Road notes from East Africa
Permits, park fees, seasons and road conditions for driving yourself through Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.
How to Change a Tyre on a Safari Vehicle: Jacking on Soft Ground and Safe Procedure
Knowing how to change a tyre on a safari vehicle is one of the foundational self-drive safari skills — a puncture on a remote East Africa park track is not…
Hill Descent on Safari: Using Hill Descent Control and Manual Low Range Technique
Hill descent on a safari 4x4 vehicle — controlled, slow descent of steep and potentially slippery slopes — is encountered on approaches to Bwindi Impenetrable…
How to Use a Diff Lock on Safari: When to Engage and When to Disengage
The differential lock (diff lock) on a safari 4x4 vehicle is the most powerful traction tool available for getting through the most challenging sections of a…
East Africa Self-Drive Campsite Booking: How to Reserve in Advance Online
East Africa self-drive campsite booking — specifically whether to reserve in advance online or arrive and pay at the gate as a walk-in — is one of the most…
What Is Included in an East Africa 4x4 Hire Package: The Complete List
Understanding what is included in an East Africa 4x4 hire package prevents the most common post-booking surprise: arriving to collect the vehicle and…
Driving in Black Cotton Soil: East Africa Wet Season Challenge for Self-Drive Visitors
Driving on black cotton soil in East Africa's wet season is the most common cause of self-drive vehicle stuck incidents outside of deep sand — the dark grey…
Water Crossing Technique for East Africa Safari: The Safe 4x4 Ford Procedure
Water crossing technique for East Africa safari is one of the most critical 4x4 skills to master before undertaking any circuit that includes seasonal rivers,…
4x4 Driving Techniques for East Africa Safari: The 5 Essential Skills
The 4x4 driving techniques required for an East Africa safari circuit cover a specific set of off-road skills — different from highway 4x4 capability — that…
East Africa Safari in August: Why It's Peak Season and What to Expect
East Africa safari in August is the peak of the region's most iconic wildlife event: the wildebeest river crossing at the Mara River between Tanzania's…
East Africa Self-Drive on a Budget: Where to Save and What Not to Skimp On
East Africa self-drive on a budget — reducing the cost of a 10 to 14-day safari circuit without compromising safety or the core wildlife experience — requires…