2. Namibia
Located in the southwestern part of the African continent, Namibia is also among the safest countries for the self-drive encounter. The country is known for its safest roads, low population density, and a stable political environment. With a total surface area of about 825,615 square kilometers, the Namibia is known for protecting several attractions including national parks, reserves, and others. Among these attractions include Etosha national park, Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, and others. Within these destinations, fancy your eyes with different attractions like wildlife, dunes, and many others.
As you plan your travel to Namibia, remember to carry plenty of water and fuel due to the distances between towns. Also, try to drive cautiously on gravel roads to avoid tyre damage.
3. Botswana
This is a landlocked country in the southern part of Africa. It is ranked among the safest self-drive destinations on the black continent. Botswana is ranked among the safest destinations due to its strong eco-tourism policy, well-managed parks, and low crime rates in remote safari areas. During the self-drive experience, visit destinations like Chobe National park which is famous for the massive elephants, Moremi game reserve which offers a mix of wetlands and savannah and also Okavango Delta which is known for offering incredible boat trips.
Note: As you are preparing your self-drive experience in Botswana, a 4×4 vehicle is required in most parks, especially during the rainy season. Also, move with a recovery gear and a GPS as some tracks are remote.
4. Kenya
Located in the Eastern part of Africa, Kenya is another destination which is safe for the self-drive experience. With a total surface area of about 580,367 square kilometers, the country is known for its well-maintained road system especially in the popular parks thus making the self-driving relatively easy. Ranking as the 48 the largest country in the world, Kenya protects a number of tourism destinations
including its capital and largest city – Nairobi and its oldest and second largest city is the coastal city of Mombasa.
Other important cities in the country are Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret. Besides cities, the country also features a number of attractions including its savannah, the Great Rift Valley, lakes and mountain
highlands. Also, Kenya is a home to diverse wildlife species like the lions, rhinos, elephants, wildebeests, zebras, and others in different safari destinations like Tsavo national park which is famous for the man eaters, Aberdare national park, Lake Nakuru national park famous for the flamingos, Mount Kenya national park, Nairobi national park, Masai Mara national reserve and Amboseli national park which provides splendid views of the Africa’s highest mountain- Kilimanjaro.
5. Tanzania
Situated within the African Great Lakes region, Tanzania is also ranked among the safe self-drive destinations in Africa. The country borders Uganda to the north, Kenya to the northeast, the Comoro Islands and the Indian Ocean to the east, Mozambique and Malawi to the south, Zambia to the southwest and then Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. With an area of approximately 947,303 square kilometers, Tanzania encompasses a variety of attractions including Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro.
Also, the country is known for its remote landscapes and iconic wildlife species like the lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and many others. These attractions can be spotted in several destinations like Kilimanjaro National Park, Serengeti National Park, Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Masai Mara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and many others. From the amazing national
parks, you can continue to the beautiful islands of the country like Zanzibar, Mafia and the marine parks which host whale sharks and the coral reefs.
6. The Republic of Uganda
Also referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is another destination on the African continent that offers safe and incredible self-drive experiences. The country borders Kenya to the East, South Sudan to the North, Democratic Republic of Congo to the West, Tanzania to the South and Rwanda to the southwest. In its southern part, the country includes a portion of the second largest freshwater lake – Lake Victoria, shared with Kenya and Tanzania.
As you drive through the country, explore diverse attractions like the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, abundant wildlife like lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, waterbucks, and many others. The country is also a sanctuary to almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
In the northwest, explore the mighty waterfalls at Murchison Falls National Park and then move to the western region of the country to watch the playful chimpanzees in Kibale National park. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will find the rare tree-climbing lions and enjoy a stress-free life on a boat cruise at the Kazinga channel. Self-drive experience in Uganda will surely be a lifetime story to tell, since it gives you a chance to watch the rare golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park.
Tips for the safe self drive experience in all the destinations
1. Stick to speed limits and road rules.
2. Keep windows up when near wildlife.
3. Carry maps, GPS, and extra supplies.
4. Book accommodation and campsites in advance.
5. Avoid driving at night, especially outside urban areas.
