How To Prepare For a Perfect Road trip In East Africa

Prepare For a Perfect Road, There’s no question about it; road trips are awesome. Regardless of what country you’re driving in, so if you’re preparing for a road trip for the first time, there are certain things that you should be aware of. Much as road trips are fun, the first one can however be challenging and stressful. Therefore a 4×4 car is highly recommended if you are to drive safely on East Africa’s roads through Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi. When you’re preparing a road trip, make sure you account for these road trips tips so you can get to your destination safely and comfortably. A successful road trip will stay with you for life.  It’s up to you to choose where to go, when to go and what kind of budget you’ll have. Here are our top tips for driving in East Africa; we hope that these ideas will help you to stay positive while getting ready for a road trip for that rather long adventurous journey!

Fill Up As Much As Possible

I’ve heard so many stories from Ugandans and tourists alike they waited until their tank was almost empty before looking for a petrol station. A lot of these stories end with people making it just in time, but there are the few that got stuck on the side of the road. While some roads will frequently have petrol stations, you’re also going to be on roads where you won’t see one for hours most especially in the rural areas, so it’s better to fill your tank before living major east African towns because you will never know where to find your next gas station. You’re advised not to allow your gauge to go below quarter tank.

Choose the Right Car

If you can afford it, a high clearance vehicle is your best option for East Africa countries. A 4WD will make it easier driving the roads in East Africa, but it’s not a necessity. The conditions have improved a lot over the last couple of years. Though in some areas and most of the interesting places to visit around East Africa require a strong 4 wheel drive car due to the nature of the roads in the area. The roads are bad and sometimes impassable especially in the rain season; therefore the vehicle must also be well serviced and ready to take you off the beaten track.  A spare wheel and knowledge to fix a puncture will be helpful.

Don’t Always Rely on Google Maps for directions

For the most part, Google Maps will get you where you need to go. However, East Africa doesn’t have cell phone signal across the whole of its countries.  GPS is very important. You can come with one from your home country, loaded with East Africa maps, or you can rent one from the car rental company. It will help you with road directions and speed limits. Road Maps are also very important. Make sure you get updated travel road maps. These are sometimes offered with the car, or you can buy from shopping malls and Bookshops.

Avoid Driving at Night – Prepare For a Perfect Road 

It can be tempting to drive through the night, but it’s not the wisest decision. There are a lot of trucks and long distance buses on the main national roads that often drive at crazy speeds. You also won’t be able to see potholes as easily and getting a puncture at 1 AM is not fun for anyone. Some countries in East Africa like Uganda have no street lights on the highways as well as fluorescent line markings, thus making it very difficult to drive with only head lamps.  Some highways are also not safe at night, there robbers.

 Pack the Essentials – Prepare For a Perfect Road 

When preparing for a perfect road, don’t not forget to park some food staffs and drinks, this will help you save some money and stay within the budget. There are also many other items that will be essential. Pack a torch or flashlight, batteries, chargers and toilet paper. Don’t forget about tent or sleeping bags, water bottles, a small stove and other items that you need in your everyday life. Plus, don’t forget your travel documents like passport or nation ID, a driver’s license, and any other important paper in a waterproof bag especially if your road will involve cross some boards. Imagine a trip around East Africa, from Uganda to Rwanda, then Burundi into Tanzania and ending up in Kenya; fun right.

Keep Some Solid Money – Prepare For a Perfect Road 

You may need to refuel your car or grab a snack for yourself. Avoid credit cards. They are hardly used outside the cities. Carry solid cash. An alternative would be to carry your exchange on mobile-money systems. The mobile money centers in the East African countries are numerous and you can always withdraw from an agent or pay directly using your mobile phone. Foodstuffs in rural areas are very affordable too. Your money can save you lots of grocery shopping. This one of the most vital tips for a perfect trip. Never forget about it when you are preparing for a road trip.