When you choose to travel with African Jungle Adventures Ltd, you can expect to collaborate with a dedicated and passionate team that is proud to share the beauty of the African continent with you. At African Jungle Adventures Ltd, we will ensure that we create amazing safari packages for adventurous travelers. Africa’s remarkable wildlife and breathtaking landscapes are highlighted in each meticulously designed safari package. Our safari itineraries are designed to cover different tourist attractions and are made uniquely to fulfill every tourist’s needs.

Destination Uganda

Uganda, often known as the Pearl of Africa, stands as an amazing tourist haven, celebrated for its natural beauty and strategic geographical location. The national parks and game reserves boast majestic wildlife roaming freely. Going for a memorable trip of tracking mountain gorillas and experiencing the adrenaline rush of rafting the Nile are among the thrilling adventures awaiting you.

A visit to the Ishasha sector in the Queen Elizabeth National Park provides an opportunity to witness tree-climbing lions, forest elephants, and the elusive shoebill stork. Exploring the pygmy village, home to the Karamojong tribe offers a unique cultural experience. Visit the website of African Jungle Adventure Ltd and check a variety of safari packages available and book your memorable Uganda safari.

Kenya

Flamingos in Kenya

Kenya, on the other hand, showcases a breathtaking landscape featuring lakes, forests, deserts, and a tropical coastline. The vast land of Savannah grassland, teeming with abundant wildlife, makes Kenya among the best safari destinations on the continent.

Enjoy the breathtaking spectacle of over a million zebras, wildebeests, and Thomson’s gazelles migrating across the Mara River. Lake Nakuru offers an amazing sight of thousands of pink flamingos. The snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya famous as the second-highest peak in Africa is a perfect destination for those interested in mountain climbing. You can visit the African Jungle Adventure website to check all the Kenya safari packages we offer.

Tanzania

Tanzania is renowned for its expansive wilderness and a rich variety of flora and fauna. The country is home to Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. The Serengeti National Park spans vast areas and is home to over 3 million wild animals including the “big five” – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. In addition to the amazing wildlife in the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater is another amazing destination to visit when you are on a safari in Tanzania, the country is among the best safari destinations to visit in Africa.

Rwanda

Rwanda, known as the land of a thousand hills, boasts an exceptional landscape. Going on a hiking tour in Rwanda to explore the volcanoes, including the famous Nyiragongo craters which are found at the Rwanda and DRC border. In the bamboo forest of the Volcanoes National Park, tourists can encounter elusive golden monkeys and endangered mountain gorillas. In Rwanda still, tourists can enjoy kayaking and boat safaris at Lake Kivu or go bird watching and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park those who are animal lovers a visit to Akagera National Park is a perfect option. Rwanda is a small country that can be explored on a 5-day trip and gorilla trekking is the main tourist activity to do when you are on Rwanda safari. Visit the website of African Jungle Adventures Ltd to check all the Rwanda safari packages.

East Africa is a special adventure gem when it comes to African safaris. It is hard to encompass the African continent on an African safari without considering a stop at Serengeti National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, and now Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. East Africa has a diversity of wildlife and each of the East African countries has unique attractions to offer to tourists.

Though it has been said that Rwanda is the land of a thousand hills, there are experiences that remain unique to countries like Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Once you set out to explore the land of a thousand hills and beyond, one-way car rentals become an unavoidable option. Whether you are considering renting a car in Kampala and dropping it off in Nairobi Kigali or Dar-es-salaam, it is all possible once you consider the one-way rental option. For example, after trekking with the gorillas in Rwanda, you can consider another gorilla trek in Uganda, or proceed to Kenya and Tanzania for the Big Five, Wildebeest migration, unique cultures are many more, thus calling for a one-way car rental system whereby you hire a car in Kampala or Kigali and drop it off to Arusha, Nairobi or Dar-es-salaam.

What You Need To Know Before Renting a Car for one-way

There are about three things that you must take into consideration when hiring a car for one-way car rentals from Kigali Rwanda.

• Pick Up and Drop off Charges

Most one-way car rentals attract a pick-up and drop-off fee if not both. For instance, hiring a car in Kigali would not attract pick-up charges but dropping it off in Kampala or Nairobi will attract an extra fee.

The charges are unpredictable at the moment because of the ever-changing fuel rates. However, most of the established car rental agencies in East Africa usually charge between $200 and $1200 depending on where you are picking up and dropping off from. For instance, the fee to drop off to Dar differs from the fee for Nairobi drop off. Also, the fee depends on the type of vehicle you are hiring, based on the fact that the cars have different fuel consumption rates. The drop-off fee for a Prado TX might be lower than the land cruiser V8.

