your homework and know the area you will be visiting and the applicable laws, locations of best tourist spots, and the kind of people you will have to interact with.
- As a result of terrorist activities, airports have increased their security inspections before allowing passengers to board. Get to the airport sufficiently early to manage the security check-in congestion. The locks for your luggage must be Travel Security Administration (TSA) approved ones so that your luggage can be opened for inspection without having to break your locks.
- When traveling, be constantly aware of your surroundings to guard against pickpockets. Travel with no more than two credit cards, and notify the card companies that you will be traveling so that they will not put a hold on your cards when they notice charges from unfamiliar places.
- Before leaving on a vacation with your family, make sure you have enough money and adequately financially equipped such that you do not run out of cash during the tripe. It is good to budget your expenses beforehand and avoid overspending.
- Carry a digital camera that uses AA batteries instead of a camera that uses proprietary batteries. They are less expensive to replace, easy to charge and are easily available wherever you go.
- When packing your clothes pile them up one on top of another and then fold them to fit into a portable suitcase. This will mean less creasing and you will not have to run around in wrinkled. Always pack each box or suitcase with a mixture of clothing of each family member traveling. Even if a bag is lost, no one will be left with out changing clothes. Further, you will only have to open and repack one suitcase at each hotel. Please note that Africa may require different clothing. Try to study the country you are to visit in advance or an adventure activity you are taking for instance gorilla trekking, rafting, mountain climbing, require special clothing.
- Finally, do not expect everything on your vacation to be perfect. You are possibly going to your dream destination and if you are taking your kids along you will certainly have challenging moments. Forget all about the worries and enjoy the vacation and your hard-earned rest.
Wish you a nice safari in Africa!
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10 Best places for a Road Trip in Uganda
Uganda’s adventurous gems are all scattered throughout the country. These gems include; National parks, mountains, hills, lakes, rivers, cultural sites, religious sites, historical sites, urban centers, and museums among others. The location of these different sites in different corners of the country makes the country one of the best destinations in Africa for road trips.
Some of the best places you shouldn’t miss on a Self-drive Ugandan road trip include the following.
Entebbe town

Botanical Gardens Entebbe
Entebbe town is the entry point to Uganda as it is where the international airport is found. Entebbe is proving to be a matchless urban destination in Uganda for tourism. Entebbe is a rewarding tour center especially for visitors who are interested in a road trip to the countryside. The city offers opportunities for day tours because it is a small site most tourist attractions are within a walkable distance, one can easily explore on foot places like; the Botanical gardens for bird watching, primate watching, and plant identification.
The Uganda wildlife education center is a zoo with activities like wildlife viewing, behind-the-scenes program, keeper for the day, chimpanzee viewing, among others. When leaving Entebbe, join the roadside markets popularly on days like Tuesday in Kitoro town for some little shopping or watching the daily lives of Ugandan people in the local markets before proceeding to Kampala.
Kampala city

Kampala City
Kampala capital is about 40km from Entebbe town, it is a perfect place to have a road trip because the city is absolutely rich when it comes to city tours. The city has a variety of sites that any visitor can enjoy during a road trip in Uganda including religious sites cultural sites like Ndere cultural center, historical sites, archeological sites, museums, and monuments among others. Religious sites to visit include; the Namugongo shrine, Bahai temple, Gadafi mosque, Namirembe, and Rubaga cathedrals.
Historical sites include the Uganda museum, the parliament of Uganda, and the Ndere cultural center. Cultural sites to explore include Entanda cultural sites and Sezibwa falls. All these make the capital Kampala one of the best places for a self-drive road trip.
Igongo cultural center

Igongo cultural center
This is a cultural center located in the western Uganda area along Masaka-Mbarara road in Mbarara district. This is an awesome spot for travelers to have a stopover for lunch or even for an overnight stay. Igongo culture is currently the major cultural center in the entire west and southwestern region of Uganda. This center has a museum that showcases at least most of the traditional aspects of the Ankole people. Visitors have a taste of the Ankole culture through the traditional foods that are served in the restaurant and on the displays. A road trip to western Uganda must never miss the Igongo cultural center for a great cultural experience.
Lake Mburo National Park

Elands In Lake Mburo National Park
This is a special site where every part is lively with a variety of natural wonders. This park is one of Uganda’s smallest protected areas covering only 260 sq. km and being a savannah park it harbors several mammals like Buffaloes, Impalas, Zebras, and numerous bird species including the rare shoebill stork which can be sighted in particular parts of the country.
The Park is generally a beautiful place with sculptured landscapes and rolling grassy hills with abundant forest galleries, seasonal and permanent swamps. Road trip travelers can explore the park through different activities like birding for over 313 bird species in the park, boat trips in Lake Mburo are remarkable to see diverse water animals and marine species like crocodiles, hippos, and the birds, a forest walk in Rubanga forest with beautiful sounds of over 40 bird species. Fishing and nature trails are some of the best alternatives in Lake Mburo Park. Accommodation for night stays like Mantana luxury tented camp and Mihingo lodge is available around the park. From here you can proceed to Queen Elizabeth National park.
Queen Elizabeth National park

