Exploring Africa on a self-drive adventure can be a truly unforgettable experience, offering the freedom to discover the continent at your own pace. Africa is the world’s second largest and second most populous continent after Asia with about 54 countries in different regions like East, South, west, and Northern region. In these regions, there are seven countries that are highly recommended for a self-drive trip on the continent and among these include the listed below:
- Namibia:
Located in the southern part of Africa, along the western border of Atlantic Ocean, Namibia is the birthplace of Self-drive safaris in Africa. The country shares borders with different countries like Zambia, Angola, Botswana, and South Africa. With total surface area of 825,615 square kilometers, the country was named after the oldest desert in the world – Namib desert and it is renowned for being blessed with diversity of wildlife and culture making it one of the most iconic destinations for African road trips.
The roads are great and often empty of traffic since the country is known as one of the smallest populations in Africa but with vast landscapes. During the self-drive tours, explore different destinations like Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park, Fish River Canyon, Swakopmund and many others. Namibia offers stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and well-maintained roads, making it an ideal destination for self-drivers.
- South Africa:
South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent ranked among the best countries for the self-drive countries. Stretching over an area of 1,221,037 square kilometers, South Africa offers visitors a wide range of attractions, including wildlife, urban leisure, cultural experiences, and beaches that can be explored during self-drive activities. These activities are permitted in every National Park in South Africa, including Cango Caves, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Mpumalanga, Kruger, and all the tourist destinations like cultural sites and islands. Also, one can have self-drive tours in the urban areas of the country like Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town has proven to be the best option.
- Rwanda
Located in the heart of the Albertine Rift, Rwanda is one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions and a haven of rainforest. Besides its small size of 26,338 square kilometers, Rwanda is a home to different tourist destinations that are good for a self-drive experience. Among these destinations include one of the Virunga massifs – Volcanoes national park which hosts the most visited attraction in the country – endangered mountain gorilla. Other destinations include Nyungwe forest national park, Akagera national park, cities, reserves, historical sites like Kigali genocide monarchy, museums and many others. Sharing a border with Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo, a self-drive trip in Rwanda will help you have a perfect combination with other countries.
- Morocco
Officially the kingdom of Morocco, Morocco is a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Atlantic Ocean to the west and them land borders with Algeria. Spanning at a total surface area of 446,300 square kilometers, the country protects a number of attractions that can be explored during a self-drive trip. Among the Morocco tourism destinations include; Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, Fes, Marrakech. Aside the mentioned places, Morocco also offers a unique blend of cultures, stunning landscapes, and ancient cities and a self-drive trip allows you to explore all these and the rugged countryside.
- Tanzania:
Officially the United Republic of Tanzania, Tanzania is an East African country within the African Great Lakes region along the international borders of Uganda, Kenya, Indian, Ocean, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo.
With a total surface area of 947,303 square kilometers, Tanzania is renowned for its incredible wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty and almost 38% of its total land has been set aside for conservation of the wildlife both animals and plants. The country is ranked among the best tourism destinations for both guided and self-drive safaris with 21 national parks, 32 controlled areas, about 30 reserved areas, mountains, forests and many others. Among the areas to encounter the self-drive safaris include; Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro and many others. Not only parks are good for a visit during a self-drive trip in Tanzania but also towns and cities like Arusha, Dar es salaam, Mwanza, and the beautiful beaches and islands in Zanzibar. Also, you can enjoy cultural experiences with different tribes like the Masai, museums, Bomas and others.
- Uganda:
Located in the eastern part of Africa, Uganda is another destination on the continent perfect for a self-drive safari. The country is landlocked bordering several countries in different directions like Kenya in the east, South Sudan to the north, DR Congo to the west, Tanzania to the south and Rwanda to south western direction.
Stretching over an area of approximately 241,038 square kilometers, Uganda is a home to different attractions including 10 national parks, reserves, towns and cities and many others. Among the national parks include; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (for gorilla trekking), Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori mountains national park, Kidepo valley national park, Lake Mburo national park and many others. While in these destinations, have different views of unique attractions like the magnificent mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the big African five, powerful waterfalls, virgin and rich vegetation zones, and the mighty Rwenzori mountains.
While in wildlife safaris in Uganda like Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls, Lake Mburo and Kidepo national parks, self-drives will be more enjoying if a traveler books a good vehicle like 4WD with a pop-up roof since it can easily access all terrains and surfaces and also provide excellent views.
- Kenya:
Kenya is an East African country bordered by different countries like South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania and Indian Ocean. The country is named after Mount Kenya, its highest summit and the second highest on the African continent. Experiencing the mighty Kenya at your own pace is one of the adventurous and amazing things to encounter. While in your comfort zone and at your own pace, enjoy the natural attractions of the country like Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi, Diani Beach and many others.
Also, during the drives, explore Kenya’s cultural landmarks like the Maasai societies where you will enjoy their traditional customs like foods, practices like dances and drams and others. Renowned for its abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes, self-driving in Kenya can provide a more immersive experience of the country’s natural beauty.
Remember to thoroughly research and plan your route, ensure your vehicle is suitable for the terrain, and be aware of local driving regulations. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan and be prepared for any unexpected situations.
Enjoy your African adventure!
