This safari can be quite difficult but amazing. It will take you to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Mt. Kenya National Park, Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East, and Nakuru National Park. The fantastic animal encounters, especially the many Big Cats, and some of the enchanting landscapes, while the lows are connected to the vehicle, the camping gear, the lack of facilities, some people, and especially to the road transfers between the five parks are the highlight for this trip.

Since its your first time to drive in Kenya, you need to master the following. Drive on the left: In Kenya, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you are used to driving on the right, it may take you some time getting used to but never the less you will be able to follow what all other drivers are doing since its the norm for driving in the country.

 

Obtain your home driver’s license: If you plan to self-drive in Kenya, you will need a valid driver’s license. You can obtain one by applying at the Department of Motor Vehicles. But this will only apply if you don’t have one from your home country. If you have one from your country then it will be an equivalent to the one of Kenya making it possible for you to self-drive.

Watch out for pedestrians: Pedestrians are common on Kenyan roads, and they often cross the street without warning. Keep a close eye out for them, especially in busy areas since they may put you into unwanted accidents which will put you into problems.

Be aware of road conditions: Many roads in Kenya are unpaved and can be quite bumpy, so be prepared for a rough ride. Additionally, some roads may be poorly lit at night, so use caution when driving after dark. Avoid driving at night: It’s generally safer to avoid driving at night in Kenya, as visibility can be poor, and roads may not be well-lit. If you must drive at night, be extra cautious and stay alert.

Follow traffic rules: Make sure to obey all traffic rules and regulations, including speed limits and traffic signals. Failure to do so can result in fines or even imprisonment. Try as much as possible to understand the traffic rules before starting the self- drive safari. This is fully availed in the car rental contract you will read and sign after understanding it.

Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the must visit destinations during a self-drive experience in Kenya. Stretching over an area of approximately 1,510 square kilometres, the reserve is preeminent for hosting the annual great migration where over million wildebeests, gazelles and thousands of zebras cross River Mara from Serengeti national park of Tanzania in the months of July to September. Other animals to watch in the reserve include lions, Nile crocodiles, African elephants, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, hartebeests and may others.

Amboseli National Park is one of the best destinations in Kenya not to be missed on your first-time safari in Kenya on a self drive. It is made up of swamp marshland, acacia woodlands and rock thorny bushes which provide a shelter to different wildlife species. The national park is known for hosting over 80 mammal species like lions, African elephants, African buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, impalas and many others.

Also, Amboseli national park is a perfect haven for different bird species which are over 400 in number. Among these include the long-toed lapwing, taveta golden weaver, Eurasian thick knee and many others. The visit to Amboseli national park will also give you a perfect cultural encounter with the Masai locals who will entertain you in different ways including storytelling, songs, dances and other ways.

Tsavo national park is also a Kenya safari destination suitable for a self-drive excursion. The park is divided into two that is Tsavo west and Tsavo east stretching over an area of approximately 9,065 square kilometres. During the visit to the park, spot various attractions including wildlife, birdlife, and also several water sources like springs, lakes and rivers.

Mount Kenya national park among the destinations one shouldn’t miss during a self-drive encounter in Kenya. The national park is known for providing a mystical challenge to the adventurous and physically fit travelers during mountain climbing exercise. Aside the mountain, the national park hosts several wildlife species, bird species, butterfly species and many others.

Enjoy the pristine wilderness, lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty, geological variety, the forest, mineral springs, rare and endangered wildlife species, high altitude adapted game, unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants are a sight.

Lake Nakuru national park is another destination suitable for a visit during a self-drive safari in Kenya. Lake Nakuru is famous for attracting vast quantities of lesser flamingos which make the lake appear pink. Lake Nakuru national park attracts other bird species like the ostriches, sooty falcon, cormorants, Abyssinian thrush, and many more. Besides the birdlife, the park is also a home to some wildlife including the buffaloes, African elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and many others. While in the park, view these attractions perfectly from baboon cliff which is one of the viewing points in the park.

Visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges. Lake Nakuru National Park is ideal for bird watching, hiking, picnic and game drives. Also, one of the few parks that host tree climbing lions.