16 things to know before you travel to Kenya
In this section, you’ll find lots of practical information and frequently asked questions related to self-drive and independent travel in Kenya. Can’t find the answer to your question here? Drop us a line, we are Kenya travel experts and happy to help with any enquiries.
Ready to design your travel itinerary and wondering what to do in Kenya? Than continue to our Kenya Travel Guide for lots of inspiration, covering highlights and hidden gems in Kenya.
Is Kenya a safe country for self drive?
We have travelled the country up and down and know all the hidden corners of Kenya. We can wholeheartedly say that Kenya is a safe country for self-drive holidays, and we would not want to be in the self drive business in a country where it is not sensible to go on a self drive holiday either.
We trust you to travel sensibly. That means taking the following precautions:
- Always travel with cash, a charged phone with airtime, enough water and some food.
- When you fuel up your car, know where the next gas station is.
- Always park your car at a private and secure parking lot.
- Do not go wild camping.
- Do not travel after dark (6PM) and why would you want to anyway? Fellow road users often drive without lights or put on their high beams so you can’t see a thing.
- The biggest mistake travelers make is wanting to cover too much ground in one trip. Travel is a great deal slower than you are probably used to, and being on the road is much more tiresome. Use one of our suggested routes as a starting point to assess if your plans are realistic.
Enjoy your offroad trip visit the unbeaten world aweay from crowds just you and nature.
Tips for driving in Kenya
Important information for self-drive travelers in Kenya. Covered in this section:
- How are the road conditions in Kenya?
- What are the speed limits?
- Tips to drive safe in Kenya
- In case of a breakdown
- Mileage / fuel consumption
- Traffic police in Kenya
- Navigation
- Travel distance
- Border crossing
How are the road conditions in Kenya?
All the primary roads radiating out of Nairobi are tarmac roads, and will bring you comfortably to your safari destination. Road conditions are good by African standards. There are also unsurfaced roads. The so-called ‘C’ and ‘D’ roads are usually unsurfaced, you can expect potholes or eroded surfaces. The roads listed below are particularly in poor state and will greatly reduce your travel pace:
- The C107 south from Mariakani to Kinango: if you think think this road is a good alternative to bypass Mombassa, think again. It’s terrible.
- Some access roads leading to the Maasai Mara Triangle are in rough state. Consult our Travel Guide about self driving in the Maasai Mara, where driving times and road conditions are also discussed.
- A109 Nairobi – Mombasa highway; there always seems to be one part under construction, especially between Tsavo, Voi and Mombasa. This highway is much used by slow trucks, greatly reducing your travel time. Be ware of fellow drivers practicing dangerous overtaking.
Speed limits
- 80 km/hour on highways. This might seem limited, but take note that a Landcruiser and Hilux packed with luggae and camp gear is a heavy vehicle. The police, therefore, classify safaris vehicles as trucks, because of the longer brake distance.
- 40 km/ hour when driving through towns. Note that the main highways also pass through towns, so greatly reduce your speed.
- 35/ hour in the National Parks
Our cars are equipped with car trackers, and for your own safety, we receive instant notifications when our vehicles drive beyond the allowed speed.
OffRoadtrip Africa has been exploring Kenya by road for many years now. The experience is rewarding and safe, as long as you follow these precautions:
- Obey the maximum speed limit.
- Beware of unmarked speed bumps, which are plentiful in many parts of Kenya, especially at the entrance of towns.
- Drive defensively.
- Kenyans are experts at dangerous manoeuvres – don’t copy their behavior by overtaking trucks at blind corners.
- Avoid driving after dark (6PM); the potholes are difficult to see and fellow drivers often uses blinding high beams.
- Always carry some cash, water and a charged mobile phone to handle any situation.
- Keep in mind that a flat tire is part of the adventure, as the road conditions are rough on tires. All our cars come with a jack, and any petrol station can fix small punctures.
- As you will discover soon enough, Kenyans drive on the left side of the road…
Tips to drive safe in Kenya
We drive well-maintained, secondhand cars. However, sometimes issues can occur and this is something you should take into consideration in general with hiring vehicles in countries where the roads are rough, as in Kenya. We suggest leaving enough time in your itinerary for the unexpected. Rest assures, we are very experienced in organizing adequate backup support.
In case of a mechanical breakdown, please always contact our office in Kenya first. All confirmed bookings receive our support number. We are on reach 24/7. We have a network of mechanics all over the country to assist you if needed, and we will try to solve the problem to the best of our ability. In case a problem with your car can’t be solved within 24 hours, a replacement car is available. Depending on your location, it might take a while to receive the car.
