Is it safe to visit Kenya for self-drive safari?
Kenya like other destinations has had their dark past. However, the story has changed today with several solo travelers visiting Kenya for self-drive safaris. There are a few places like Kenya for solo/self-drive travelers to easily explore.
Though Kenya is among the preferred self-drive safari destinations, there are common elements that every self-drive traveler must put into consideration. These include crimes, especially in the main cities, and essentially, cross-check with travel advisories for up-to-date information on security matters.
Also, it is important to be keen on pickpockets. These related cases often occur in urban or cities not only in Kenya but worldwide. Is it safe to visit Kenya for self-drive safaris? These and more remain the frequently asked questions by most self-drive travelers on Kenya safari.
How is a self-drive tour organized or done in Kenya?
- How to get to Kenya for a self-drive tour?
Kenya unlike other countries is one of the easiest places to get to. Self-drive travelers have the option of flying up to Nairobi city, located close to Nairobi National Park. Once at Nairobi, you can take flights to different destinations to start your self-drive safari adventure with the main area of interest being Masai Mara National Reserve.
From the coast to Nairobi city, there is also the possibility of connecting by railway. Take the Mtito Andei to Tsavo National Parks– note; the railway means of transportation is considerably Kenya’s cheapest mode of traveling.
However, the most budget-friendly means is self-drive car rental services in Kenya. All solo travelers or self-drive safari-goers in Kenya have a choice to make and preferably, 4×4 rental cars are ideal for visitor connectivity to their self-drive safari destinations such as Masai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo National Park to mention but a few.
Some of our comfortable self-drive rental cars to book for your Kenya self-drive tours include 4×4 Toyota Rav4, Land Cruisers, Super Customs or Vans, and more. Even if you are interested in camping, some of our fleets come with camping gear making your camping safari achievable.
Destinations to visit for Kenya self-drive safaris
Kenya alone is celebrated for its over 54 National Parks and Reserves. Each of these has unique wilderness experiences to share with the world on self-drive or driver safaris. If you plan to visit for a big game experience and you are a solo traveler, then the main places to consider visiting include Amboseli National Park– best known for its huge herds of elephants and offers jaw-dropping view of Kilimanjaro mountain in the background.
Tsavo National Park- composed of Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park also hosts the big game. Masai Mara is known for both the Great Migration experience and the big five-game encounter.
Other special places to consider a must-visit on Kenya self-drive safaris include Samburu National Reserve- this offers exceptional arid wilderness experiences given its location in the semi-desert area, the Northern part of Kenya. Aberdare National Park, Chyulu Hills, and Kimana Sanctuary to mention but a few.
- Be mindful of the weather
Understanding the weather conditions is essential if you plan to visit Kenya for a self-drive tour. Weather patterns are generally unpredictable depending on the location. Nairobi is known to experience cool weather conditions with temperature rising to 28 degrees Celsius that is from January, February, and March- this is during the day.
14 degrees Celsius from July, to August during the night. But what is amazing is that Kenya is generally open to visitors to enjoy a self-drive tour at any time of the year, month or day.
- Get travel insurance
Travel insurance plays a great part in everyone’s safari in Kenya. It covers multiple unexpected costs from car damages to sickness, theft/baggage loss, and more. For visitors hiring self-drive rental cars, it is also wise to inquire from the car hire company if the rental cars they have or you plan to use are comprehensively insured.
- Things to carry
On self-drive or driver-guided safari, you should consider packing well and first, start with essentials. Some of the key items do not miss on your self-drive safari packing list include a first aid kit, sunglasses, cameras, bed sheets, chargers, insect repellents, valid driver’s licenses, good safari shoes or boots, long-sleeved shirts (find neutral colors and leave brightly colored ones back home), plenty of drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, toiletries, and others.
- Dos and don’ts for self-drive Kenya
Things you should do while on self-drive safari in Kenya– check thoroughly your self-drive rental car. Read through the stipulated terms and conditions for hiring a car, check the stat of the car tires, insect the sticker and validity of the insurance, before setting off make sure that you test drive the car, find out if there will be any road assistance in case of car breakdown to avoid getting stuck on the way, observe the stipulated national park rules and regulations to avoid penalties.
The don’ts for self-drive safaris in Kenya- never drive the car without confirming it has spare tires, a wheel spanner plus a first aid kit; avoid displaying money/jewelry as they attract robbers; don’t leave important items back in the car or restaurant. Don’t drive when drunk or under influence of drugs, be mindful of the road signs, never drive at night endeavor to get to your destination, or hotel as early as possible.
- Find a good 4WD self-dive car
There are a couple of tour operators or car hire companies with different kinds of rental cars. But, not all of them are suitable for self-drive. Consult your car hire agency, inquire more about the ideal rental cars for self-drive, and do not have a stressful day, simply reach out to our reservation for assistance.
Also, before arrival, research more about the destination you plan to visit for a self-drive safari in Kenya. This will help you know how safe the place is, the available accommodation for an overnight stay, the distance and so many security-related issues.