East Africa Self Drive Safari – Not a good Idea – Unsafe – require experience driving on Africa Road – Could turn out Very Costly.
East Africa Self drive Safari for most people is looked at as a cheaper way to travel. However, besides saving a few Dollars, Self drive could cost you more than what you primarily thought you would save.
Remember you are driving on unfamiliar roads – Road signs and Signals in Africa mean Something different from what they do mean back in your home country, roads are changed every other day and such changes are Not effected onto the map you are carrying, you could ask for directions – but remember you are losing time making all such stops, incase of a breakdown – it will take you very long to find a local mechanic and if you do – be sure you will be ripped off ……..i could mention alot more downsides of East Africa self drive Safari.
In this Post we are going to give you some of the reasons why an East Africa Self drive Safari is not the best way to Explore East Africa.
Why an East Africa Self Drive Safari will drive you Insane – NOT Recommended
All East African Presidents do not believe in Self-Drive:
The Presidents of East African Countries; Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and even the radical newly elected Tanzania President – Magufuli is driven all throughout with heavier 4-wheel drive vehicles usually at the lead.
If the Heads of State don’t believe in self drive, may be you should consider that as you make a decision whether to engage a full package Safari Tour Operator with experienced Driver-Guides where you can lay back and enjoy your safari out of the window of your comfortable vehicle rather than go the route of a grueling East Africa self-drive Safari experience. Though East African appears small – On the map, the usual distances are between 8 to 9 hours drive times or longer.
Terrible Road Conditions in Places:
East African road conditions continue to improve, though most east African Heads of state have stated on national TV or at their campaigns that they enjoy most roads, they have probably not been on the ones that you will encounter on an East Africa self drive safari.
Pot-Holes the size of a potential Fish-pond in your back yard, dusty, bumpy with those obnoxious speed bumps in every hamlet – usually referred to as “the sleeping policemen”.
These road conditions often lead to accidents and that is one area East Africa excels in, even though improvements are being made over the years.
Sudden – Unexpected Obstacles on the Road:
On your East Africa self drive Safari, you will come across all kinds of sudden – unexpected obstacles, near National Parks they might be even Elephants, antelopes and other wildlife galloping suddenly from one side of the road to the other. you will be lucky if you hit it and still be alive – if you survive, an animal kill will cost you up to US$500 payable to Park Authorities, and maybe US$500 – US$200 for Vehicle repair better worse you could lose your life if you hit an African Elephant. How good is your insurance cover…!!? Do you want to take this risk in the name of Saving a few Dollars…!?
In the countryside there are cows, goats, chicken and people in villages and trading Centers. Should you hit something, DON’T STOP!! , but drive on and go to the nearest Police station and report the incident, if you STOP!! you might be attacked by on lookers which could eventually turn out harmful to you and those with you – a situation quite different from what you would encounter in your home country.
Vehicle Size Makes it Right:
East Africa has great traffic laws, however the laws do not apply when the size of a vehicle is applied. Vehicle Size makes right, Big Cross country buses barreling down what may seem like a one lane road straight at you – that is just one thing. Several vehicles seemingly in a convoy passing you at insane speeds with some kind of VIP passenger in the main vehicle.
It is not supposed to take place, however it does. Position and Power is the ultimate and it often results in major figures involved in road accidents, some ending in death.
Uncalled for Police Traffic Stops – what to do?
Police standing on the side of the road flagging you down. What do you do? something that might not have been covered in your East Africa self drive Safari orientation, it is routine here and happens everyday.
Here you are on an East Africa self drive Safari and have no clue about how to talk to a police officer and be able to continue your journey whereas our seasoned driver-guide know how to get through such huddles.
Such traffic stops are part of everyday life, police do not make much money and traffic stops become extra income earners, something foreign to most tourists.
Dangers of Driving at Night Because you didn’t have an understanding of your drive times
The rules of the road change by night whilst on an East Africa Self drive Safari. Just a few drivers will drive without headlights and or with just one headlight working, Drunk driving is common, East Africans like to party whilst sipping of a Jack Daniels before they seat back onto the steering wheel and drive back home.
We avoid driving at night except the route between Entebbe and Kampala but usually – no night driving in the countryside, there is also the extra reason for potential for roadside thefts which at times end up in murders if you resist theft.
Leave the Driving to us and enjoy the journey:
We know East Africa; Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. We have driven these roads for year, we live here and we know the rules back here.
You just landed, know nothing about the many unconventional behaviors of Eat African driving, like the constant flashing of lights, blinking of left or right turn signals and the significance of each.
Should we encounter a vehicle break down, we always have a plan B, we know what to do and we have more than drivers, we have driver-guides that give you that extra that you do not get on an East Africa self drive safari .
The Phrase “Safari “–is a journey, usually a trip by tourists to Africa. In the past, the trip was often a big-game hunt, but today, safari often refers to trips to observe and photograph wildlife—or hiking and sight-seeing as well..
East Africa Self Drive Safari companies do their best to help you save a FEW dollars $$, however, we go a step further… we take care of the entire safari at round about the price you lose trying to cover the risks that come with self drive. Our safaris utilize real Safari Vehicles with pop-up /slide roofs for a 360° wildlife viewing and photography driven by an experienced driver – guide instead of worrying about the next turn in the road.
If you have any further questions and or concerns regarding an East Africa Self Drive Safari, please leave us a comment below or directly write us a private email. we will respond in the next 24 hours.