In case of a flat tire, this should be repaired by yourself. The information booklet in your Roadtrip Kenya rental car explains how to deal with this. Otherwise, we are just a phone call away.
In case of an accident, always contact us immediately. We will probably advise you to contact the police. For insurance reasons, it’s important that you receive a police report. You will need to take pictures of the damage/situation. Kindly do not leave the vehicle unattended without our consent.
What is the mileage / fuel consumption?
Exact mileage / fuel consumption depends on the terrain and your driving behavior, but is around 9-10 km /L for the Toyota Hilux and 7-8 km/ L for the Landcruiser. Fuel costs between USD 1.10–1.30 per litre. Keep in mind, fuel is paid in cash in Kenyan Shillings.
How to deal with traffic police in Kenya?
There’s quite a lot of traffic police in Kenya. They will frequently pull you over to check if your car is insured, if the tires look okay, and to check if you’re carrying the required fire extinguisher, triangles and a first aid kit. Of course, that is taken care of when you rent a car from Roadtrip Kenya. They will want to see your driving license. A valid driving license from your country of residence is accepted in Kenya. If you didn’t break the law (speeding, dangerous overtaking, etc.), there is nothing they can accuse you of. In our experience, traffic police are friendly and often just want to make chit chat. If you committed an offence, you have to pay the fine, which is usually around Ksh 5000 ($50).
How do I navigate and map out my route in Kenya?
Offline navigation is easy if you install the free Maps.me on your smartphone and download the Kenya Maps, before you travel to Kenya. In the car you’ll also find a Nelles map and a Lonely Planet Guide of Kenya. Also the use of the app iOverlander is highly recommended. Almost every campsite in Kenya is plotted.
When you map out your route with Google Maps or Maps.me, increase the suggested driving time by at least 30%. Don’t take short cuts, as these can lead you to minor back roads which can be in bad condition or non existing at al, greatly increasing your travel time. Also, providing back up support in case somethings happens is much more challenging when we need to search for you on some deserted road. Important tip: don’t map out the entire day, but break up the journey in pieces, as otherwise you run the risk that Google maps out the shortest route which is, as just described, in practice not the shortest route at all.
How much distance can I cover in one day?
Although asphalt roads are in good condition, you generally don’t make more than 50-60km/hour, due to the many speed bumps, the need to reduce speed when you’re passing through villages, need for sanitary stops, and because you probably want to take a lot of pictures!. On gravel roads, you reach an average of 30 km/hour.
Can I cross the border?
Yes, it is possible to cross the border to Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda with a Offroadtrip Kenya rental car. You are NOT allowed to cross to South Sudan, Ethiopia or Somalia. If you want to do a multiple country Offroadtrip, you will need to let us know in advance as we have to arrange a COMESA card, an extension of the car insurance for your vehicle. The insurance costs € 120 and is valid for three weeks. Without our consent, you are not allowed to cross the border and you are not insured for any damage. Please contact us for more information.
Sit back and relax – rent your safari vehicle with driver-guide
Roadtrip Kenya works with a number of experienced and truly lovable driver- guides, who speak good English as well as fluent Swahili. This option is great for Roadtrippers who don’t fancy driving themselves, want a more relaxed experience, or want to learn more about the local culture and wildlife in Kenya.
You can expect from your driver that he will get you to your destination safely, he will also do game drives in the safari parks of Kenya and he knows the best places to go for a lunch-break or stocking up supplies. In case you haven’t finalised your Kenya travel itinerary yet, then its good to know that our drivers are like a walking Lonely Planet, they can surely help in designing your route. Renting a car with driver-guide is essentially the ultimate tailor-made private safari.
The cost of hiring a driver is € 40 / day and all the proceeds go to the driver. This fee also covers his meals and accommodation when staying at a safari lodge. You don’t need to arrange accommodation for him, as most lodges have facilities for the driver-guides where they can eat and sleep for a reduced rate. He is happy to sort out himself.
In case you go on a camping trip in Kenya, we also supply your driver with camping gear. As there are no facilities to eat elsewhere inside the national parks, we appreciate you take into account an extra person when buying groceries, and cook your meals together. Most drivers are pretty good bush cooks and know how to start a camp fire.
When you visit a national park and / or camp overnight inside a safari park, you are also expected to pay for the driver’s entrance fee of $ 5- $ 15 / day, and the camp fee of maximum $ 15 / night, the exact amount depending on the parks, conservancies or reserves visited.