Tree Climbing Lions
Also situated on the western side of Uganda is Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is the best next and closest destination to Lake Mburo national park during a road trip in Uganda. It offers the best wildlife safaris in Uganda due to its diversity with wildlife. Incredible safari activities like game viewing for large herds of elephants, lions, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, wild dogs, and lions among others.
The launch cruise allows travelers to float along the 40-kilometer Kazinga channel while watching the abundance of bird species flying over, the crocodiles, hippos, and monitor lizards, Buffaloes on the channel cooling off the hot weather.
You will later join the Ishasha sector for the rare tree-climbing lions and the park’s multiple crater lakes like Lake Katwe where salt is mined traditionally. Accommodation in the park is available with a variety of facilities ranging from luxury, mid-range, and budgets like Mweya safari lodge, Ihamba lodge, Katara lodge, mazike safari lodge, Kyambura game lodge, Bush Lodge, Simba Safari Camp, and various campsites at Mweya peninsular.
Fort portal
Fort portal is a town located in western Uganda greatly famous for its cultural heritage of the Tooro people. Fort portal is the right place to explore while encountering sites like the crater fields, like the Ndali- Kasenda crater in the northwest of Fort portal town. These crater fields are impressive with beautiful scenery and also offer beautiful hiking experiences. Best of all is the cultural and heritage sites like the Karambi tombs where the Tooro kings are buried, the Tooro Royal palace with its magnificent building, and the Amabere ganyinamwiru caves that showing the Chwezi era that make the road trip culturally rewarding.
Tea cycling is also another experience as you ride in the famous Mpanga tea plantation while viewing the beautiful lush tea estates. After the fort portal tour, the visitor can proceed to Kibale forest national park.
Kibale forest national park
Kibale National Park is found in the borders of Fort Portal and is the capital of primates in the entire world with up to 13 species of primates including Chimpanzees, black and white Colubus Monkeys, Red Colubus, and L’Hoest monkeys. The major attractions in Kibale national park are the Chimpanzee and over 300 bird species that can be explored on foot. The park is best for activities like chimp trekking, nature walks, and birding in the Bigodi wetlands with a variety of bird species.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This is home to more than half of the world’s last remaining population of endangered mountain gorillas. The park has over 20 habituated gorilla groups available for tracking. Gorilla tracking and habituation experience is the main tourist activity to this park. Other tourist attractions include bird watching, Batwa community tour, and Forest walks.
Gorilla permits are in high demand throughout the year and each costs US$600(to be increased to $700 effective 1st July 2020), and US$1500 for gorilla habituation experience and can be acquired through a trusted travel agency.
Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge, Nkuringo gorilla camp, Lake Mutanda resort, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Mist Camp, Havens Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, and many others are the accommodation facilities available in the park.
Murchison Falls National Park
This is Uganda’s biggest and oldest National Park located on the northwestern side of the country. The park derives its name from the magnificent Murchison falls which is the main tourist attraction to this park. The main tour activities here include game viewing, a fantastic boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, hiking to the top of the falls, nature walks, night game drives, chimpanzee tracking, birding, and habituation experience in Kaniyo Pabidi forest reserve among others. Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is the only place for Rhino tracking in Uganda.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is home to Uganda’s wild Rhinos, the sanctuary is located about 176km north of Kampala the capital of Uganda along Kampala- Gulu highway just before Murchison falls national park. Ziwa is a great adventure place for families and groups with children. Imagine walking on foot while tracking with the children is so adventurous with an armed ranger, one can get as close as 30 feet to Rhinos. Guests can also have fun on the boat ride and sighting the ancient Shoebill stork which is one of the rare bird species in entire Africa. Ziwa sanctuary is absolutely one of the best destinations for family safaris with an amazing experience of tracking Rhinos in the sanctuary, plus great meals and accommodation from Amuka Safari lodge.
CONCLUSION
It’s Important to Understand the places you must never miss in Uganda as you plan your self-drive trip, all the regions in Uganda are uniquely gifted with special tour attractions that can only be discovered in a single self-drive road trip. The best places to visit have been shared to make it easy for you to choose which place to add to your itinerary.
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Tanzania Car Hire Tricks to know
Hiring a vehicle is normally the last thing that comes in the minds of many travelers yet it is one most significant factor any holidaymaker should put into consideration when planning a vacation in Tanzania. Are you looking to renting a car in Tanzania for your next family holiday or looking to a memorable vacation in Tanzania? Here, we bring you amazing 7 car rental tricks you should know before you make any booking. Understanding these car hire tricks prior making any reservation is a great deal for you to have a successful vacation.
Compare different car rental deals
Finding the best car rental deal in Tanzania can be challenging considering the many car hire agencies/companies. While you search for your best deal, note, not all dealers are the same. You realize some offer relatively affordable rated compared to the rest and also come with other amazing offers for you to enjoy. Also, the car hire services differ significantly from one car rental dealer to another.
Well, not to have a stressful moment on your arrival day at Arusha airport or any airport, ensure that you plan your things early. This will help you make comparisons on rates online, car rental services from different car hire agencies before you choose the ideal one to book your car with. Make the best use of Google to search for your best car rental dealer.
