1. The Dos and Donts of Self Drive Safari in Kenya
Dos and Don’ts of Self-drive safaris in Kenya. The best way to save some money and enjoy the freedom of a safari is to go by self-drive safaris. It is important to know the things to do and those things to avoid when on self-drive in Kenya. Firstly, the things that are most important to take great care on are your safety, security and time. You will need to run your itinerary by the tour company for them to tell you what is possible and what is largely impossible to achieve within your time frame.
1. Top 17 Dos (Things To Do)on your Self Drive Safari in Kenya
2. Things to do on your self drive safari
Kenya Self-drive safari from Nairobi. Below are the things to do before and during your Kenya self-drive safari. You can decide to run through most of these dos with your Nairobi self-drive car hire company for them to advice you on your safety on the road, security at camp and at pit stops and time management between destinations.
Do check your car hire vehicle condition
Do check the terms and conditions of hire
Do check on what is included in the cost and what is not
Do check the validity of insurance and inspection sticker
Do check the state of the tyres
Do a test drive of the vehicle a day prior to hire
Do confirm on rescue arrangements in case of breakdown or getting stuck
Do lock up your vehicle at pit stops and ensure all doors and windows are secured
Do a check list of cutlery and menu items to hire or buy
Do take travel insurance before embarking on your safari in Kenya
Do have some money in cash USD and local currency on safari
Do take your malaria prophylactic drugs as prescribed by your doctor
Do confirm your itinerary with the safari company day-by-day
Do read park rules to avoid off road driving, littering or feeding wildlife
Do enjoy the beautiful scenery across Kenya
Do enjoy the freedom that comes with self-drive Kenya safari itineraries
Do have a great time and interact with people in the towns, Kenyans are a very welcoming people.
2. Top 10 Don’ts (Things Not To Do) On Your Self-Drive Safari in Kenya
3. Things NOT to do in your Self Drive Safari in Kenya
Here are 10 things that you should NOT do at all cost during your self-drive safari in Kenya. Most of these don’ts are things that ensure your safety on the road and security during travel. Kenya is mainly a safe country in the towns as long as you keep to the day time hours. You can be in the middle of a market with hundreds of people in rural Kenya and be safer than a street in New York. Kenyans are amazingly peaceful and happy people. But you should watch out for the secluded sections on major highways for highway bandits. Avoid having bathroom breaks in the middle of nowhere.
Don’t pay full amount for the vehicle in advance before you view it
Don’t drive off the vehicle without confirming it has a spare tire, wheel spanner and first aid kit
Don’t assume availability of the same vehicle as show on the websites
Don’t stop on major highways for whatever reason unless at petrol stations and safe areas
Don’t expect any help to be offered for free by the local people; a coin is hard to come by and people are more than willing to help you out for the money.
Don’t drive at night and time your arrivals to next destination at 1800hrs always
Don’t display money or jewelry openly; for obvious reasons
Don’t leave your phone, laptops, cameras unattended both in vehicle and at restaurants
Don’t access money from ATMS that are located in plain sight of passersby, it’s tempting
In case of a tire puncture, stop at places with crowds as opposed to secluded location
4. A good 4×4 Self Drive Safari Vehicle is better
There are much more to know on the dos and don’ts while on Kenya self-drive safari but most of these also apply to other countries that you have ben to before. Taking a little caution is always the best way to avoid theft or getting stranded or lost. Where in doubt of the route, you can always stop at the petrol station and enquire on directions. Traffic and regular police are also always very happy to help you with directions.
5. Self drive vehicles in Kenya with Roof Tent are available
3. Get More Details on Self Drive Car Hire Safaris in Kenya
Kenya is a beautiful country to explore on your own time and pace. A self-drive tour in Kenya gives you unlimited flexibility to explore the major national parks without breaking your bank. You also get to stay in either luxury lodges or ground camping. Whichever your choice, a self-drive in Kenya is easy to do and is highly recommended as opposed to the tight scheduled itineraries where your freedom is curtailed.
Book or enquire more about Kenya self-drive safaris in Nairobi from Robert; Send us a whatsapp message on +254722661827 or email us at info@sojournsafaris.co.ke
To book a self-drive safari in Nairobi is easy but you need to have certain facts right to avoid disappointments. This article explores the things you need to consider before booking a self-drive tour package. There is more to it than just hiring a vehicle and driving off to the Masai Mara or Amboseli national park.
