Crafting Extraordinary Safaris & Self-Drive Adventures
Welcome to Ostafrikareisen. Your trusted local destination management company specializing in bespoke driver-guided wildlife safaris, gorilla tracking expeditions, and rugged 4x4 self-drive overlanding across Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda.
The Gateway to East Africa's Untamed Wilderness
Operating at the intersection of authentic regional expertise and international service standards, Ostafrikareisen is engineered to turn your bucket-list African travel dreams into seamless, life-changing realities.
Guided Safaris
Meticulously tailored expeditions led by veteran multi-lingual local guides in custom 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for optimal photo opportunities.
4x4 Self-Drive Expeditions
Empowering independent overlanders with fully equipped 4x4 vehicles, rooftop tents, camping gear, pre-loaded GPS units, and 24/7 remote operational backup.
Ethical Conservation
Directly supporting mountain gorilla preservation, anti-poaching units, and sustainable community empowerment initiatives across all tour circuits.
Founder & Chief Tour Consultant
Lwanga Henry
Kampala, Uganda
Meet Lwanga Henry
Behind every exceptional expedition lies a passionate visionary whose life, field knowledge, and personal integrity define the organization. At Ostafrikareisen, that visionary is Lwanga Henry—a veteran tour consultant, field operational strategist, cultural ambassador, and lifelong conservation advocate.
Born and raised in East Africa, Henry developed an innate connection with the African bush from an early age. Over more than a decade in the tourism industry, he worked his way up through every facet of regional travel logistics—mastering wildlife tracking, route auditing, lodge evaluation, and cross-border customs regulations.
Henry founded Ostafrikareisen to bridge the gap between raw, unscripted African adventure and rock-solid operational reliability, ensuring travelers receive honest, expert guidance without corporate fluff.
Field Experience
Personally audited over 50,000 km of road networks across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda.
Transparent Advice
Committed to 100% honest travel consulting, realistic travel times, and custom-fit planning.
Community First
Ensures fair wages for local trackers, community guides, and indigenous village partners.
Self-Drive Pioneer
Championed safe, backed-up independent 4x4 overlanding itineraries across the region.
The Four Core Pillars of Ostafrikareisen
Every journey we design is built upon an unshakeable foundation of safety, customization, stewardship, and seamless execution.
Tailor-Made Flexibility
We reject cookie-cutter travel. Every itinerary is built from scratch around your specific schedule, physical endurance, budget, and wildlife priorities.
Safety & Mechanical Excellence
All vehicles undergo rigorous multi-point mechanical checks after every trip. Supported by 24/7 satellite GPS tracking and field mechanics.
Conservation Advocacy
We practice strictly Leave No Trace eco-tourism, funding gorilla conservation permits and plastic-free safari drinking water systems.
Multi-Country Logistics
Effortlessly combine Uganda's rainforests with Serengeti plains or Kenya's Mara through our streamlined cross-border permit handling.
Choose Your Style of African Exploration
Whether you prefer the relaxation of a fully escorted safari or the thrilling independence of taking the wheel, we have you covered.
Driver-Guided Safaris
Relax completely while our professional, multi-lingual driver-guides navigate the terrain, spot concealed wildlife, and manage all daily logistics.
- Veteran Local Guides: Master animal trackers and certified naturalists.
- Custom 4x4 Land Cruisers: Equipped with pop-up roofs for 360° photo viewing.
- Guaranteed Window Seats: Maximum comfort for every single traveler.
- Onboard Amenities: Mini-fridge with cold water, 220V charging inverters & binoculars.
- All-Inclusive Stress Relief: Park fees, gorilla permits, and lodge bookings handled.
Guided Fleet Power:
4x4 Self-Drive Expeditions
For independent overlanders and photojournalists who crave total agency, privacy, and freedom to captain their own African journey.
- Expedition-Ready Fleet: Heavy-duty Land Cruisers, Prado, & Hilux 4x4s.
- Rooftop Camping Gear: High-density foam mattresses, kitchen kits, & gas stoves.
- Recovery Equipment: Dual spare tires, high-lift jacks, sand tracks, & compressors.