Your rental car is delivered with a full tank and returned with a full tank. The amount of fuel you consume on your road trip in Kenya is for your own expense. The driver is responsible for the wellbeing of the car, and the security bond will no longer apply.
Restricted areas
The following areas are forbidden for self-drive rentals:
Northern Kenya
Anywhere north of Samburu National Park is prohibited. So all roads leading to Marsabit, Chalbi desert, Loiyangalani, Lake Turkana, and North and South Hor coming down to Lodwar. Because of the draught, the region is a bit more unstable due to cattle raiding. Tourists are never the target, but we do take precautions by not allowing our vehicles up north for the time being.
North – East
The area past Galana River towards Garsen, Mandera and all areas north to Wajir and Moyale are completely prohibited. The region borders Somalia and is unstable. Please see the North East restricted line projected on the map.
Masai Mara – driver is recommended – Self-drive is allowed, but we advise to explore the Mara with a driver-guide from our company. The tracks are not marked, so you easily get lost. Alternatively, pick up a ranger from the entrance gate. They are not allowed to drive our vehicles, but can help you navigate the park and spot wildlife. The most upmarket lodges have guided game drives with their vehicles included in their room rate.
Kindly note the restricted areas are listed in our rental terms & conditions. Our vehicles have car trackers installed to monitor if a hirer breaches the contract, and you would be fully liable for any costs and loss of security bond.
Itinerary Planning
This is one of the most important parts of your roadtrip preparation. A good start is half the battle! Roadtripping in Kenya is a different ball game to roadtripping in most countries in the world. It’s also a completely different environment than Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, so don’t think you can compare your experience in Southern Africa with a self-drive roadtrip in Kenya. Most tourists opt for an organised tour in Kenya and the self-drive industry is far less developed. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible. On the contrary! Being prepared and knowing what to expect is essential for a successful and satisfying trip. Here we share our most important itinerary planning tips with you:
- In general, plan your trip with an average of 50km/h distance covered outside the parks and 30km/h covered inside the parks. Consult the Driving in Kenya section of this website, to get a better understanding of navigation and how to map your route.
- Plan a minimum of two nights at each location to appreciate where you are. Being on the move all the time generally does not make your self drive holiday more fun. If you booked yourself a beautiful lodge, make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy! When you arrive late, go on a safari drive the next morning and continue further, you have literally only experienced the bed. Also, when staying at least 2 nights at a location, you have build in some flexibility to allow for the unexpected, as things will work out differently than planned. Don’t plan a long driving day on the day you need to catch a flight, if something goes wrong, there’s instant stress. You can rely on excellent road support form our end, but things take time to organise and cooperation form both sides.
- In line with the above, be careful with adopting tour operators’ trip itineraries for your self-drive trip. Their driver-guides are experienced drivers, who know the cars their driving and every single tree along the road. This makes such long journeys less tiresome for Kenyan driver-guides. Having said so, we do not think that spending so many hours per day in the car will make anyones trip more fun, whether your on a guided tour with a driver-guide or a self drive.You can use our suggested itineraries as a starting point to develop your own route.
- Do not underestimate the game driving/viewing that you will undertake inside the national parks. This can also be challenging and tiresome for the driver as well as the the travel companions. Best is to alternate vehicle – based activities ( safari drives and getting form A to B), with activities to stretch your legs, such as walks/ hikes or cultural experiences.
- We are personally big fans of alternating camping with staying at a lodge, whereby we also like to combine camping on a public campsite inside a safari park (bush camping), with a stay at a commercially run campground outside a natural park, who often have great amenities, like an outdoor kitchen space or a swimming pool. Many upmarket lodges are foreign owned, but it can also be a great rewarding and authentic experience to stay at a more budget, locally owned small-scale hotels.
- When you fuel up your tank, always know where the next fuel stop is.
- ‘Pole pole’ (slowly slowly) is a lifestyle in Kenya. Expect that everything will take a while; from fuel stops to entering parks, ordering a meal etc.
- A roadtrip is best enjoyed when you believe that the adventure lies in the journey itself, and that the destination is not the end goal…
Tips to plan your safari in Kenya
In this section, you’ll find all the practical information you need, to visit the National Parks of Kenya on an independent self-drive safari, including:
- Park entrance fees
- National parks at a glance
- How to organise your game drive
- Encountering wild animals
For specific tips about the Masai Mara, read our travel blog on Self drive safari in the Masai Mara.