Top 10 Tips to Hiring a Self-Drive Vehicle in Nairobi Kenya
If you want to book and hire self-drive vehicle and tour in Nairobi Kenya, you will need to make sure that you have several things checked in order to have an uneventful safari in the country. You can arrange with your tour operator to book a self-drive and go on a game drive or hiking multi day safari.
Hire a reliable 4×4 vehicle for self-drive off road safari
Check if the car is road worthy for Kenyan parks
Find out if the car has insurance
Check if the car has a vehicle Inspection sticker
Discover what is required in regards to driving in Kenya
Discover what is Included and Not Included in the cost of vehicle hire
Sign the necessary self-drive contract in Nairobi before the tour
Explore your route and buy a lonely planet guide book in Nairobi
You need to be ready for you’re driving in a foreign country and there is a lot of research you need to do. Besides having an international driving license, you are required to know your directions and security ratings of the various towns. You also need to know the dos and don’ts of driving in Kenya to avoid getting in trouble with the police or thugs.
1. Find a Reliable Self-Drive Car Hire Company in Nairobi Kenya
1. Find a reliable self-drive car
There are a few self-drive companies in Kenya which offer excellent service and good 4×4 vehicles for self-drive. If you are planning to go off road in national parks, you should always use 4×4 vehicles as opposed to sedans and saloon cars. This is because of the fact that, even though most of the main Kenyan roads to national parks are tarmacked, the roads within parks are not. Small vehicles with low power and low ground clearance will not be a good idea in Kenyan parks. The company should be registered and have experience in planning self-drive safaris.
2. Explore Your Options For Self-Drive In Nairobi
2. Explore your self drive options in nairobi
You need to look at several options in regard to costs of hiring the vehicle, extra services offered and types of vehicles on offer. The few companies offering self-drive safaris in the country mainly have 4×4 land cruiser and land rover options. These are vehicles which are tropicalized and modified for the tough terrains in Kenyan national parks. While cost is a major factor to consider while hiring a self-drive vehicle in Nairobi, it is quality of the vehicles and their condition that matters most. You also need to know that the company has rescue services in the event you get stuck or your vehicle breakdown. It is also important to know that the company will also help you to hire other camping equipment like tents, sleeping bags, gas cookers, cutlery, among others. A few self-drive companies in Nairobi also offer to help you do the groceries shopping and even help you to do a budget for meals. In some cases, we can provide a chef or a chauffeur to accompany you for the tour. Find out every detail you need to know especially when it comes to the services offered by the self-drive outfitter in Nairobi.
3. Hire a Reliable Self-Drive Vehicle for Your Kenya Safari
3. Hire a Reliable self-drive vehicle
The most important aspect of your self-drive safari is of course the condition of your vehicle and its ability to cover the whole of your planned itinerary without breakdowns. Most vehicles in Kenya are aged above 10 years but you can still get a very well maintained 4×4 vehicle for self-drive if you don’t mind the miles on its clock. The advantage with these cars is that they are usually highly modified for Kenyan roads including dual coil springs, double shock absorbers on each wheel, protected under carriage etc.
4. Check Is the Car Is Road Worthy
4. Check if the self drive car is road worthy
To hire yourself drive vehicle, it would be a good idea to road test it for a day prior to the safari. Check out for engine power, any oil leaks and general condition of the vehicle. If your gut feeling tells you things can go wrong with a vehicle then most probably they will. You can also request for the servicing history of the vehicle to make sure that it’s on top condition.
5. Check If the Car Hire Vehicle Has an Inspection Sticker
5. Check of the self drive vehicle has an inspection sticker
All vehicles beyond a certain weight must undergo an annual quality inspection by the government. The vehicle is issued with an inspection sticker which must be displayed at all times on the windscreen. Check if the vehicle has an inspection sticker since this is a requirement by law and you can get into problems with police if found without one. The inspection also guarantees you that the vehicle has been recently fully inspected for roadworthiness.
