9 Best Places To Visit With A Rental Car In Kenya

Kenya, a popular safari destination in East Africa, is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. From the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya to the vast plains of the Maasai Mara, there’s something for every traveler in the original safari land. And what better way to explore all that Kenya has to offer than by renting a car?

Why Rent a Car in Kenya?

Renting a car in Kenya gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems that you might miss on a guided tour. You can stop wherever you want, stay as long as you like, and create your own itinerary. Plus, you’ll have the convenience of having your own transportation, which is especially helpful if you’re traveling with a group or have a tight schedule.

Rent A Driver Kenya organizes driver-guided trips in Kenya for all types of travelers including solo tourists, couples, families and small groups. If you are planning to rent a car in Kenya this season, here are some of the best places to visit in Kenya with a rental car:

1. Nairobi

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant culture and a rich history. It’s a great place to start your Kenyan adventure, as it’s home to many attractions, including:

The Nairobi National Museum: This museum showcases Kenya’s history, art, and culture. You can learn about the country’s diverse tribes, its colonial past, and its natural history.
The Giraffe Centre: This unique sanctuary allows you to get up close and personal with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. You can feed them, learn about their conservation efforts, and even have your picture taken with them.
The Karen Blixen Museum: This museum is the former home of the famous Danish author Karen Blixen, who wrote the novel “Out of Africa.” You can explore her home, learn about her life, and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
The Maasai Market: This vibrant market is a great place to find souvenirs, crafts, and local produce. You can also interact with the Maasai people and learn about their culture.
Nairobi national park- If you want to enjoy the best of Kenya’s wildlife without going to far or spending much, then you should check out the city national park.

2. The Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world. It’s home to an incredible diversity of animals, including lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, and zebras. The reserve is also known for its annual Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara.

Tips for Visiting the Maasai Mara:

Book your safari in advance: The Maasai Mara is a popular destination, so it’s essential to book your safari in advance, especially during peak season.
Choose the right time to visit: The best time to visit the Maasai Mara is during the dry season (June to October), when the wildlife is concentrated around the waterholes and the weather is pleasant.
Stay in a lodge or camp: There are many lodges and camps inside the Maasai Mara, offering a range of accommodation options and safari experiences.
Go on a game drive: Game drives are the best way to see the wildlife in the Maasai Mara. You can choose from a variety of game drive options, including morning, afternoon, and night drives.
Respect the wildlife: Remember that you are a visitor in the animals’ home. Keep a safe distance, avoid making loud noises, and don’t litter.

3. Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 species of birds recorded in the park. The park is also home to a large population of flamingos, which often cover the lake in a pink blanket. Other animals you might see in the park include giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.

Tips for Visiting Lake Nakuru National Park:

Visit during the dry season: The best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is during the dry season (June to October), when the water levels are low and the birds are concentrated around the lake.
Go on a birdwatching tour: There are many birdwatching tours available in the park, which can help you spot the rare and elusive birds.
Take a boat ride: A boat ride on Lake Nakuru is a great way to get a different perspective of the park and see the flamingos up close.
Visit the Baboon Cliff: This cliff is a popular spot for watching baboons, which are often seen foraging for food.

4. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The park is also home to a large population of elephants, as well as other animals like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Tips for Visiting Amboseli National Park:

Visit during the dry season: The best time to visit Amboseli National Park is during the dry season (June to October), when the vegetation is sparse and the wildlife is easier to spot.
Go on a game drive: Game drives are the best way to see the wildlife in Amboseli National Park. You can choose from a variety of game drive options, including morning, afternoon, and night drives.
Visit the Observation Hill: This hill offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains.
Stay in a lodge or camp: There are many lodges and camps inside Amboseli National Park, offering a range of accommodation options and safari experiences.

5. Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park is the largest national park in Kenya, covering an area of over 13,000 square kilometers. The park is known for its vast plains, red soil, and diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Tips for Visiting Tsavo East National Park:

Visit during the dry season: The best time to visit Tsavo East National Park is during the dry season (June to October), when the wildlife is concentrated around the waterholes and the weather is pleasant.
Go on a game drive: Game drives are the best way to see the wildlife in Tsavo East National Park. You can choose from a variety of game drive options, including morning, afternoon, and night drives.
Visit the Lugard Falls: These waterfalls are a beautiful spot for a picnic or a swim.
Stay in a lodge or camp: There are many lodges and camps inside Tsavo East National Park, offering a range of accommodation options and safari experiences.

6. Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park is smaller than Tsavo East National Park, but it’s just as diverse. The park is known for its volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Tips for Visiting Tsavo West National Park:

Visit during the dry season: The best time to visit Tsavo West National Park is during the dry season (June to October), when the wildlife is concentrated around the waterholes and the weather is pleasant.
Go on a game drive: Game drives are the best way to see the wildlife in Tsavo West National Park. You can choose from a variety of game drive options, including morning, afternoon, and night drives.
Visit the Mzima Springs: These springs are a beautiful spot for a picnic or a swim.
Stay in a lodge or camp: There are many lodges and camps inside Tsavo West National Park, offering a range of accommodation options and safari experiences.

7. The Coast

Kenya’s coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush vegetation. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.

Popular Coastal Destinations:

Mombasa: Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya and a popular tourist destination. It’s home to Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese fort, and the Old Town, a historic district with narrow streets and traditional architecture.
Diani Beach: Diani Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush vegetation. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
Watamu: Watamu is a small coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and marine life. It’s a great place for snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
Malindi: Malindi is a historic coastal town with a rich culture and a beautiful coastline. It’s a great place to explore the local culture, enjoy the beaches, and go on boat trips.

8. Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a popular destination for hiking, trekking, and climbing. The mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and buffalo.

Tips for Hiking Mount Kenya:

Choose the right trail: There are many different trails to choose from, ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging.
Get a permit: You’ll need a permit to hike Mount Kenya. You can get a permit from the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Hire a guide: It’s recommended to hire a guide, especially if you’re not an experienced hiker.
Pack for all weather conditions: The weather on Mount Kenya can change quickly, so it’s essential to pack for all weather conditions.

9. The Rift Valley

The Rift Valley is a geological feature that runs through Kenya and other parts of East Africa. It’s home to a variety of landscapes, including lakes, volcanoes, and plains.

Popular Rift Valley Destinations:

Lake Nakuru: Lake Nakuru is a beautiful lake in the Rift Valley, known for its large population of flamingos.
Lake Baringo: Lake Baringo is a freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, known for its birdlife and its scenic beauty.
Lake Bogoria: Lake Bogoria is a saline lake in the Rift Valley, known for its hot springs and its large population of flamingos.
The Great Rift Valley: The Great Rift Valley is a geological feature that runs through Kenya and other parts of East Africa. It’s home to a variety of landscapes, including lakes, volcanoes, and plains.

Tips for Driving in Kenya

Get a valid driver’s license: You’ll need a valid driver’s license to drive in Kenya.
Get insurance: It’s essential to get insurance for your rental car.
Be aware of the road conditions: The roads in Kenya can be challenging, especially in rural areas.
Drive defensively: Be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively.
Respect the local customs: Be aware of the local customs and traffic laws.
Avoid driving at night: It’s best to avoid driving at night, as the roads can be dangerous.
Be prepared for wildlife: Be aware of wildlife crossing the roads, especially at night.

Kenya is a beautiful country with something to offer everyone. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems that you might miss on a fully-packaged tour. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, culture, or adventure, Kenya has it all. So, pack your bags, rent a car, and get ready to experience the beauty of Kenya!

You can rent a car in Kenya today for chance to explore these 9 popular safari destinations at your own pace. Simply contact us now by sending an email to info@rentadriverkenya.com or call us now at +256-700135510.

Bryan Muhoozi