When considering a safari holiday, you are sure to see the most popular destinations when searching online or visiting a travel agent. The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Kruger National Park in South Africa, and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya are the two most popular safari destinations on the planet. However, for those who want something a little different from the two big destinations, below you will find some of the best safari road trips you didn’t know existed.
Chalbi Desert
The Chalbi desert is in Kenya, located to the east of the famous Lake Turkana and it is the biggest desert in the country. If you travel when the seasonal lake is present, you will be greeted by mirages and salt flats that give the impression the desert never ends. The volcanic hills that surround the desert give the place an otherworldly feel and make for stunning photographic opportunities in different light.
It is a hostile climate that only a few animals can survive, and you must always have your wits about you when driving the track that runs through the Chalbi desert. If you want to drive this route or any other safari road trips abroad, do not forget to obtain an international driving permit that matches the language of your destination.
Volcanoes National Park
This is a safari road trip in Rwanda you will never forget as a two-hour drive from Kigali capital takes you into the Volcanoes National Park. A trek into the Afromontane Forest leads to a group of mountain gorillas that can be observed with a permit for one hour. It is a magical experience and while most people drive to this region of Rwanda for the gorillas, there is plenty more to see in Volcanoes National Park.
The nature trails in the park offer the chance to see over 150 different bird species, antelope, buffalo, and elephant. There is plenty of lodging available in the park, so why not hire a vehicle in Kigali and spend a few days exploring Volcanoes National Park?
Kidepo Valley National Park
While not at the top of list in terms of the most popular safari road trips in the world, the drive through the Kidepo Valley plains is nothing short of breath-taking. Kidepo Valley National Park is in Uganda and having been ignored for so long by the big travel companies, there is an isolated feeling that makes it special.
A stunning combination of savannah plains and mountain ranges, you can drive around the park for hours and enjoy spotting elephant, lion, cheetah, eland, and kudu. You can visit the Kanangorok hot spring and while this is one of the best spots to relax in Kidepo Valley National Park, the water can be hot enough to boil an egg. If you want to leave the vehicle behind, there are some excellent walking trails, and you can hire a guide to take you around on foot.
These are three of the best safari road trips you didn’t know existed and there are many more in countries including Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique to name but a few.