6. Check If the Self-Drive Vehicle A Has an Insurance Cover
6. Check validity on the insurance sticker
The vehicle you intend to hire for yourself drive must have an insurance cover. Whether the insurance is third party or comprehensive is ok. It is a legal requirement that all vehicles must have insurance cover in Kenya as it is globally anyway. Check to see that the insurance sticker on the windscreen is valid, just in case they overlooked that important item. This is mostly to ensure you are not harassed by police by driving without a valid insurance cover.
7. Discover What Is Required To Drive In Kenya as a Foreign Driving License Holder
7. Find out the driving requirements
In most cases you only need an international driving license to be able to drive on Kenyan roads. You can read up if there are any other requirements needed. For example, you should not drive a public service vehicle or PSV if you are not licensed locally to do so. So don’t hire a 9 seater tour van for self-drive if you don’t have a PSV license. If you need a tour van, then you may need to hire the services of a local tour driver as well especially if you have a group of more than 7. With the current covid19 social distancing requirements the maximum number allowed in a 4×4 land cruiser short chassis is 4. In case your group is larger; you may want to consider hiring a tour van inclusive of a driver. The point here being; it’s important to find out the local regulations on driving and passenger requirements from yourself drive firm in Nairobi.
8. Discover What Is Included and Excluded In Self Drive Hire Price
8. Find out what is included and excluded in the hire
When hiring your self-drive vehicle in Nairobi you need to know what is included in the cost of the hire of the vehicle. For example most car hire firms only include the cost of hiring the vehicle only. Fuel, driver’s allowances and park fees are usually not included in the hire price. So it’s good to know what you are paying for and what extra items you may be required to plan for. For example drivers, fuel, park fees, camping fees, conservation fees, parking fees etc. Some self-drive companies will require you to leave a refundable security deposit which covers any vehicle damage that you may cause.
9. Sign the self-drive vehicle Hire Contract in Nairobi Office
9. Sign the self drive vehicle contract
If you like the vehicle you are about to hire for the self-drive safari in Kenya, you can now sign the contract and make payment for the vehicle hire. They will need to take a photocopy of your driving license, ensure its valid and keep a copy. The company will also take a photocopy of your passport for the file and to have your details. The safari vehicle you have just hired will be made available to you on the day you need it and in a clean condition ready for the drive. Remember to fuel it within the city before departure as petrol stations can be far between out of town. You also need to fill up any extra storage tanks or jerricans just in case you ran out of fuel in the bush.
10. Explore Your Routes and Buy a Lonely Planet Guide in Nairobi
10. Explore your safari driving routes and map your itinerary
You need to explore your routes and if possible download the GPS route on your GPS Device or phone so that you avoid getting lost. The lonely planet Kenyan guide book is a very helpful and extremely detailed guide to self-drive in Kenya. Make sure you have mapped out all your routes and read more about the towns and parks to know where to get supplies, security ratings, road conditions and everything you need to know about the drive around Kenya. The people at the self-drive office in Nairobi will be glad to offer their knowledge on any part of the itinerary that is unclear. You can also reach the office at any time and day during yourself drive trip around Kenya for further assistance.
There are more details you may need to find out about self-drive safari in Kenya. We can provide more details on email on everything you need to know about self-drive and car hire in Kenya.
Request for more information or book a self-drive vehicle in Kenya from Robert, send a whatsapp message to +254722661827 or send us an email here: info@sojournsafaris.co.ke
Explore Masai Mara game reserve in a 1 day or 3 day budget camping group joining safari from Nairobi. This article will give you tips on what are the best things to do in Masai Mara to get the most of your short safari. A visit to the Masai Mara should be in your bucket list of places to visit before you kick it. Find out what are the must do things in a Masai Mara 3 day camping or lodge safari from a Nairobi.
Top 7 Tips to Explore Masai Mara Game Reserve
If you want to really feel the fun of being in a 3 days Masai Mara safari, then you need to know what are the best things to do while you are there. You can plan to explore the Mara in a private 3 –day Masai Mara budget camping or lodge family safari. You can also arrange with friends to join a masai mara group joining safari from Nairobi and meet new people.
