So, what should I talk about today? Oooh yes! Let’s talk about the ‘Thrill of Solo Driving’.
Most of my ideas come from conversations I have with different people. This time, it all started with a simple question from a friend: “How do you manage to drive long distances by yourself?” And “Why do you even like driving alone?” It got me thinking!
Let’s start with the “why.”
Solo driving is exhilarating. It’s freedom in its purest form, just me, my thoughts, and an endless view. Tanzania has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in East Africa, which makes driving feel like pure bliss.
Plus, it’s peaceful. Don’t get me wrong, I love passengers, but preferably the ones who fall asleep the minute I start the engine (chuckles!).
And as for the “how”? Let me take you back to 2022.
That was the year I took the leap of faith. I decided to go on my first solo drive, starting from Arusha, stopping in Tanga for a marathon, and then on to Dar es Salaam before looping back to Arusha.
Let me tell you, it’s not for the faint-hearted. My first experience was terrifying.
But, as they say, you’ve got to start somewhere. And so I did. That first time was all about challenging myself. I’d never done anything like that before.
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With 12 hours of driving ahead and four regions to cross, I found myself overthinking. My mind raced with a million “what-ifs.” It was just me and my inner demons, haha!
Fast forward to 2024, and I’ve now become adept at the art of solo driving. I can go the distance without getting bored… all while soaking up the scenery and fully appreciating the journey.
If you’re an adventure maniac like me and want to push yourself, solo driving is the ultimate thrill. But first things first, make sure your car is road-ready.
Check the brakes, tyres, lights, and the works. Then, make sure your tank is full. Getting stranded in the middle of nowhere without a fuel station in sight is another challenge you don’t want.
Also, learn how to change a tyre just in case. Full disclosure: I still don’t know how to do it, so I drive with a mix of “vibes and inshallah!”
Now that we’ve got the basics out, you’ll want to stay entertained. The type of entertainment depends on how long your trip is, but here are my top four tips for a fun, solo road trip:
- Your favourite songs: Make yourself a playlist of sing-along hits to fuel a karaoke session. Spotify is great for this, with offline music that lets you scream out the tunes without interruption.
- A Good Podcast Collection: Some people find podcasts boring and make them sleepy, but I’m all about documentaries or true crime podcasts that keep me glued. Switch to podcasts when you’ve had enough singing or craving something new to learn.
- Fluids and snacks: I’m not big on snacking, mostly because I’m too lazy to chew. So, I keep it simple with plenty of fluids. My road trip essentials are tea, water, and one energy drink, a must-have to stay refreshed.
- Stretch and socialise: I make regular stops to stretch and chat with strangers (yes, I’m weird like that). Stopping by towns or villages, buying a little something, stretching out, and having a quick chat with the locals keeps me excited and energised.
Sometimes, you need to move out of your comfort zone and try things. And solo driving, especially across Tanzania, is worth it. There’s something strangely enthralling about it!
Is solo driving for you? Leave a comment.