Park Entrance Fees
Kenya has over 23 national parks, 15 national reserves, and more than 140 private conservancies that all have their own pricing system.The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) manages a large number of the National Parks, marine parks and reserves. The KWS used to have a Safaricard system, but this was abandoned in April 2017. Nowadays, you can pay with either credit card (MasterCard and Visa) or Mobile Money (MPESA, by Safaricom). It’s a smart idea to buy a SIM card and register this for MPESA at the start of your trip in Nairobi, as most places in Kenya prefer MPESA payments to cash. It’s not possible to pay the park entrance permits in cash.
Browse the following links for the latest Kenya national parks entrance fee information:
- KWS Entrance fees.
- Masai Mara Triangle
- Ol Pejeta Private conservancy
- Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary
Planning to cross to Tanzania? Read more about Tanzanian park fees. Keep in mind that foreign registered vehicles, such as Kenyan plated cars, pay a surplus of $ 40 / day when entering the Tanzanian parks.
The best national parks in Kenya
There are a lot of wildlife safari destinations, national parks, national reserves and private conservancies that are well worth a visit in Kenya. We keep our blog updated about the most beautiful destinations in Kenya that you can visit with your rental car. You can find tips about campsites, routes and suggestions from us and fellow roadtrippers in these posts:
- Masai Mara
- Amboseli National Park
- Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserve
- Laikipia Plateau
- Tsavo West & Tsavo East
Organise your game drive
Most Roadtrippers do the game drives by themselves. If you are a bit unlucky with viewing game and you have the feeling you’re missing out, you can always arrange for a ranger at the park entrance gate. The cost for a ranger differs per park, but is usually between 1500 and 3500 Ksh. Sometimes, lodges also provide ranger-guides to take you through the park. A tip of around $10 is highly appreciated by most rangers. Our Roadtrip Kenya drivers are also experienced safari guides that can take you around any national park in Kenya.
Encountering wildlife
Elephants and buffaloes are beautiful, giant creatures who will certainly leave a firm impression on your safari trip. As elephants love bushy areas (bush = food), they can sometimes appear from behind a bush very suddenly in close proximity to your car. When you are that close, the car suddenly feels slightly fragile compared to these huge animals.
So, safety tips are key here: always be alert and drive as if you would expect animals lurking around the corner. Keep an eye on moving bushes and trees. Keeping your distance is key. Never try to drive towards elephants intentionally. Heavy ear flapping, trumping their trunk and bluff charging are signs that he or she is a bit pissed off by your company.
When you encounter an elephant or lonely buffalo on the road, do the following: make sure you have a clear route to drive away if necessary, always leave your engine running, stay calm, keep your voices down and most of all, enjoy the experience!
Best campsites & lodges in Kenya
Where to stay in Nairobi?
Karen area is the best place to stay in Nairobi. Its very lush and green, boosts many nice restaurants, and is conveniently located close to the bypass either going towards the Maasai Mara, travelling north to Samburu or north west towards Lake Naivaisha. When traveling south, towards Tsavo and Diani Beach, stay along Mombasa Road area, which is also close to Kenyatta Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Don’t stay down town. You might need to get used to driving in Kenya and knowing your Roadtrip Rental car, than you don’t want to start from congested, down town Nairobi, unless you want to practice how to manoeuvre in traffic jams. Check the Nairobi section below, for the best places to stay in Nairobi when you start or end your Roadtrip Kenya adventure.
Do I need to book my accommodation in advance?
Campsites in Kenya do not require advance booking – most of them can’t even be booked in advance. In case you sleep in a lodge, booking in advance is recommended during high season (July-September, December-January). Most lodges will ask you to make a deposit. TripAdvisor is a great source of information, as well as our own list below. Airbnb also has a lot of hidden gems, especially at the coast.
Are campsites widely available in Kenya?
Kenya is a very suitable country for camping. Some lodges will allow you to pitch your own tent. The more fancy lodges will charge about US$ 20 pp. Basic nature campsites cost as little as USD $10/tent. Camping inside Kenya’s national parks, reserves and conservancies costs between $15 to $50 per person per night. Wild camping is not recommended. The Kenya Lonely Planet guide also has detailed and up to date information about most campsites. More info with lots of inspiration and tips on camping in the wilderness can be found here.
Based on our own experience and that of other Roadtrippers, these are our recommended campsites & lodges in Kenya, catering to all budgets. Please drop us a line if you have discovered a nice place that we haven’t already included!
