Road notes from East Africa
Permits, park fees, seasons and road conditions for driving yourself through Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.
East Africa Safari Packing List: What to Bring and What to Leave at Home
The East Africa safari packing list for a self-drive circuit differs significantly from a standard travel packing list — the specific requirements of spending…
Approaching Wildlife on Self-Drive Safari: Park Rules and the Safe Distance
Approaching wildlife on a self-drive safari requires understanding the minimum safe distances and park regulations that apply in each East Africa national…
Best Time of Day for Safari Game Drives: Dawn Dusk and the Midday Trap
The best time of day for safari game drives on a self-drive East Africa circuit is the two periods of peak predator activity — 6am to 9am (the morning golden…
Driving in Arusha: The City Orientation Before Heading to Tanzania's Parks
Driving in Arusha for Tanzania northern circuit self-drive visitors is the most manageable urban driving experience in East Africa — Arusha is a compact city…
Driving in Dar es Salaam: City Traffic Routes and the Julius Nyerere Road System
Driving in Dar es Salaam for Tanzania self-drive visitors collecting a hire vehicle at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) is often the most stressful…
Driving in Kampala: Boda Bodas Traffic Jams and the Northern Bypass Route
Driving in Kampala for self-drive safari visitors collecting hire vehicles at Entebbe Airport or departing from a Kampala hotel is the most complex urban…
Driving in Nairobi: Traffic Rules Roundabouts and the Westlands Route
Driving in Nairobi for self-drive safari visitors collecting a hire vehicle from the JKIA arrival area or a city depot requires understanding Kenya's…
How to Find the Big Five on a Self-Drive Safari: Strategies Without a Guide
Finding the Big Five on a self-drive safari without a guide is the core skill that separates a rewarding independent safari from a frustrating one — and it is…
East Africa Self-Drive Communication: Satellite Devices and No-Signal Safari Areas
East Africa self-drive communication in areas without mobile signal is the most commonly overlooked safety preparation for independent safari visitors — the…
Best Offline Maps for East Africa Self-Drive Safari 2027/2028
The best offline maps for East Africa self-drive safari are essential because mobile data coverage inside East Africa's national parks is typically zero — the…