Explore Masai Mara Game reserve Big five animal’s game drive
Track the Wildebeest Migration in summer
Discover the Masai culture with a visit to Masai village
Fly in an air balloon safari with champagne bush breakfast
Go on a guided Walking safari among wildlife in Masai Mara game reserve
Savor a bush dinner by the bonfire
Watch most beautiful African sunsets
These are a few of the many activities you can do in Masai Mara on your 3 days safari from Nairobi. The conservancies outside the park allow more activities like night game driving and walking safaris. The game reserve does not allow such activities inside the park but you can make arrangements with your driver to book such outside of the park.
1. Explore Masai Mara Game Reserve with Big Five Game Drives
1. Explore Masai Mara Game Reserve
Masai Mara game reserve big five game drives are the main activities for your 3 day safari in Mara. The game drives are arranged such that you have the first one at 0630 in the morning and a second one at 1600hrs. These timings are meant to correspond with hours when the sun is not too hot as the animals hide away from the day’s heat. Doing a game drive at 1200 is fruitless as most of the animals tend to take cover under the trees. Your Masai Mara game drives target to show you the big five animals which include the elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalos. These are the most sought after animals in each game drive. The rhino and the leopards are the hardest to see although you are guaranteed to see them in a 3 day tour of Masai Mara. Of course, there are other types of animals in Masai Mara to see besides the big five. The grazers are the majority and Masai Mara has an estimated population of more than 3 million animals.
2. Track the Mara Wildebeest Migration in Summer (July – November)
2. Track the Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration
One event that has made Masai Mara to be voted as the new 7 wonders f the world is the great wildebeest migration. In this single event that takes place once a year, over 1.5million wildebeests move across 3,000km, crossing 2 countries in search of pasture. The wildebeest migration is so huge that it can be seen from space as a moving black mass. The migration takes a clock wise motion from Serengeti and Ngorongoro plains into north western part of the Masai Mara and returns back to Serengeti after 3 months in Masai Mara. This event is witnessed by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The single most significant event of the whole migration is the Mara river crossing where hordes of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles have to cross the flooded river. The crocodiles in the water grab several thousands of the wildebeests, while the stampede and drowning claims their toll on the population too. Over 10,000 wildebeests lose their life in a single migration river crossing but that never stops them from doing it over a year later. Their security is in their numbers.
3. Discover the Masai Culture in a Masai Village
3. Discover the Masai Culture in a Masai Village
It is recommended that you don’t finish your Masai Mara safari without visiting a Masai village to see how the Masai tribesmen live. The Masai people are among the few tribes that have refused to abandon their culture even in the midst of 21st century technological and social changes. A Masai village tour is usually arranged for the afternoon of the second day in Masai Mara. You will visit the Masai village and witness firsthand how they live amongst t the wildlife like lions and elephants. The Masai homestead will welcome you with dances and smiles. You will be ushered into one of their houses where they stay together with the children. The Masai village guided tour will educate you on how the Masai went to war, how they go through their rites of passage, how they marry, how they raise cattle among many other cultural norms. You will learn how to throw a spear, how to make fire from sticks and elephant dung and how to dance the jumping dance. You can also support these families that have had to sacrifice their land for the conservation of wildlife, by buying some of their curios and trinkets at the Masai market in the village.
4. Fly In a Hot Air Balloon Safari and Have Champagne Breakfast at Dawn
4. Fly in a Hot Air Balloon in Masai Mara
One of the unmissable activities of the Masai Mara is to go on a hot air balloon at dawn. On the second day, you may opt to buy a hot air balloon game drive and enjoy watching the wildebeest migration from the air. Your driver will pick you up at 0500 and drive you to the hot air balloon airstrip. The captain bundles you in the balloon basket which takes 12 people and they start pumping the hot air into the enormous balloon. Slightly before dawn, the tethers are released and you gradually start to gain height as the balloon takes to the air. It is still dark but once airborne; the sunrise will come up in one of the most spectacular views across the African savannah. After watching the sunset airborne, you start to concentrate your attention to the millions of wildebeest and other animals below you. Some are startled by the looming balloon shadow as it approaches them while others just gaze up to you. After an hour of one of the most spectacular balloon game flights, you will land in a designated area and breakfast will be already set for you among the grass. You will be treated to one of the freshest bush breakfast on landing and some champagne. A certificate of flight is issued and you go along for an hour of game drive in the plains before you are driven back to your lodge or camp. Though the price tag at almost $500 is pricey, it is well worth the once in a lifetime experience to be above all that wildlife in the Mara; not to mention the amazing sunrise and champagne.