Rate indication:
$ = between 0 and 80 USD for 2 pax per night, B&B (if available)
$$ = Between 80 and 200 USD for 2 pax per night, B&B, but some are only offering FB
$$$ = Over 200 USD for 2 pax, usually these places are inclusive of all meals.
5 Accommodation in Nairobi
Jungle Junction – $
A great spot for travellers who like to catch up with each other over a cold beer. Traveller’s hub in the heart of beautiful Karen. Are you ready for some good stories?
View details
Wildebeest Eco Camp – $$
Wildebeest Eco Camp is a fabulous location in Karen. Its a fine lodge offering a small pool and accomodation in comfortable tents. Closed since the COVID pandemic. Check if they are open.
View details
Acacia Tree Lodge – $$
Acacia Tree Lodge is a lovely boutique hotel in leafy Karen district. The lodge offers 15 rooms, decorated in contemporary safari style. There’s an inviting garden and plenty lounging and sitting areas to relax. Great value for money and an all time favourite with roadtrippers.
View details
Eka Hotel – $$
Eka is a contemporary style 4-star hotel that would appeal to those travellers looking for comfort and efficiency. There is an inviting pool. It is a grand set-up, so don’t expect a homely ambiance, but it is good value for money. It is located along Mombasa road, close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the main highway travelling south towards Tsavo National Park and the beach.
View details
Ole Sereni – $$
Ole Sereni Eka is a contemporary style 4-star hotel, mostly catering to business travellers looking for luxury and efficiency. There is an inviting pool. It is a grand set-up, so don’t expect a homely ambiance, but it is good value for money. It is located along Mombasa road, close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the main highway travelling south towards Tsavo National Park and the beach.
View details
Camping in Kenya
Whether you are on a budget, love the bush, or just don’t want to have to book your accommodation in Kenya ahead of time… roadtripping with a full set of camping gear in the back of your rental car gives you all the freedom you need for a true safari adventure in Kenya.
We can equip your 4×4 car with a standard rooftop tent ( sleeps 2), family rooftop tent ( sleeps 2 adults and 2 children), or you can hire a ground tent ( sleeps 2 adults). The costs are € 25 for the standard and € 35 for the family roof top tent, or € 5 per person / per day for the dome tent.
Fancy a cold beer on your safari? Rent an electrical fridge ( 55L) for € 5 / day. Please note that we don’t do field repairs or send a replacement vehicle when there are problems with the fridge. Wiring and piping are sensitive and suffer from bumpy roads and dust. The knowledge and equipment (Frigo gas) to repair fridges are sadly not available in the field. We understand it’s unfortunate that your fridge stops working. In the rare case that this does happen, do let us know, and the office in the Netherlands will issue a refund for the fridge rental.
Kindly note that Roadtrip Africa does not provide camping gear rental in Kenya as a standalone service.
What is included when hiring camp gear from Roadtrip Kenya?
- Tent (dome tent or rooftop tent)
- Folding foam mattresses
- Blanket or sleeping bag, pillows and bedsheets
- Table and chairs
- Cool box (not electrical)
- Gas tank & burner, BBQ roaster
- RVS cups, plates & bowls
- Cooking pots, frying pans
- Cutlery set with forks, knives, spoons, can opener, corkscrew
- Coffee percolator
- Cutting board
- Dishtowel, detergent, washing line & pegs
- Solar table lamp
TIP: bring your own head-light
A rooftop tent is easy to set up. Just watch this instruction video.
What to take on safari – ground tent or rooftop tent?
Taking a rooftop tent or a dome tent with your rental car both have advantages and disadvantages and there are a few factors that will determine which one will work best for YOU.
The pro’s & con’s of a rooftop tent
A rooftop tent is the easiest way to sleep off the ground. This is helpful when your campsite is uneven, the soil is wet or rocky. In wilderness areas, people tend to prefer rooftop tents for putting some distance between themselves and wild animals lurking around at night. However, this is a FALSE sense of security and you will be just as safe in a ground tent that is properly zipped up. Although we understand that perception of safety plays a role here as well….
Pro’s:
- You feel safer, which is an argument if you camp inside a game park. Yet, many beautiful campsites are nowadays privately owned sites outside of the safari parks.
- Rooftop tents are quick and easy to set up ( although the ground tents are also set up in a blink of an an eye).
Con’s:
- You need to wrap up your rooftop tent every time you want to use your vehicle.
- Hiring a rooftop tent is more expensive than the ground tent, and requires going with a Landcruiser.
- How is your mobility? For rather stiff people, getting up and down the stepladder of a rooftop tent can be uneasy.