• The mechanical condition of the car

Land Cruiser GX – Best For East Africa Safari

Since most of the self-drive car hire business is usually conducted online before arrival, it might be hard to get an opportunity to check the car before your trip. However, you can stress out a few things that can easily be seen even without the help of a mechanic; that is the tires and the spare wheels

It is highly recommended that you test the Jack and the wheel spanner before setting off. However good the car is maintained, it is very easy to get a puncture and for that reason, the tire condition and the Jake should be your ultimate priority whenever you are picking up a car for one-way rentals.

• Comesa Insurance/ Local Insurance

When hiring a car for one-way rentals in Kigali, it is important to put the issue of insurance into consideration. Anyone traveling only within the borders of Rwanda will need Rwanda’s local third-party insurance and comprehensive insurance. But if you are to cross the border to countries like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi among others, you will need comesa insurance or the local third-party insurance for whichever country you will be visiting.

The insurance price varies according to how long you are considering hiring and where you are buying it.

• Car Type

The road conditions in Rwanda are fairly better than the rest of East Africa. However, given the hilly nature of the Land of a Thousand Hills, petrol cars are more recommended than diesel cars.

The 5-door Rav4 is the best budget option for one-way rentals, unfortunately, most car rental agencies do not allow their Rav4s to go to some places or countries. For instance, most car rental agencies do not allow their Rav4s to go to Tanzania due to the poor nature of the road in most parks such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation areas.

Therefore to be on the safe side, it is recommended to hire an all-terrain vehicle like a Land Cruiser Prado, Land Cruiser V8, Land Cruiser GX, Nissan Safari, or Nissan Patrol among others.

Land Cruiser V8 with Rooftop Tent – Best For East Africa Safari

• Mechanical Help

It is important to agree on how long it will take the car rental agency to offer you mechanical help so that you may agree about the damages in case of any delay. Failure to agree on the mechanical help time frame will leave you in a situation where you lose a full day without compensation since it is already anticipated in the contract it there might be mechanical breakdowns.

Given the fact that African self-drive safaris are often off-road trips, mechanical breakdowns are often inevitable. Getting to terms of when you are held accountable for mechanical breakdowns and when the car rental agency should be held accountable will save you a great deal during your one-way rental.

Most car rental companies have mechanics in different areas of East Africa where you are connected to have the vehicle checked and fixed. If it is a big problem that may take so long, the company can send you another vehicle (Terms and Conditions Apply).

• Sim Cards

For every country you visit, you are advised to buy a local sim card for internet / easy communication with the hotels and the car rental agency in case of anything. Sim cards are easily obtained at all borders and cities and cost less than $2.

In conclusion, it is much easier to find and book a 4×4 for a self-drive trip across East Africa on a one-way-rental basis. You can conveniently hire a 4×4 in Kigali, drive through Tanzania, Kenya, and end in Uganda. Click here to book a car

Packing list for an African safari 2022

Valid documents

Like traveling to other countries in the world, most Sub-Saharan African states also require tourists on African safaris to have valid passports. The passports should be at least 6 months beyond the travel dates of a visitor in Africa. Other than passports, other essential documents worth obtaining or carrying for your African safari include a yellow fever certificate, COVID-19 vaccination certificates, e-tickets, travel insurance, and travel plan. Visas are among other essential documents visitors on an African safari should pay close attention to. Visas are needed because they are required if you are to have entry to most of the countries in Africa.

Cash

Most of the African countries have not transitioned from cash to modern technologies and most of the transactions are carried out using cash. While in the bush enjoying a wildlife safari in Africa, credit card machines are nowhere to be seen. ATMs are available in urban centers and to ease your transaction while in the destination you must exchange your dollars, pounds, and sterling for local currency. This can help you in case you want to purchase some small items such as drinks, toiletries, and others.

What to carry for 2 weeks African safari?

The main reason why most visitors travel to Africa is to enjoy game viewing or game drive/wildlife viewing and the popular destinations for game safaris include Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and South Sudan among others. You immerse yourself into the wild to see a diversity of wildlife and this is what differentiates a typical African safari from the normal tours in other destinations. If you plan to undertake a 2-week wildlife or gorilla safari holiday in Africa, then the following items must be carried; insect repellent preferably DEET, 3 layering tanks/t-shirt, a duffel/soft-sided bag, a light scarf, a utility jacket, 1 to 2 long-sleeved shirts, 2 pairs of pants, toiletries, sunscreen, moisturizer, wide brim hat, first aid kit, USB flash drive, waterproof dry bag, good hiking shoes, and others.

