11 Days Paradise in the Wilderness – Tanzania Explore: Kilimanjoro, Arusha, Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro. 11 Days Paradise in the Wilderness
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Self-driving in East Africa can be an incredible experience, offering the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, before hitting the road, it’s essential to understand the driving regulations, including whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to enjoy an ultimate safari. An IDP is not a must have for you to go for a self-drive safari in Tanzania and other African countries. You can still use your local driving for a period of maximum of 3 month and that is when you will be mandated to have an international driving permit. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Africa on a short self drive trip, you will not need the IDP, just carry your local permit and you will be good to go.
Why Choose Self-Drive in East Africa?
Unrivalled Flexibility and Freedom
You may make your own schedule, stop whenever you’d like, and enjoy the trip anywhere you see fit when you rent a self-drive car. There is no pressure to adhere to set schedules or tour groups.
Affordable Travel Option
Self-driving is frequently less expensive than taking a guided tour or hiring a driver. You’ll experience the excitement of driving in some of the most picturesque places on earth as you spend less money.
Explore Hidden Gems
Beyond the typical tourist destinations, East Africa has a wealth of undiscovered treasures. Discover the true beauty of the area with a self-drive tour, which takes you to isolated settlements and unmarked trails.
Adventure at Your Own Pace
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a cultural explorer, self-driving allows you to take your time soaking in the experiences that matter most to you. You have enough time to view a number of attractions with out hearing from one’s opinion.
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An IDP is a document that translates your national driving license into multiple languages, making it easier for foreign authorities to verify your credentials. It is not a standalone document but must be used alongside your original driver’s license. Actuary International driving licence is not a driving permit in its own. It is just a translation of your local driving permit to help people in countries you are visiting to understand it. The IDP can be applied for from the country that issued your driving permit or it can be applied for from online.
Do You Need an IDP in East African Countries?
The requirement for an IDP depends on the country you are driving in and the duration of your stay with in that country.
Uganda
You need to note that an IDP is very crucial in Uganda. If you hold a valid national driver’s license from an English-speaking country, you can use it for up to three months if you have not carried your IDP. However, for those from non-English-speaking countries be advised to carry an IDP for the easy translation of your driving permit. After three months, you must obtain a Ugandan driving permit.
Kenya
If you have a valid drivers license from your home country, you may not need an international driving permit to drive in Kenya especially those who are visiting for a short period.
However, to rent in Kenya, you need to know the following rules.
A driving License. Make sure your national driving license must be valid and translated into English. This requirement will help you embark on an extreme self driving adventure.
Driving Tips in Kenya
Some national parks require 4×4 vehicles due to rugged terrain.
Watch out for wildlife crossing roads, especially near reserves.
Driving is on the left-hand side.
Tanzania
A valid foreign driving license is acceptable for up to three months.
If the license is not in English, an IDP is required. For the long-term residents, you need to obtain a Tanzanian driving permit too.
Driving Tips in Tanzania
Roads in parks can be challenging so it is highly re recommendable to carry a 4×4 safari vehicle.
Check for seasonal road conditions, especially during the rainy season.
Driving is on the left-hand side.
Rwanda
Tourists can drive with their home country’s license for up to one year.
An IDP is required if the original license is not in English or French.
If staying beyond a year, you must get a Rwandan driving license.
Driving Tips in Rwanda
Roads are in excellent condition, but mountainous terrain requires careful driving.
Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially in urban areas.
Driving is on the right-hand side.
Burundi
A foreign driver’s license is valid for up to one year.
If the license is not in English or French, an IDP is required.
After a year, a Burundian driving license is necessary.
WHERE TO OBTAIN AN IDP DOCUMENT FROM?
An international driving permit (IDP) can usually be obtained through your home country through authorized automobile associations for example
Auto mobile Associations. This is the main body in many countries that is in charge for issuing IDPS. Examples of them include USA (AAA), (AATA), (CAA) and many more.
A valid driver’s license
Passport-sized photos
A small fee (varies by country)
SOME OF THE OTHER KEY DRIVING REQUIREMENTS NEEDED IN EAST AFRICA.
CROSS BOARDER INSURANCE.
It is a legal necessity and one of the most important prerequisites for traveling to East Africa. This represents the Eastern and Southern African common market. This organization has 19 members, and COMESA includes all nations in Eastern and Southern Africa.
In order to travel smoothly and avoid being bothered by traffic cops when entering another nation in a different car, you must obtain a COMESA.
PASSPORT.
Traveling to East Africa requires a passport, which is a crucial document to have at the border. You should show your passport to the revenue authority’s customs officer before crossing and completing the other paperwork. They will verify whether the driver is the one who has been given complete permission by the vehicle owner (operator) to enter the border.
The passport must be current and show the designated driver’s true name as stated in the authorization letter. The immigration office will ask the number of passengers you are traveling with to show their passports. However, you must have a copy of the driver’s passport. It may be necessary for you to have both the hard copy and the soft copy.
MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION.
The car log book is registration of the vehicle. We shall hand over this document to you. The registration shall be required to be with you and is important for your crossing to another Country.
The registration is necessary for you to have with you and is crucial for your international travel.
YELLOW FEVER.
It is usually necessary to acquire a yellow fever vaccination certificate to travel to East Africa, this implies that before embarking on your Selfdrive adventure kindly first go for immunisation.
Getting vaccinated can prevent you from yellow fever, which is primarily spread by mosquitoes. It’s also really risky.
Before you travel, we advise you to be vaccinated from any licensed healthcare provider. Please note that, it is a little more costly to obtain it at the border, seaport, or airport than to get vaccinated before you go. Your Yellow Vaccination card will be useful when you go on a self-drive safari.
Left-Hand vs. Right-Hand Driving
In Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda driving is on the left-hand side while Rwanda and Burundi drive on the right-hand side.
Road Conditions & Safety
While major roadways are kept up, rural roads can be unpaved.
Keep an eye out for potholes, wildlife, and erratic driving patterns in the area.
Police checkpoints are frequent endeavour to move with your driver’s license, passport, and other documentation with you.
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