Why you should go camping in Kenya
Lodges inside the National Parks in Kenya are expensive. Good to know that Kenya is a great country for camping safaris! Campsites are widely available in Kenya, so it is possible to explore Kenya on a budget. From basic bush campsites inside the parks to private campsites operated by lodge owners – the latter enabling you to stay at a secured site with good amenities whilst sleeping for a dime. Moreover, the opportunities to camp are year round because of Kenya’s warm climate.
Campsites do not require any advance arrangements – most of them can’t even be booked in advance. Refer to our accommodation page for a list of our favorite campsites in Kenya. Also, the Lonely Planet guide that comes with your Roadtrip Kenya rental car has detailed and up-to-date information about most campsites in Kenya.
The Top 5 best campsites in Kenya
There are many nice campsites in Kenya. We love to hear from you too in case there is a place you particularly liked. The below campsites are among our favourite places to camp:
1. Oloololo Public Campsite in the middle of the Masai Mara Triangle
2. Malakai Public Campsite in Lake Nakuru National Park near the waterfalls and next to the southern shore where the Rhinos can be seen.
3. Sandai Farm is the perfect base if you are looking for an affordable campsite to visit places like Ol Pejeta, Solio Game Reserve or Aberdare National Park. They also have rooms.
4. The River Special Campsite or Isiolo River Campsite at Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a perfect wilderness camp, with shady trees, close to the (action packed) river and absolutely no facilities.
5 Cheetah Campsite in Lumo Wildlife Community Sanctuary – call in advance so they can prepare for your arrival. You’ll wake up with magnificent views over the hills.Previous
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Timing your visit to Kenya
When is the best time to visit Kenya? We would dare to say that Kenya is nice to visit year round. It never gets cold, and even during the rainy season your travel will not be hindered, as the rains can be heavy but are typically short.
Kenya has one long, hot dry season from December until April, when temperatures rise to an average of 30°C, and even warmer in the North. The rainy season generally lasts from April through to May, with some short rains from September to November. The warmest regions in Kenya are in the North (Samburu), South (Tsavo) and along the coast. The cooler regions are obviously at higher altitudes – around Mount Elgon, Mount Kenya and the Western highlands.
When is high season in Kenya?
Tourists come to visit Kenya all year round, but peak season is from December to January, and from June to October during the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara. Reserve your Roadtrip Kenya rental car well in advance, as we are fully booked months ahead during peak season.
Many lodges use a low season (April, May), high season (rest of the year) and peak season (June-October) rate. Traveling in the low season considerably cuts your budget, and is worth considering if you don’t mind a rain shower here and there.
Best time to visit the Masai Mara
What is the best time to visit the Masai Mara? Well, that depends what you want: wildebeest migration or wilderness feel. Your preferences will guide you through the seasons:
Peak season: from mid-June – October. When the millions of wildebeests are in the Mara, it attracts a lot of tourists as well. Unfortunately, this often leads to a bit of a traffic-jammy experience.
High season from November – February. Plenty of wildlife and people.
Low season from March – May. Rainy season, though wildlife viewing is still good, and less people means more places to have all to yourself.
Packing tips for your travel to Kenya
Take a look at our camping gear list to see whether it contains everything you want on your camping holiday in Kenya. A Swiss army knife, duct tape and aluminium foil are essential items for McGiver-style problem-solving during your trip. We’ve seen people bringing a light weight hammock, that looked pretty chill. We enjoy bush cooking a lot, so I always bring my Victorinox ( don’t pack this in your hand luggage..) A Power bank comes in handy if you plan to camp a lot. A fleece blanket is nice for chilling on the grass or to cover up during the chillier nights. Definitely bring insect repellent and sun block, as there is less choice in Kenya.
Nairobi and Mombasa, as well as Eldoret, Kisumu, Narok and Kericho have well -stocked supermarkets and pharmacies where you can buy all the essentials, in case you forget anything. Obviously, this is not the case in much smaller provincial towns.
Download your favorite Spotify songs, bring your smartphone with audio cable (mini-jack) and / or USB stick to listen to your Offroadtrip playlist. Download the Maps.me app for ease of navigation.
What should I wear on my safari in Kenya?
There is no need to dress up in safari style khaki… Nevertheless, that type of outdoor fabric is quite nice when traveling through the hot, dry areas in Kenya. It’s also appreciated if you keep your clothing a bit conservative; wearing hot-pants or crop-tops and showing a lot of skin is not a good look in rural Kenya!
Take a sweater for the chillier nights.