Luggage & other essentials

When packing, be mindful of the weight as some destinations are strict on it especially if you plan to undertake bush flight safaris in places such as Masai Mara National Reserve or Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Most small planes require a specific weight size for example SafariLink or AirKenya are strict on weight to carry but they charge a small fee. We advise our clients to carry soft-sided luggage which makes it easier to be put in compartments.

Bric’s X-bag 22 folding duffel

This is essential for tourists who plan to embark on an African safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve. This is waterproof, sturdy, and classy. You can easily fold it down into a small zippered pouch making it easier to pack. If you heading to Tanzania or Kenya for an African safari holiday, try as much as you can to avoid plastic bags.

African safari clothing

Clothes should be left out on your packing list for an African safari. When choosing the attire to put on an African safari, you must be mindful of African culture- dress decently in a manner that doesn’t affect people’s culture. Respect for African culture is key. When packing be mindful of the weight airlines require and often, luggage of 15-30kgs is allowed while some aircraft only accept luggage of 12-15kgs. There are also laundry services offered at most lodges or hotels in most of the African safari destinations but at visitors’ cost. This means you don’t need to worry in case you want to change clothes any day. The preferred clothing for an African safari holiday includes long pants and long-sleeved shirts- these are essential in protecting you from insect bites or scratches while on walking safaris. Avoid shorts or skirts if you are heading for an African holiday- they are only good for game drives. When choosing clothes, avoid bright colors and find those that blend with the environment.

Safari footwear

There are many ways of exploring Africa- tourists can engage in walking safari or guided game viewing. If you are heading for walking, hiking, gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking, then we recommend sturdy hiking boots that should be waterproof.

Safari hat

Find a good safari hat that is wide enough to protect you from scorching sunshine while you enjoy your African safari. It should be covering your face and neck. You may also need swimsuits, and casual clothes, especially for tourists who plan to spend a night in luxury accommodation facilities with swimming pools.

Prescribed medicines/medical kit

Carry prescribed medication on your African safari just in case of any emergency. You need anti-malaria medicine, anti-diarrhea, and others. The medical kit or first aid kit always contains a variety of these plus bandages, plasters, and others.

Camera and other gadgets

A complete African safari is one that you return home when you have taken pictures. The pictures shall always keep reminding you of that incredible safari holiday you had in Africa and you can achieve this when you have the best camera. If you are heading for extraordinary primate adventures such as gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo or chimpanzee tracking, we recommend good cameras with no flashlight. You may also have a pair of binoculars- Africa is one of the world’s leading birding destinations and expects to see a diversity of bird species.

Waterproof bag

A waterproof bag large enough is essential to help you pack and protect your gadgets such as cameras. This is because rains in most of the African safari destinations are unpredictable and early preparation is essential.

Plug converters

Most safari lodges and hotels in Africa offer many universal plug adaptors for tourists to use while in their rooms or tents though you can also carry your own. The electric voltage in Africa is usually 220-240volt though this may differ from country to country with the plug type.

A day-by-day self-drive gorilla trekking safari in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest National Park and in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers a chance to compare gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. The arrangement of our 7-day self-drive gorilla trekking safari in East Africa started with looking for a good local car rental agency to hire a 4×4 safari vehicle that we can use to move around in the two counties. This trip started in Uganda at Entebbe International Airport where we met the agent from a car rental agency who offered us a Land Cruiser VX/V8 at 95$ per day. The trip end in Rwanda at Kigali International Airport where we met an agent from 4×4 Uganda Ltd and dropped the vehicle to catch our flight back home. This is a great opportunity to do gorilla trekking trice in Uganda and Rwanda when you have limited time in Africa, we also have short gorilla trips like the 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda.

Picking the Safari Rental Car

The first day started with meeting a car rental agent at the Entebbe International Airport who delivered the vehicle to us and then we transferred to the southwestern part of the country to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park the home to the rare and engendered mountain Gorillas in Uganda. When we received the vehicle at the airport, we drove for something like 2hour and we got a stopover for photos and breakfast at the Equator in the village called Kayabwe, then we continued to Mbarara Town for lunch. After lunch, we continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park for relaxation as we waited for dinner and overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla Family in Bwindi Forest Uganda

