I had a chance to rent a car from 4×4 Car Hire Uganda for good 29 days traversing Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda at first it looked impossible but with the help of the company everything was truly managed well.
I was picked from Jomo Kenyatta Airport by Emma and he handled the 4×4 Land Cruiser GX and I started with Samburu which was overwhelming with the special 5 like the Gerenuk and later on to Ol Pejeta for the only surviving northern white rhino and many cats.
The wildlife and un-spoilt landscapes are abundant in Samburu with the Nomadic elephants that are spotted below, hippos emit echoed grunts, and you are never too far from lions or leopards. But a safari in Samburu is more about going off the beaten track than ticking off a list of sights.
Come to explore nature untamed and come to discover ancient tribal lifestyles. Wildlife is wonderfully eclectic, from giraffe loping bashfully across the land.
A self-drive tour in Kenya‘s Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the favourite places to see the Rhinos are the remarkable highlight and there aren’t many places in Africa where we have seen both black and white species on the same game drive.
Set up in 1960 to protect the birdlife in the plains surrounding the lake, this beautiful area is brimming with 450 species of colourful birds, with many vibrant wings fluttering around the lodges.
Although once famous for its huge populations of flamingo, sadly the number has started to dwindle, with the higher levels of water changing the alkalinity of the lake and reducing the algae on which these pink beauties feed.
A visit to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Mara land was so unique and I believe it will always be not forgetting the magical migration moments. Visit between August to late October when the Wildebeest migration is happening. Ideal location is Mara serene it is not too far from Mara River.
Early morning and evening game drives are great. You may have to wait a while to watch the crossing. My guide told us it depends on many factors, do the animals feel safe and they also take time to decide. It is worth it though. The drive back to camp especially if it was an evening drive you will enjoy the sun setting.
I further pushed to Serengeti – oh my goodness this was gold in the hands. Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s most visited park, and with a good reason. From the moment you enter the gates, wildlife surrounds you in astounding numbers and variety. The highlight event is the annual wildebeest migration, and being able to witness a part of this is an unforgettable experience.
The Serengeti is also known for its high density of predators, and the chance to watch lions and other cats and often at very close range is another treat. I also liked the Serengeti’s quieter side, its wealth of birds and its nature-filled stillness. Shorter safaris concentrate on the well-visited central Serengeti.
With more time and depending on the season, I would also recommend spending at least part of your Serengeti itinerary in the western corridor around the Grumeti River or in the far north and you will not regret.
Ngorongoro Crater was as well unique with almost all Savannah animal species that you need while in east Africa. The crater is twofold experience being both an amazing geological site and of course filled with all kinds of animals that make for a great game drive. I even got a distanced glimpse of three rhinos playing together in the distance.
The drive down to the crater was good given the excellent ascent/descent road which was very much appreciated. There were plenty of animals on the floor of the crater including lions, elephants, cape buffalo, hippos, etc. I even saw a little baby hippo which was precious. Even though it is a long day the crater is well worth visiting for the amazing views and the local wildlife.
The old stretched Land Cruiser was a perfect vehicle for me, if you visit and spend time in parks for wildlife photography. I covered many miles during our 29 days trip. Don’t expect new cars, this is Africa; you need a tough and reliable vehicle, preferably one, where minor mechanical issues can be fixed self.
Enjoy the journey, I certainly did and can recommend a self- drive with a car from 4×4 Car Hire Uganda that can cover East Africa and we finished our trip in Uganda’s parks like Lake Mburo, Bwindi, Queen and then Murchison Falls National Park and when we return we will be discovering Kidepo and the entire Karamoja region.
