My East African Self-Drive Safari Adventure
It was last December when I took my Christmas leave from work, and I was eager to try something new. I had always heard people talking about self-drive safaris in East Africa. One evening at home, I opened my laptop and started searching for the best way to explore East Africa affordably. Most bloggers recommended going self-drive, and they explained their reasons. Since I’m a loner, I saw it as the perfect option.
The next step was figuring out how I would move around. I considered my Toyota Corolla (model 2000), but it seemed too weak for the job. Many bloggers recommended using a strong 4×4 vehicle, especially since I planned to visit different national parks. That’s when I turned to car rental companies. I searched online for various agencies and inquired with many to compare prices.
I checked reviews from past clients on TripAdvisor and found that 4×4 Uganda Ltd had the best ratings. They offered a fair price—$75 per day to hire a Land Cruiser, which was more than enough for me. After agreeing on everything, I paid a commitment fee of $100 and waited for the car to be delivered to my residence.
On December 12, 2024, the driver who delivered the car arrived at my location and found me when I was already set for the trip. He was very professional—he showed me how everything worked in the car, and we signed the rental agreement. I paid the balance, and within 20 minutes, he handed me the keys. I was ready to begin my adventure.
The Land Cruiser that took me around East Africa
After packing everything I needed for the safari, I started by driving to Jinja in eastern Uganda, with a stop at Mabira Forest for some photos. I continued to Jinja for lunch, then visited the Busowoko Waterfalls until late afternoon. I returned to Jinja town for dinner at Hangout Jinja before heading to the Source of the Nile in the evening. After this amazing adventure, I checked in at Explorers River Camp for dinner and overnight—ending my first day of the safari.
My next destination was Sipi Falls, about a 3-hour drive from Jinja. That evening, I prepared myself and woke up at 9 a.m. for breakfast. Around midday, I hit the road, stopping in Mbale Town for lunch before proceeding to the Sipi area. I arrived in the evening and headed straight to Rafiki Lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The following day was dedicated to exploring the Sipi area, especially the Sipi Falls. After breakfast at the lodge, I transferred to the falls, located approximately 2 km from Rafiki Lodge. I began the day with a guided hike to the three stunning waterfalls—each offering unique views and photo opportunities. Later, I visited a local coffee farm to learn about Bugisu Arabica coffee and enjoyed a fresh brew. Lunch was at Sipi Heritage Lodge, which offers panoramic views of Mount Elgon. In the afternoon, I tried abseiling down the main waterfall. The day ended with a sunset viewpoint overlooking the valley, followed by dinner and overnight at Sipi Heritage Lodge.
The next day, I prepared for a long drive from eastern Uganda through Kapchorwa, crossing into Kenya via the Suam Border Post, and continuing to Nakuru—a journey that took over 7 hours. I arrived in Nakuru Town in the evening and checked in at Sandalwood Suites Nakuru for dinner and overnight.
The following morning, I woke up early and drove to explore Lake Naivasha National Park, about 1.5 hours away. The day began with a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to spot hippos and birds, followed by a guided walking safari on Crescent Island among giraffes and antelopes. I had lunch at a lakeside lodge before preparing for a 3-hour drive to Nairobi. I arrived late in the evening and checked in at the Bomas of Kenya for dinner and overnight.
I couldn’t leave Nairobi without experiencing its famous nightlife. Around 9 p.m., while having dinner at the Bomas of Kenya, I asked the waitress about the best nightclub in the area. She recommended The Alchemist in Westlands. After dinner, I returned to my room, got ready, and ordered an Uber ride—expecting to enjoy some drinks. I wasn’t disappointed.
The night at The Alchemist was amazing. The place buzzed with energy—live DJs played Afro-house, hip-hop, and electronic beats across open-air dance floors. Eclectic crowds mingled under string lights, sipping cocktails and enjoying pop-up performances and film screenings. I stayed until 2 a.m., then ordered an Uber back to the Bomas of Kenya.
The next day, I woke up late—around 11 a.m.—and had a relaxed breakfast. After lunch, I headed to Nairobi National Park, located just a few kilometers from the city center. The evening began with a guided game drive as the sun set, casting golden hues over the savannah and increasing the chances of spotting lions, giraffes, and rhinos. I visited the picnic sites at Impala Point to unwind with panoramic views. As dusk fell, the sounds of wildlife stirred—an unforgettable way to end the day in Kenya’s iconic urban wilderness. I returned to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
The following morning, I woke up early for breakfast and prepared to leave Nairobi for Tsavo East National Park. I stopped in the city center to shop for water, snacks, and other necessities before embarking on the 5-hour drive. I arrived in Tsavo in the evening, had a late lunch at Salt Lick Safari Lodge, and relaxed until dinner and overnight.
I spent the next full day exploring both Tsavo East and West. After breakfast, I started with Tsavo East, where vast savannahs host red elephants, lions, and graceful giraffes. I enjoyed the Galana River and the rugged beauty of the Yatta Plateau. After lunch at the lodge, I explored Tsavo West’s dramatic landscapes—lava flows, volcanic hills, and the lush Mzima Springs, teeming with hippos and crocodiles. I spotted elusive leopards and enjoyed panoramic views from Poacher’s Lookout. The day was incredible, and I ended it with dinner and an overnight at Severin Safari Camp in Tsavo West.
The next day began with an en-route game drive as I left Tsavo National Park, crossed the border into Tanzania, and continued to Arusha. I had lunch and checked in at Arusha Backpackers Hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
The following morning, I traveled to Lake Manyara National Park. After breakfast and some light shopping in Arusha, I drove over 150 km to the park. I arrived in the afternoon and checked in at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge for lunch. Later, I embarked on an evening game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, where I spotted tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, zebras, and a diverse array of birds, including flamingos. After this amazing experience, I returned to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
I was about to experience the highlight of my safari: the visit to the mighty Ngorongoro Crater. The day started with a morning drive from Lake Manyara, heading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is approximately 130 km away. I reached the park in the afternoon, checked in at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge for lunch, and later in the evening, I enjoyed a scenic game drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands.
After enjoying a day of adventure in Ngorongoro Crater, the next morning, I drove to Serengeti National Park, a journey that took almost four hours to reach Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge. I arrived at the Serengeti in the afternoon. Since I had started the journey a bit early, I had lunch and got ready to take an evening game drive in the park. That offered me an excellent opportunity to see animals as the heat of the day subsides.