The next day before 8:00 a.m., we had breakfast and got our packed lunch, gorilla trekking gears, and then transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park headquarters for a briefing from the ranger guide about how to behave when with the mountain gorillas in the jungle. After the briefing, we were accompanied by armed ranger guides and entered the forest to search for the mountain gorillas. We passed through the thick forest, slashing the undergrowth, and parting thick creepers in order to create the way. The tracking period was about 3hours but we were told by the ranger that sometimes it can be less or more and always depends on the movement of the gorillas in their natural habitat in search of food and shelter. Upon reaching the Gorillas, we got a full hour to spend with the gorillas we got a chance to watch them as they interact with each other, and communicated, and also took photographs and recorded videos. Then after this amazing experience, we returned to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

On the third day, we left this amazing jungle and we drove about 75km to Lake Bunyonyi found between Kisoro and Kabale near Uganda and Rwanda border. The word Bunyonyi in the local language means little birds and therefore the lake got its name from the many birds that inhabit the area. Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in Uganda and the second deepest in Africa. Upon our arrival at Bunyonyi Overland Camp, we relaxed and waited for lunch and after lunch, we took a canoe ride to the various islands found on this lake. After the canoe ride, we returned to the camp for dinner and overnight.

Lake Bunyonyi

The next day at Bunyonyi Overland Camp, we had a lot of activities from which we can choose, we had options like, visiting the local market in Kabale town, visiting the Bakiga cultural museum, there was another option of visiting the dairy farms and plantations and also there was an option to visit the Batwa community on one of the islands on the Lake Bunyonyi. But we decided to spend the whole day relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi Overland Camp as we spot different birds at the lake.

On the 5th day, we had to drive direct and cross the border to Rwanda through the Cyanika border and transfer to Volcanoes National Park the home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda. En route, we visited the beautiful twin lakes for memorable photos before we proceed to the park for lunch and relaxation as we waited for dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

Mountain Gorilla in Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

Second Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

The 6th day, was the day of doing gorilla trekking in Rwanda, we had to wake up early in the morning and transfer to the park headquarters of Volcanoes National Park with our gorilla trekking permits and gorilla trekking gear for registration and gorilla group allocation. At the park headquarters, we were shortly briefed about the gorilla trekking rule and regulations, and then we were accompanied by an armed guard and two ranger guides and then we entered the jungle in search of mountain gorillas. We hiked into the volcano Virunga hills and green valley for something like 3hours before we met the gorillas, the tracking activity is a bit tiresome but the encounter with these gentle giants makes you forget all the hardships you went through as you were searching for them. When we met the gorillas, we were given a full hour to spend with them gorillas and we got a chance to take photos and record videos. After this amazing experience with gorillas, we returned to the lodge for relaxation.

The last day was reserved for departure, we woke up at around 8:30 in the morning for breakfast at the lodge and then pack our luggage, and then hit the road and drove to Kigali the most beautiful city in Africa for a simple city tour, last-minute shopping and then transfer Kigali International Airport where we met the agent from 4×4 Uganda Ltd to receive the vehicle.

Mountain gorillas do not exist anywhere else in the wild and they are not found in captivity. Tourists all over the world every year travel to this side of the African continent to visit these rare primates species, for anyone to visit mountain gorillas in any of these three countries, needs to acquire gorilla permits.

Depending on your budget and interest, you can visit mountain gorillas in any of these 3 countries and the price for a gorilla permit in the three countries differ for example, in Uganda gorilla permit is sold at 650$ per permit, in DRC gorilla permits are sold at 450$ per permit and in Rwanda, they are for 1500$ per permit.

After getting the gorilla permit, the next step is traveling to the national park headquarter depending on which park you want to visit and once you at the park always in the morning, you will be briefed about gorilla trekking rules, a ranger guide will lead a small group of eight or less into the misty jungles in the search for these animals. Once the gorillas are tracked down, the tourists will be allowed a maximum of an hour to stay with the mountain gorillas, take photos, record videos and observe them as the mum is caring for the young and the youth play from one branch of trees to another.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park – Uganda

Uganda is famously known as the Pearl of Africa and is one of the most beautiful tourism destinations in Africa and it’s among the 3 countries from where tourists can safely visit the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda has amazing natural tourist attractions and diverse cultures which you can enjoy when you decide to visit the country for a safari. Uganda has over 50 cultures and going for a gorilla safari you can also get a chance to learn more about this country and its people.

Uganda is home to over half of the world’s total population of mountain gorillas, is because it only Uganda that has two gorilla parks that are the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is found in the southwestern part of the country, and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is also found in the southwestern part of the country and also Mgahinga Gorilla National park is part of the Virunga Mountains and the park features 3 extinct volcanoes namely Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. This makes the country the best destination for any tourist interested in going gorilla trekking in Africa.

