Overlanding in East Africa – Kenya , Tanzania to Cape Town ; Self Drive Africa
If your planning to overlanding in East Africa for unique experiences including border crossing from Kenya to Tanzania , Uganda to Rwanda on a unique East African tourists visa with 4wd Africa for once a life time overlanding experience. An Africa overland tour includes the unique experiences like Wildebeest migration, Mountaineering, Gorilla Trekking, Zip Lining, River Nile cold breeze which are extra ordinary adventures recommended to all travelers on Self drive holidays.
Here are some notes I jotted down based on my experience!
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bring a spork and plate-bowl at minimum, but i would reco a bowl + plate cause some meals there is soup + main course, cereal + toast, etc. bring a tupperware with lid to store meals in the fridge (but heads up fridge space is limited)
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bring a warmer sleeping bag than i did lol. mine says 15 C is comfortable but let me tell you friends, it was not comfortable on night 1
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double up your mats if possible (mats are provided, pillows/sleeping bag/dishes are not. i <3 my compressible thermarest pillow, $35 from mec)
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bring sufficient shampoo + soap if you enjoy feeling clean occasionally like me
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bring long pants + shirts for evenings to shield from the mosquitos
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defs need malaria pills + yellow fever shot
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take out plenty of local $$ for optional activities, but there is usually a stop at an atm (/mall where we usually buy lunch for the next few days) every 2-3 days. so far i am glad i did every single optional activity — you’re on the trip of a lifetime, don’t skimp out!! also, sleep when you’re dead
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just prepare to be v dusty, all the time. even driving will cake your face in dust
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bring polysporin in case you’re like me and get smoked in the face by a safari vehicle roof lol ok ..
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need good hiking/walking shoes, as well as sandals that can get wet, eg havaianas. make sure they go with your cute safari outfits lol kidding (or am i)
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lots of early mornings, but did i mention sleep when you’re dead
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there are chargers on da bus, but bring a portable batt pack just in case
Gorilla Trekking as Overlander in Uganda
Uganda is often the ‘surprise package’ on an overland tour in East Africa. I say this because in spite of not having major attractions that compare to the Serengeti or Masai Mara in neighboring countries, overland tours in Uganda offer a great local experience. The country feels more untouched, primitive and less developed than Kenya, Tanzania etc and you will likely talk with more locals in Uganda than anywhere else on your overland tour. Trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is literally a once in a lifetime experience and Jinja is the activity capital of East Africa. Whitewater rafting the River Nile? Quad biking through villages? Volunteering at a local school? These are the type of activities on offer in Jinja!
Most overland tours in Uganda involve a trip to see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park. This park is located near Kisoro in the very east of the country and most operators offer a return trip to see the gorillas which starts and ends in Nairobi, Kenya. This means you would join your tour after arriving at Nairobi airport and travel through Kenya and Uganda on the tour. You will also likely return to this same starting point in Nairobi after completing a round-trip (loop) to see the gorillas. While some operators offer to start your tour in Uganda and finish in Kenya, I personally think these itineraries are rushed and not as enjoyable as the route mentioned above.
I used to provide details for a contact in Kisoro, Uganda through which you could book a short tour and essentially get a gorilla permit direct. This option is no longer a good idea because you have no fall back/insurance in the event of something going wrong with your gorilla permit. This can absolutely happen and this is why I strongly recommend booking a trip with a company that, even in the event of a problem arising, will ensure get to see the gorillas. But which overland tour or wildlife safari in Uganda do I recommend you consider?
