I’ve been part of a team that has been planning Onetouch road trips since 2012. I’d now like to share some of the knowledge I’ve gathered while on the job.

1. AMKA NGWARE
It is important to get an early start, even if your destination isn’t far. This gives you a more relaxed journey and more time to take in the sights for better photography.

2. STOP TO PEE AND SHOOT
Many are the times you’ll be tempted to shoot from a moving car. Avoid this. Stop a good distance off the side of the road, get out of the car and shoot. You’ll be able to make better photos this way, and even see things that you might have missed when cruising.

3. TUKO PAMOJA KAMA NASA
Travel as a group. If you have drivers with different speed thresholds, let the slower driver lead the convoy. There is safety in travelling as a unified pack. This way, you’ll also be able to help each other in the event of a breakdown.

4. FILL UP ‘EM TANKS
As much as possible, keep the fuel gauge closer to F than E. You can make an unexpected detour and in such cases, having adequate fuel will give you the confidence to get to your new destination or via point. Also, if crossing into a new country, you might not know when the next credible fuelling station will be so fuel where you’re sure of the quality of fuel you’ll get.

5. WAPI MAKARATASI YAKO?
As a Kenyan travelling in East Africa, you’ll need a passport only for Burundi. For Uganda and Rwanda, you can go with just your National ID. For Tanzania, apply for a temporary permit (Kshs350/-) on ecitizen.go.ke. For vehicles, carry the original Log Book if it belongs to you. If not, get a signed letter of authority from the vehicle’s owner allowing you to travel out of Kenya with the vehicle, as well as the original Log Book.

6. LOCAL SIM CARDS
Unless roaming charges don’t bother you, get local sim cards once you cross the border. You’ll never miss kiosks selling them at the borders. This helps keep communication costs low.

7. MUKO WAPI?
Maps are so 1884! Install Maps.me, Here Maps or any other offline maps app and download the maps for your destination country. This will help you navigate even when your data connection is off. I’ve found in many cases, offline Google Maps work better because they are updated more often.

8. WATU WAFANYE KAZI
To avoid joyriders, make sure a majority if not everyone coming for the road trip has a role to play. No matter how small, it will help in making everyone feel they contributed to the success of the trip.

9. SUCK THE BONE MARROW
The most important thing to pack on a road trip is a spirit of adventure. Don’t get disappointed if things don’t go as planned. Always look on the bright side and make the best of any situation you find yourself in.

Have any tips to add? Please share them in the comments section.

Happy road tripping!