- Navigation & Backup: Pre-loaded Garmin GPS units, offline maps, & 24/7 hotline.
- Vehicle Replacement Guarantee: Rapid field replacement in case of major breakdowns.
Self-Drive Fleet Lineup:
The East African Safari Circuit
From misty mountain rainforests to vast golden savannas and tropical islands, discover our primary operating destinations.
Uganda
The Pearl of AfricaThe world's ultimate primate haven. Home to over half of the global population of endangered mountain gorillas and wild chimpanzees.
- Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
- Murchison Falls & River Nile
- Queen Elizabeth Lions
Tanzania
Land of SuperlativesExperience grand natural spectacles, from the thundering Great Migration herds to the majestic Ngorongoro volcanic caldera.
- Serengeti Migration
- Ngorongoro Crater Big 5
- Zanzibar Spice Beaches
Kenya
The Safari KingdomA iconic wilderness landscape renowned for high big cat concentrations, rich Maasai tribal heritage, and Mount Kilimanjaro backdrops.
- Maasai Mara Big Cats
- Amboseli Elephant Herds
- Samburu Special Five
Rwanda
Land of 1,000 HillsA pinnacle of clean, high-end eco-tourism offering volcanic mountain gorilla encounters and vibrant cultural capital life.
- Volcanoes Gorilla Park
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk
- Clean & Safe Kigali
10-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Big 5 Safari
A glimpse into how we structure our seamless, high-impact wildlife circuits across East Africa.
Arrival in Entebbe Day 1
Welcome reception by Lwanga Henry or your lead guide at Entebbe Airport. Transfer to Lake Victoria boutique hotel for safari briefing.
Ziwa Rhinos & Murchison Falls Days 2-3
Tracking White Rhinos on foot at Ziwa. Continue to Murchison Falls for savanna game drives and Nile River boat cruises to the base of the falls.
Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest Days 4-5
Scenic transit along the Albertine Rift. Guided chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and community wetland walks in Bigodi Swamp.
Kazinga Channel & Tree-Climbing Lions Days 6-7
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP, boat safari along Kazinga Channel, and tracking tree-climbing lions in the southern Ishasha sector.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest Days 8-10
Life-changing face-to-face hour with wild mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Unwind at Lake Bunyonyi before returning to Entebbe for outbound flight.
Triple-Tier Safety & Emergency Protection
Operating deep in remote African wilderness requires unyielding technical standards and instant field support.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Audits
Every single vehicle undergoes a comprehensive 40-point mechanical inspection by licensed engineers prior to keys being handed over.
24/7 Satellite GPS Tracking
Our Kampala central ops team actively tracks all self-drive and guided vehicles across park trails to ensure instant emergency response.
AMREF Flying Doctors Cover
All Ostafrikareisen guests are automatically covered by emergency air-ambulance medical evacuation insurance in remote regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about planning your East African safari or self-drive expedition with us.
Why book directly with Ostafrikareisen?
Booking directly with us cuts out middleman commissions charged by overseas travel agencies. You work directly with local experts led by Lwanga Henry, ensuring 100% transparent pricing and direct field backup.
How far in advance should I book gorilla permits?
Mountain gorilla permits ($800 USD in Uganda / $1,500 USD in Rwanda) are strictly limited per day. We strongly recommend reserving your permits 6 to 12 months in advance, especially during peak seasons (June-Sept & Dec-Feb).
Is a self-drive safari safe for first-time overlanders?
Yes. Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania are peaceful and safe. With our 24/7 hotline, pre-loaded GPS units, heavy-duty 4x4 vehicles, and pre-booked park permits, you are fully supported throughout your trip.
What driver's license is required for self-drive?
You need a valid domestic driver's license from your home country held for at least 2 years, along with an International Driving Permit (IDP). Minimum driver age is 23 years.
Ready to Start Your East African Journey?
Whether you want a luxurious driver-guided gorilla safari or a rugged 4x4 self-drive overlanding vehicle, Lwanga Henry and our team are standing by to engineer your custom route.