5. Go On a Mara Guided Walking Safari among the Wildlife
5. Masai Mara Guided Walking Safari
Walking safaris in Masai Mara 3 day tour are mostly offered by conservancies around the game reserve. The Masai Mara game reserve does not allow walking safaris inside the park for visitor security reasons. However, the community conservancies around the park offer these guided walking safaris where you walk in the grass and view the wildlife at closer range than when in a vehicle. These are experienced masai guides who understand animal behavior and can predict when its unsafe to approach any animal. Similarly, they have acute vision and are able to avert danger even before you yourself have seen it. Its noteworthy to remember that the masai people live within these wildlife areas and have to fetch water, firewood and walk to shopping centres among the wildlife. So the Masai make for excellent walking safari guides in the Mara. In some lodges, walking safaris are offered with the escort of an armed ranger carrying a shotgun just in case of rouge animals. Walking safaris are a great way to experience nature on foot and feel the air around you. You will be amazed at how far these Masai guides can see wildlife and point them out for you.
6. Enjoy a Masai Mara Bush Dinner over a Bonfire
6. Enjoy a Masai Mara Bush Dinner
Savor the privacy of a bush dinner set on a table in the grass close to your lodge. The lodge or camp offer special couple dinners for special occasions or on request. You will be able to have the best quiet romantic dinner in the moonlight and below the stars as the waiter serves you the different courses of the meal and keeps watch from an ear shot position. The setting could not be more magical as you pop the champagne and enjoy a quiet dinner in the bush amongst the wilderness. These moonlight diners are very popular with honeymooners and they are to die for. You can make local arrangements with your tour operator or order on last minute from the hotel or lodge at an extra fee. The bush diners are mostly restricted to adult couples and usually the policy does not allow children in such diners.
7. Watch the Mara Magical African Sunsets from your Room Verandah
7. Watch the Masai Mara Sunsets
Masai Mara is known for the most romantic golden sunsets as the sun falls beyond the horizon casting a golden colour across the expansive savannah plains. You will be enthused by the wildlife silhouettes at dusk as their dark bodies are cast against a dimming sun to produce one of the most abstract yet readable pictures. From the silhouettes, you can tell the name and type of each of the wildlife and such pictures speak a thousand words about your ultimate experience in the wilderness of Masai Mara. From sunrise to sunset, each of your Masai Mara experience is a first. Not a single minute is like the other in Masai Mara in regards to wildlife and sceneries. It’s just magically dynamic.
These are afew of the things to do in a 3-day Masai Mara camping or lodge safari. You can enquire more on any specific activity that you would like to do in your own holiday and get it tailored for you.
Book your trip and explore 3-day Masai Mara game reserve experience; whatsapp Robert on +254722661827 or email us here: info@sojournsafaris.co.ke
Explore Masai Mara on a 3 day budget camping safari from Nairobi and see the big five animals. This article helps you to plan and find the low cost camping sites and best activities to do in the Mara on a 2-night stay.
Explore Mt Kenya National Park on a 1 day hike from Nairobi to view peaks Nelion, Lenana and Batian. Mt Kenya 1 day hike is a popular adventure for active visitors that want a day challenge to climb the mountain partially. You will be able to climb up to 3800m above sea level with a mountain guide.
Top 7 Nairobi Mt Kenya Hiking Day Tour Highlights
Nairobi Mt Kenya hiking day tour safaris. The main reason people want to hike the mountain for a single day and not make it to the summit is to get as close as possible to take photos of the peaks. Most of the visitors don’t have the minimum 5 days to hike Mount Kenya to the summit but they can afford a day to hike to a certain altitude and take pictures. This article describes the one day Mt Kenya hike trip from Nairobi and why it’s a great option to take if you love hiking outdoors. Here are the 7 Nairobi to Mt Kenya hiking day tour highlights
Discover Nairobi to mt Kenya hiking day tour drive
Mt Kenya national park hiking day tour on naro moru route from nairobi
Nairobi mt Kenya hiking day tour trail head
Animals to see on your mt Kenya day hike from Nairobi airport
Reaching mt Kenya peak observation point from Nairobi
Mt Kenya day hike descent to gate
Driving back on a Nairobi mt Kenya day hiking trip
1. Discover the Mt Kenya Day Hike Drive
The 1 day Mount Kenya hiking day tour departs from Nairobi at 0500hrs and your driver will pick you up from your hotel in the city. You will drive north through the central Kenya highlands past many scenic tea and coffee plantations enroute. You will make a breakfast stop along the way in Karatina town before proceeding to mt Kenya.
