Self Drive in Serengeti National Park
Going to the Serengeti is a dream come true for many nature lovers. Serengeti hosts the most diverse wildlife on Earth, including the wildebeest migration, the Big Five, and so much more. Some visitors want to explore this spectacular park on their own – that’s self-driving. Is this you? Relax, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll explore self-driving safaris in the Serengeti, giving you the information needed and everything you need to know. Let’s start the journey.
What’s a self-driving safari?
A self-driving safari is a type of safari that puts a visitor at the center of everything, from driving to choosing places to stay. In this safari, a visitor steers the wheel instead of leaving all the driving to the driver guide.
Who is a self-driving safari for?
- A solo traveler seeking self-discovery and an intimate safari experience.
- A family group seeking private, non-guided adventure.
- Avid photographers and filmmakers seeking unlimited access to wildlife.
A self-driving safari may not be good for:
- A non-experienced driver.
- Anyone with zero exposure to bush rough roads.
- Friends traveling together, if they have different choices.
Where to get car rentals.
The best town to get your rental car to the Serengeti is Arusha. This is because it’s easier to access the Serengeti from Arusha by driving. In addition, most self-driving safaris start and end in Arusha, saving you time to return the vehicle.
Recommended car rental companies.
There are so many rental companies where you can get a car rental. Some offer convenient one-way car rentals, which are not only flexible but they save you time to return the car if you’re connecting the Serengeti with other destinations by flight. Here are some companies offering rental cars:
- Round-trip Africa
- Self-Drive Tanzania
- Serengeti Car Hire
- Simbacar Hire
- Europcar Tanzania
What to have to get a car rental
Each company has its own guidelines when it comes to hiring a vehicle. But generally, you’re supposed to have the following things.
- Valid international driver’s license
- Valid passport or national ID card.
- Proof of return flight
- Credit or debit card.
Rules
It’s important to know the rules regarding driving in the Serengeti to avoid fines and bans. Here are common driving rules:
- Game drives start at 6:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. Any further extension could lead to penalties.
- Drive under the Serengeti speed limit; do not exceed it. It’s 50 km/h (that’s 31 miles per hour).
- Stay on track. Avoid going off the trail as this may cause a charge.
- Let the animals cross the road. Do not interfere with their way.
- Keep a distance of 100 meters away from an animal unless the animal comes to your vehicle by itself.
- Only a maximum of 5 vehicles are allowed to watch a sighting for 10 minutes.
- Follow other park rules and instructions from the officials.
Self Drive in Serengeti National Park
Tips for a rewarding self-drive safari
Drive slowly.
Since you’re the driver, take time to enjoy nature slowly. Additionally, the bumpy road is not good for speed driving. We recommend driving at 25 km/h to avoid accidents or fines.
Hire from a trustworthy rental company.
The quality of the vehicle matters a lot. By the way, you’ll be in the wilderness far from service hubs and with no trained mechanic. So, choose wisely which company you should hire a car from. Experienced companies usually have quality, well-serviced vehicles for hire.
Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules.
Take a look at Tanzania’s traffic rules to avoid delays in checks. Observe the speed limit permitted and follow the traffic rules. The route from Arusha can be busy with traffic. Therefore, if you know a little bit about local traffic regulations, it can be a plus.
Fuel up before leaving.
Always make sure your tank is full before hitting the road. Fuel stations are available in Karatu and Seronera, but we recommend you fill up in Arusha first before you go.
Plan your adventure early.
Most guests on self-driving trips also book their lodge stays on their own. If you’re going to do this, prior booking is important. Have your trip planned before you go, then hire a car rental upon arrival. It helps to save time.
The bottom line
Self-driving in the Serengeti is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone. If you want to skip the planning stage of this safari, you can trust us. We can book everything – from lodges to car rentals – to ensure you enjoy your time when you arrive. Our guides will also be in touch with you from the time you arrive until you depart.
Do you want to start planning your self-drive adventure? Start planning with us today. If you have more questions about this experience, you can speak to our expert safari planners. We are just an email away.
FAQs
Can I self-drive in Serengeti National Park?
Yes, Serengeti allows self-driving safaris. But you have to know that your driving skills are more important here. In addition, remember to follow the rules and get ready to navigate a rough, bumpy trail.
Which vehicles are not allowed in the Serengeti?
The park doesn’t allow three-wheeled vehicles, motorcycles, or Suzuki Escudos. The park allows a 4WD car like a Toyota Land Cruiser. We also recommend a 4×4 safari vehicle for the road conditions inside the park.
Can I combine Masai Mara and Serengeti on a self-drive safari?
Yes, you can. But you’ll have to switch vehicles. The park officials usually deny entry of Kenyan-registered vehicles on the grounds of trade disputes. Same case when you want to visit Masai Mara from Serengeti.