Check out for rewards programs & coupons
Like most hotel chains, often families get rewards for staying at their properties and a case may apply to car rental companies/agencies. Most programs are free to join and discounts are provided on car seat rentals and additional drivers. At times, you can earn points which you will enjoy on future rentals. In case you are like many and you are not a frequent person who rents cars, still you may enjoy free car upgrades and front of the line pick up privileges. Or you can even save a lot on your rental, check out online for rental car coupons. Higher chances are you may land into different discount offers and opportunity to enjoy unlimited mileage among others.
Avoid booking rental car at the airport
Reserving a rental car at the airport can be convenient for many but be mindful of extra charges. These often come as concession recovery charges/customer facility charges which only means that you are hiring a car at the airport. But it is easier to skip these additional charges by renting your car through your trusted car rental agency/company.
Pay keen attention on hidden charges
Most car hire companies charge additional fees for refueling in case you bring back the car with less gas than you took it. Take note of company’s gas/fuel policy, some require that the gas gauge on pick up should be the same even the car is returned. Not to worry much about this, most car rental companies provide a pre-purchase alternative which lets you buy a full tank of gas upon picking up the car. You can also contact the car rental company if you plan to hire a car for 7 days but you want to return it after just 3 days. For this case, your daily prices may increase. Read and understand the different terms and conditions of the car rental company you plan to deal with.
Skip rental insurance
Most car rentals are insured and therefore, there is no need for you to get rental insurance again. Also, credit card companies may also cover car rentals and that why it is essential to cross-check before taking another insurance coverage. If any of these options aren’t there then better you sign up for rental insurance via the car hire agency/company you plan to rent a car with for your Tanzania safari holidays.
Come with your own car seats
If you plan to travel with children on Tanzania safari then you may require a car seat/booster seat especially for seats with seat belts that don’t fit well on the children. This can save you from additional fees as you will be required to rent from the company or even avoid the stress when you don’t find.
Understand the rules for hiring a car in Tanzania
Rules for renting a car in another destination like Tanzania are not the same as it is back in your home country. Learn more about the different terms and conditions for renting a car from various car rental companies. This will help you know what is required of you, acceptable age to drive a rental in Tanzania, mode of payment, fuel policy, pick up and drop off policy among others.
Read MoreBad Driving Habits to Avoid While on Self Drive in Tanzania
Driving in a foreign country can be troublesome for first time travelers. In most Africa countries, it is important to know that self drive is not for first time travelers. If you are looking to safe travels, it is important to be in the know of the strict rules and good driving etiquette before you hit the road.
With Tanzania becoming a favorite destination for those looking to self drive holidays, it is important to know which bad driving habits not to bring into this peaceful nation.
To most drivers, the one bad driving habit they know and have been warned yet still violated is ‘Don’t drink and drive’. But there is a long list of bad habits solo travelers and others on self-drive in Tanzania or any destination should avoid. By being keen on these bad driving habits, you will certainly have a smooth road trip in Tanzania.
Resting your hand on the gear stick
Normally, driving instructors do advise that you keep both hands on the wheel at all times. Instead, most people have developed a bad driving habit of just resting their hands on the shifter. The gear stick is linked to a selector fork and this is designed to make contact with a rotating collar for a short amount of time. In case you rest your hand on the gearstick, you may need a synchronizer and bushings of the transmission to handle more weight than normal hence resulting into internal wear.
Always keeping the pressure on the brake pedal while driving downslope
This is one bad driving habit that can kill your car faster. Yes, driving down slope can be challenging but most drivers tend to make it a habit to keep their foot on the pedal to ease slow down movement. But the best thing could be to shift into a lower gear and this can slow down the car as you slope without putting pressure on brake pedals and rotors.
Not minding about warning lights
Usually, people tend to ignore warnings like bulb gone/washer fluid till they make a stop. And yet such may need to be noticed as early as possible. Ignoring them may result into damaging your gearbox and you will need to change its parts at the time not recommended.
Keeping on the clutch while driving uphill
In case you are driving an automatic car rental, there is no need to stay on the clutch while driving uphill. This may apply to manual vehicles. The best is to make use of automatic brake hold system while in that position. If your vehicle doesn’t have, then make the best use of hand brake.
Overloading the car
Every car has its recommended carrying capacity. This is why you should be certain of the number of people you plan to travel with so as to find a suitable car to fit all of them. Overloaded car can strain most elements of the brake, suspension among others.
Not using the parking brakes
Not using parking brake can be dangerous and it may require that the parking pawl works harder and eventually, it can break.
Not warming car engine
This looks obvious but a huge mistake many make. Before you set off, the engine should have warmed for some good time. Note, nearly all cars start with cold engines and that is why it is important to have them warmed before setting off.
Keeping the fuel tank to almost empty
This is another bad driving habit which needs to be avoided. Note, oil pumps can heat up and, in the process, the friction between the engine parts can increase in case it is not submerged in adequate fuel. The best is to go for full-tank to avoid such cases and this is even healthy for your engine.
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