Travel literature
Lonely Planet is a must-read when you are traveling to Kenya. Our rental cars come with a copy of the latest Lonely Planet travel guide.
Other travel books:
- DK Eyewitness travel guide, a great informative book with lots of pictures
- Mammals of East Africa
- Birds of East Africa
Literature about Kenya, or by Kenyan writers:
- Kuki Gallman – I Dreamed of Africa
- Daphne Sheldrick – An African Love Story
- Yvonne Adhiambo Owuo – Dust
- Richard Crompton -The Honey Guide
Language
English is widely spoken in all areas in Kenya. It is appreciated if you try to speak some Swahili.
Kenya entry requirements, border crossing, insurance
Do I need a visa to enter Kenya?
Yes, you need a tourist visa to enter Kenya. You have to apply for your visa online. This can be done here. Apply at least 5 days in advance of arrival. Travelers are no longer able to get a visa on arrival at the airport.
Yellow Fever vaccination
A Yellow Fever vaccination card is only required for persons traveling to Kenya from the age of 1 year and above when traveling from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission. This does not apply to travelers who have been in transit. Find the list of countries with a risk of virus transmission here.
Do I need an international drivers license?
A (valid) driver’s license from your own country is sufficient. It’s not necessary to buy an international license when driving a car in Kenya.
Can I visit multiple countries on my African roadtrip and cross the border with my rental car?
It is possible to cross the border and take your car to Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda in one Roadtrip by extension of the insurance cover. This extension can be done by purchasing a Comesa card, which costs € 120 / month. This is an option you can select in the Request Quote. We will prepare all the necessary paperwork for the car to cross the border. Visa and road tax you’ll have to pay yourselves at the border. This is around $ 40 USD.
You are not allowed to take your Offroadtrip Kenya rental car to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania Or Rwanda.
In case you want to visit Uganda – take note that Non-Ugandan registered cars are charged $ 150 / car / 24 hours to enter a national park ( as opposed to UGX 30,000 for a Ugandan registered vehicle).
Can I take my Kenya registered vehicle into the National Parks of Tanzania?
This might seem an odd question, why should that not be possible? Well, there is a bit of a dispute going on between Tanzania and Kenya and there are trade barriers to protect each other’s tourism industry.
Until July 2022, travelers in foreign-registered cars had to pay $ 177 / per car / 24 hours to enter a Tanzanian Park. Good news, this extra charge no longer applies to East African Community registered cars. So if you want to enter a Tanzanian park with your Kenyan or Ugandan registered vehicle, you pay the same as a Tanzanian registered vehicle ( appr. $ 20 / car per 24 hours).
Do take note that Kenyan-plated cars are only allowed to enter into the national parks of Tanzania when it concerns self-drive only. All chauffeur-driven safaris vehicles (6-8 seaters with a pop up roof), are supposed to be used in the same country registered.
Many people like to include a visit to the Serengeti to their Offroadtrip. Although its one eco -system, its separated by a land border. You have to drive around the parks, using the Namanga or Isebania border, which adds 2 travel days to your journey.
Can you tell me more about the insurance conditions when hiring a car from Roadtrip Kenya?
Our cars are insured against damage as a result of accident or fire, and third party liability to property and bodily injury due to a car accident. Personal injury and possessions are not covered and fall under your medical and travel insurance.
There’s a maximum own risk of € 250, not covered by the insurance. Tires, windows and underbody coverage are not covered by the insurance, as severe underbody coverage is considered reckless driving by the insurer. The line of reasoning is that a driver can’t blame the conditions of a road – you can’t blame a tree, rock or put-hole for being there – you have to an observant driver.
Our teams & conditions are included in the car rental agreement. You can also consult them here.
How much should I budget for my safari in Kenya?
Money
Kenya is a cash economy. Most restaurants, lodges or campsites do not accept cards, with the exceptions being the upmarket lodges and restaurants in Nairobi. ATMs are widely available across the country. KCB, Barclays and Citibank are among the more reliable banks accepting MasterCard, Maestro and Visa. We recommend that you bring additional Euros or US Dollars with you in cash, for unforeseen costs. US Dollars and Euros can easily be changed to Kenyan Shillings at any Forex Bureau in most provincial towns. Also, bring additional cards, as the daily uptake with a foreign card is limited at the ATMs.
Travel budget
- Petrol typically costs between $1.10 – $1.30 per litre
- National park entrance fees range between $25 – $95 per person, per day.
- The average price of a three course meal at a restaurant or lodge is about $15-20 pp.
