Self-drive tips
Keep in mind these following essential tips while driving in any destination of your choice in Africa.
- Rent/hire a spacious 4×4 Car
To make traveling on your African self-drive adventure as comfortable as possible, ensure to book a well-spaced 4×4. The car will allow you to rest and enjoy every point of your adventure since you will be traveling for long, longer hours. This will give you enough leg room as well to relax.
- Follow Driving Rules
Ensure to know the driving rules of the country of choice. For these will make it easier for you to transfer from one place to another. For example some countries drive on the left hand side where as others drive on the right. Follow the road signs as well so as not to get into any accidents for this will enable you transfer to the destination of your choice safely.
- Carry your valid driver’s permit
In order to enjoy traveling along the roads in Africa , ensure to carry your valid driver’s license so as to travel conveniently along the roads. You won’t be penalized by the police as long as you have the right documents to allow you to travel to any destination of your choice. These should be international to enable you transfer along the roads in any country.
- Overtaking precautions
When traveling to any destination of your choice and you wish to overtake any vehicle, ensure to indicate to the car/driver in front of you that you want to overtake them for if you don’t you might get into an unexpected accident.
- Carry the right gadgets
While transferring to the various safari destinations of your choice ensure to carry a GPS to direct you along the different routes in the country as well as travel maps.
- Fuel/Gas stations
Many countries around the continent have fuel stations where you can fill up your tank before transferring for your remarkable safari adventure experience. The fuel is affordable to all kinds of travelers transferring on holiday vacation.
- Watch for wildlife
There is a lot of wildlife crossing roads in East African Countries mostly Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya . It is obviously not the most desirable thing to collide with any living creature, but having a a wildlife crashing into the driver’s cabin might cause more than a guilty conscience.
- Pace yourself
Sharp corners, potholes and the wildlife might call for sudden changes in direction, which are even harder to manage on gravel roads. So slow down and enjoy the ride.
- Mind your weight
Clearance and manoeuvrability are major issues and both are affected by overloading. So make sure you have the right sized vehicle for whatever you need to carry.
- Tire Pressure
If you go into 4WD terrain it is advisable to slightly reduce tire pressure. Just make sure to bring a pump and restore the status quo when you get back onto tarred roads.
- Lights on
Driving on dry gravel roads might get you caught in a cloud of dust. Switching on your lights might not increase your visibility but I will allow other drivers to see you.
- See the signs
Speed limits and warning signs are there for a reason. So comply with the instructions, it’s that simple.