Every tourist to go gorilla trekking in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park will need to have a gorilla permit that can be purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offices in Kampala and they are sold at 750$ per permit and it’s advised to be booked in advance due to the fact that they are always on high demand.

In addition to the gorilla parks in Uganda, the country is blessed with about 10 national parks and wildlife reserves from where you can watch a variety of wildlife and big games. Among the other attractions that can make a Uganda gorilla safari more memorable are the beautiful rain forests and volcanic mountains in the western part of the country. A Uganda safari will give you a great experience that you need to come back and witness time and time again. You will love the beautiful scenery in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla in Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

Rwanda gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National park which is found in the northwestern part of the country. The park is part of the Virunga Mountains and features 5 volcanoes namely Karisimbi, Muhabura, Bisoke, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. The park is not only home to Mountain gorillas, but still, Volcanoes National Park is home to a variety of wildlife like golden monkeys, over 178 different species of birds the thing which makes the park also a perfect birding destination.

Going gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, every tourist will need to acquire a gorilla permit that can be purchased from the Rwanda development board (RDB) at 1500$ per day. There are several reasons which make Rwanda the favorable gorilla trekking destination and the main one is being the distance whereby traveling from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park can only take a 2-hour drive not like in Uganda where a tourist will need to travel an 8-hour drive from Kampala to Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga National Park.

Alongside gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the country is also blessed with other interesting and historical attractions for example the genocide memorial sites plus the wildlife in Akagera National Park where you can enjoy watching different animals and Nyungwe Forest National Park where you can spot Chimpanzees and also enjoy canopy walk.

Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Mountain Gorilla trekking in DRC is done in Virunga National Park which is found in the eastern part of the country. Gorilla trekking safaris in DRC are not yet popular because of the political unrest in the country per now. This made Uganda and Rwanda who are politically safe to be the best choice for any tourist who would love to visit mountain gorillas in their natural environment.

The best way to hire a 4×4 car in Rwanda is just by hitting the internet and book it direct online and pay for it in advance. Early bookings help travelers not to waste time at the airport, the moment you land the car is available for either your hotel transfer or even to the other destinations.

Before planning to hire a car in Rwanda, the visitor should ensure that they possess a valid international driving license that is accepted in Rwanda, and other identity documents such as valid passport or national identity card which are supposed to be valid during the day for the hire. No car rental company in Rwanda will ever rent a car to any guest without clear identification and proof that shows the client is eligible to drive a car. A car can be handed to the guest if only they issue clear identification documents and licenses.

Before the client and the car service provider sign any deal, the client is supposed to read each of the detailed terms of the car rental company and carefully comprehend it with best language possible. The guest ought to make sure that he/she is fairly charged and all other expenses that will be incurred must be explained and put in to the pricing package to come up with a final total. This is vital because it will help the client from incurring extra charges that may arouse from other unknown expenses.

In any country you visit, when hiring a car it’s important to inquire the fuel policies, because car rental companies in Rwanda have different policies in relation to re-filling.  In Rwanda, some companies include the fuel expenses in the total charge whereas other companies don’t include it, however, most companies deliver the car with quarter tank and you have to return it with same amount of fuel as you received the car, and no refund for unused fuel.

Knowing the fuel filling policies helps in case of self fueling and; aspects such as the prevailing fuel prices per liter, to help in calculating the distance to be traveled while exploring Rwanda and sum up the total amount needed for the car hire. This is the best way to budget for the money that will be used on hiring the car.

Many countries in Africa have different insurance covers on accidents, likewise in Rwanda; car rental companies have different insurance covers on different phenomena, like accidents, fire, third party, etc.

Clients should be aware that all damages that will be incurred while travelling are covered by the insurance paid for and few liabilities that will not be much draining in to the clients expenses. The most vital thing is, as you choose a car hire company; go for the one that has comprehensive insurance cover for all its vehicles.

Car hire in Rwanda is a big experience on its own, and self-driving is the best option to explore the land of thousand hills, primates including the mountain gorillas and cultures. There are numerous car types like land cruisers, Rav4s, super customs, jeeps, among others that are perfect for exploring Rwanda.

What’s most interesting and exciting about car hiring in Rwanda is that there is freedom of touring the country at the visitors own pace and on a cheaper cost compared to public transport especially when travelling with a family and luggage.

In Rwanda, most car rental companies have the offer of one way rental services where guests can rent the car from one station and park it in another location, for example, you can rent a 4×4 car in Kigali for your safari and drop it in Nairobi, Kampala, Arusha or Dar-es-salaam.