- Budget accommodation ranges between $50 – $100 per night for a double, mid-range accommodation ranges from $100 – $200 per night, and upmarket lodges go easily beyond $200, up to a small fortune. There are hardly any budget places inside National Parks apart from campsites. For our recommendations, you can check our suggested accommodation.
Kenya is not a low budget destination. But it is possible to enjoy Kenya with a smaller pocket if you follow our budget travel tips…
- Go camping outside the national parks.
- DIY cooking. Hire camping gear from us and cook delicious meals yourself! Also great to share with locals and to make new friends.
- Work on your negotiation skills – Kenyans will often double the price because you’re foreign.
- Travel in low season (March – May) when lodges are closed or empty and rooms can go for a fraction of the advertised rate.
- Go off the beaten track and visit less touristy parks such as Ruma National Park, Kakamega, Lumo Wildlife sanctuary, etc. to avoid the steep entrance fees.
Is Kenya a safe travel destination?
Safety aspects we consider are: road conditions, conflicts and crime.
Road safety in Kenya
Most roads are well maintained and most traffic users know and obey to the driving rules quite well. However, always drive defensively and at limited speed, lock your doors and avoid driving after dark due to badly lit roads and livestock that can cross the road unexpectedly. Do not leave valuables in your car when it’s unattended and always carry cash, water and a charged mobile phone with you. Check the Driving in Kenya section for more travel tips.
How about crime in Kenya?
People in Kenya are generally friendly and willing to assist you. It is not uncommon for people to ask for a small incentive to help you, however. Negotiation on price is always done upfront. Along the main tourist attractions, you can be surrounded by street vendors. A firm “no thank you” will mostly do the trick.
With regards to crimes such as theft, be street-smart, as you are traveling in a country where the population is considerably less wealthy than you are. Don’t leave valuables in the car, always try to park the car at a secure spot, leave your diamond rings at home and try not to leave your valuables up for grabs in your hotel room. However, hotel theft is not a big problem.
Inter-tribal conflicts in Kenya have diminished in recent years. Unfortunately, Kenya has, like many countries in the recent past, faced some terrorism attacks. These attacks were never specifically aimed at tourists. Although it is a very sad thing we can only hope that it never holds people back from doing what they really love: travelling. Tourism is usually one of the first economic sectors hit hardest as tourists shy away, whilst so many people depend on it for their livelihoods.
Some safety tips for tourists in Nairobi
If you are driving around in Nairobi, lock your doors, avoid driving after dark, and don’t leave your car unattended with all your luggage in it. If you’re heading out to explore Nairobi town, it’s better to take a taxi instead of your rental car. It’s also more convenient for parking, etc. Some additional tips:
- Choose a (private) taxi or Uber over public transport, especially when coming from the airport. Uber works great in Nairobi.
- Do not walk on the streets after dark. Use taxi drivers to drop you inside a secure compound.
- Beware of people hanging around when you are going to the bank or the ATM, and preferably use ATMs inside shopping malls.
- The information section of the Lonely Planet tells you exactly which places are OK and not OK.
Travel Kenya responsibly
Some advice to consider
Do not hand out money, clothes, pens or sweets at random to local children. However touching it might be, it encourages begging and creates a distorted view of tourism. Instead, show genuine interest, play and talk with the kids the way you would with children in your own country.
If you really want to bring goods, a lodge owner or connection to a local organization is a good source of advice. You can also check Pack for a Purpose. It would be good to find out which goods can be bought locally. Basic school supplies and basic (first aid) medical supplies are easily found in the shopping malls in Nairobi – in this way you stimulate the local economy.
We discourage leaving stuff behind in your hotel room – it’s better to give it to the lodge owner than leaving it for the maid to find, which might cause friction among the staff.
Most lodges have a tipping box and distribute the tips equally among all the staff. If you enjoyed the service, just be generous and contribute to the tipping box. As for your driver or guide, tipping is highly appreciated.
Giving back more
You will not be the first Offroadtripper moved by the fact that Kenya and its people have given you such a warm welcome, and you may want to show your appreciation. Below are a few initiatives which you can sponsor. These are local, sustainable initiatives that are well managed, and we know your money will be well spent.
Big Life Organization
They have a cross-border anti-poaching initiatives and protect wild animals when they move outside the national parks in Kenya.
We4Kenya
A Dutch-Kenyan tourism initiative. Income from the accommodation and tours is used to develop an agricultural training institute and a model farm to teach the local community about sustainable agriculture.
