The process of border crossing with a rented vehicle.

One of the most exciting ways to discover the best of East Africa is through travelling. Your round journey takes you through stunning landscapes, rich cultures and warm hospitality of the natives. From Uganda’s peaceful climate, the lush forests, the monumental equator, flowing to Rwanda’s rolling hills, to the vast savannahs of Tanzania and the cool relaxational coastlines of Kenya, you are assured of a memorable exploration. With a rented vehicle from Self Drive Rwanda a tour operator under Active African Vacations, you are assured of a safe and well monitored /guided/monitored cross border safari.

As you plan your safari across East Africa mainly through Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya, there are some important requirements and information you should know.

The process of border crossing with a rented vehicle

General travel tips /rules

As you plan your cross-border trip, you should stay updated with the following

Before setting travel dates and accommodation, first define what you want, is it wildlife, culture, adventure or connections. this will help you to focus on what you want at a particular moment during your trip.

– Though you have big dreams for your trip, plan realistically. Budget your time to spend in a place/country, find the right and comfortable accommodation that fits your budget. if you are unable to determine this by yourself, your car rental operator will assist you.

– Know your safari style. are you travelling solo, with family, as a couple or friends? this will enable you determine your accommodation style. it may be lodging, mobile camping in public tents or in roof top tents.

– Safaris across East Africa are always complex and require 30 – 45 days for a successful adventure, the use/help of a travel specialist is highly recommended.

– Learn more about different tourism opportunities, culture and behavior of people, all this through questionnaire to your travel agency, ask questions like;

What wildlife can be found in a particular place in the country? What kind of accommodation suits your specified travelers? What is best type of vehicle to be used for such a round trip? How do the rangers manage wildlife? How to behave while in the parks? which are the unique and unmissable experiences in each country? Inquire about the length between different destinations, the road net work in each country and the terrain in wildlife parks among others…

-Pack wisely because East African weather is unpredictable. Mornings and evenings are always chiily, afternoons are hot and places close to the Indian ocean and other large water bodies have different weather conditions compared to in land.

Here are some items you should not forget on every safari

1.Neutral coloured clothing (avoid bright colors)

2.Warm jackets/sweater, hat, and sunglasses

Light clothing (that dries easily), a scarf,

4.First aid kit with some prescribed drugs, insect repellent and sunscreen

5.Comfortable walking shoes, hiking boots and simple sandals.

6.Powerbank, Camera, binoculars and spare batteries etc…

– Try to behave thoughtfully. it’s not a must that you will see what you anticipated because some animals are nocturnal, others feed during the day, while others are always on the move.

– While in the park, always listen to the rangers’ instructions, do not move out of your vehicle, animals have a right of way, do not feed the animals, avoid loud noises and respect the animals and the people you find in these places.

Always be flexible and ready to adhere with the rules in each country. Border points have varying waiting time.

Travel requirements across East Africa with a rented vehicle.

Land Cruiser Roof top Tents

Car rental agreement and documents.

All East African nations have different rules for vehicles from other countries. Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, all need clear paperwork for motor vehicles that are registered in one country to be able to go into and around another.

Your rental company should provide the provided proper documentation for the vehicle that prove that you are authorized to cross to another country and the vehicle is also permitted for border crossings.

. A COMESA-Yellow card, third party insurance

. Vehicle logbook and proof of ownership

. A written, signed and stamped letter authorizing the traveler to cross to another country with the vehicle.

Visa requirements

Some African countries are visa free to East African countries but as a tourist, you should first check your country visa status to east Africa.

For international visitors, an East African Tourist Visa must be booked at $100 per person to allow you travel through Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. This is a one entry visa valid for 30 days. Tanzania provides an ordinary visa at $50, valid for 90 days, a multiple entry visa at $100 , valid for a year. So, as a tourist, you can choose the most appropriate depending on the length of your stay in the country.

Passport

A valid passport is a key requirement for any one to enter another country. It must have validity of six months left.

It should have at least three blank pages.

Road rules and local driving tips.

East African countries have different rules and regulations regarding traffic and road safety. All roads have safety signs, but the speed limit varies. In Rwanda, its strictly 60 km/hr. Be ready to adjust with the driving side as Rwanda drives on the right. Roads are always crowded hence should respect other road users.

Healthy

Before you set off for your East African safari, it advisable to have medical check ups and have guidance of a health worker on how to cope with different weather conditions. Some countries require showing proof of yellow fever and COVID 19 vaccinations and include a first aid kit in your travel pack.

Currency and money exchange

Its always important to know the local currency of each country. Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania use shillings while Rwanda uses Francs. Be prepared to exchange some of your Dollar or Euro notes into local currencies when still travelling in bigger towns and cities because some rural areas do not have ATMs and some accommodations do not accept foreign currency. Exchanging money will also help you to buy some goods from the natives and tipping at the hotel and in parks.

Emergency contacts

Keeping in good communication with your travel agent is crucial. You should have their local numbers saved in your phones; this will help you to reach out to them in case of breakdown or any other issues.

One Way Car Rental Rwanda

Uganda – Kenya borders

Busia border post

Malaba border post

Rwanda- Tanzania

–Rusumo border : located at the Rusumo falls, this border post is located in Gatsibo district in Rwanda and Ngara district in Tanzania.

Uganda – Tanzania

Mutukula border: Found between Kyotera district in Uganda and Misenyi district in Tanzania.

Kenya- Tanzania borders

Namanga (connecting Nairobi to Arusha)
Taveta (connecting Tsavo to Moshi)
Isebania (Connecting Masai Mara to Serengeti)
Loitokitok (Connecting Amboseli to Kilimanjaro)

Best vehicles for a cross – border trip.

East Africa has varying land scapes thus the need for strong and capable vehicles for one to have a successful cross-country adventure.

When it comes to savanna parks, mountainous areas and traversing rural areas in these countries, a tourist enjoys the best of African massage.

Choosing vehicles like Toyota hilux, Land cruiser Prado Tz/ Tx, Extended land cruisers, Toyota Hiace vans is the best option for such long safaris. the vehicle you choose should have a good air conditioner, full-time 4×4 WD, comfortable seats and good suspension.

It’s also advisable to reach out for vehicle that consumes fuel within your budget, diesel engines are always preferred.

The vehicle should have enough space for your luggage and if you have a camping trip, it should have a roof rack.

Those travelling as family or group, 7–9-seater vehicles are most convenient for comfort. Inspect the before setting off, have tool kits, spare tires and safety kit.