2. Explore the Mt Kenya National Park from Naro Moru
2. Explore Mt Kenya National Park from Nairobi
Arrival at the Naro Moru gate is at 0900hrs where your guide will take you through the park entry formalities. You will continue your drive up the mountain to the trail head at meteorological station at 3300m above sea level.
3. Hike Mt Kenya day tour Trail head
Your mt Kenya day hike starts from the met station and your guide will lead you through narrow hiking trails that pass through the mountain rainy forests. The tree coverage is of hard wood oak, mahogany, podo and many others. The forest trail winds through dense foliage with thick undergrowth and almost impossible to see 10 feet away.
4. Find Animals on Your Mt Kenya Day Hike Adventure
If you are lucky you may see some of the mountain animals in the park including waterbuck, elephants, bush bucks, leopards, giant forest hog, wild pigs, tree hyrax, buffalo and other animals. It’s a very refreshing and quiet hike through the rain forest.
You will hike through to the alpine forest edge and into the moorland which is a glassy highland savannah with plants such as giant lobelia, groundsels. The moorland is clear and you start to see the mount Kenya peaksclearly and closer as you hike up. You will also go through the alpine moorland bog which is mostly wet and swampy. You will need shoes that can keep the mud out.
5. Reach Mt Kenya Batian Peak Observation Point
3. Mt Kenya Batian Peak Observation Point
Mt Kenya national park hike on the moorland will continue up to the observation point where you can stand and watch the Teleki valley below. The Teleki valley is the alpine desert made up of rocks and crag. You will have reached the 3800m above sea level point and you will enjoy your packed lunch here. The ascent hike takes you 4 ½ hours to reach here. At this point, you can take the clearest pictures of peaks Nelion and Batian before starting your descent.
6. Start your 1 ½ hour Descent on Mt Kenya to Met Station
After lunch and taking a few more pictures, you will start your descent hike down the mountain through the same route. The descent takes you 1 ½ hours to get to the met station at 3300m. You will reconnect with your driver at the met station and start to drive out of the park gate.
7. Drive Back to Nairobi from Mt Kenya National Park Gate
4. Views of Mt Kenya Peaks Nelion, Lenana and Batian
You will start your drive back to Nairobi at around 1500hrs and drop off at your hotel will be at 1800hrs. This marks the end of your mt Kenya 1 day hiking trip from Nairobi. It is important to note that Mt Kenya national park does not allow disposable water bottles into the park. So try and come with a flask or a reusable water bottles to transfer your water from the plastic bottles.
Mt Kenya National Park Day Hike Itinerary
0500: Mt Kenya 1 day hike departs Nairobi before dawn. Your driver will pick you up from hotel
0700: Stop for a breakfast at Karatina town enroute Mt Kenya National Park Day Hike
0900: Arrival at Mt Kenya’s Naro Moru gate and park entry formalities are done. Drive up to Met station trail head.
0930: Start your 1 Day Mt Kenya hike from met station towards the moorland. View animals and birds enroute up.
1300: Reach the Mt Kenya peaks observation point where the Teleki valley starts and have your packed lunch.
1330: Take pictures of the peak Nelion and Batian before starting your descent back to met station
1400: Descend to Met station to reconnect with your tour driver.
1330: Start your Drive back to Nairobi from Mt Kenya Naro Moru Gate.
1830: Drop off at your Nairobi hotel after the Mt Kenya 1 day hike.
End of Mt Kenya 1 Day Hike Tour.
Book your Nairobito Mt Kenya hike Day Tour by sending Robert a whatsapp message +254722661827 or email us at info@sojournsafaris.co.ke . Contact us for the 2021 rates. Instant response.
