Thinking of that roadtrip in Kenya, before you cofirm everything here is everything you need to know about the East African country.
A stellar travel destination, re-known for having some of the greatest attractions, distinguished by her unique landscapes, culture, especially from the Masaai and the wildlife. The beauty of Kenya is located in East Africa, neighboring Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia and Ethiopia and is crossed by the equator. She is best known for her vibrant cities and people, beautiful beaches and adventurous off-road safaris.
Kenya is suitable for all kinds of travelers, whether nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, anthropologists interested in studying culture, especially about the Masaai people though the country has over 40 ethnic groups and those seeking relaxation.
This article is going to help you understand everything you will ever desire to know about Kenya, traveling and exploring the national parks and how to go about every kind of services you may need while there.
Top tourist destinations in Kenya
Amboseli National Park: This is one of the most majestic and large parks there is in Kenya. It borders Tanzania to the south and further prides in being the only park where you can have a glance at the beautiful Mountain Kilimanjaro, creating a unique safari experience.
It is endowed with different physical features such as dry lake beds, acacia woodlands and open plains among others. The park is famous for accommodating large herds of elephants, which have large tusks making them an interesting site. Besides these enormous land mammals, there are hyenas, lions, cheetahs, zebras, buffaloes among others.
The activities that can be done here include game driving, nature photography and bird watching among others.
Nairobi National Park: Seated on 117 square kilometers is the park that consists open plains, scattered acacia trees and river valleys that act as accommodation for the wildlife. This park is very unique as it is the only one in the entire world that is close to a capital.
Despite being really close to the city, visitors that visit Nairobi national park are interested in viewing wildlife such as lions, buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas and antelopes among others, accompanied by over 400 recorded bird species.
Game drives, birding and wildlife photography are the commonest activities carried out in this park.
Lake Nakuru National park: The paradise of flamingos in Kenya is located close to the shallow alkaline Lake Nakuru in the Great Rift Valley. These birds form an eye satisfying environment around and on the lake shores. It seats on area as large as 188 square kilometers, surrounded by rocky hills and grasslands creating a natural habitat for wildlife.
In addition to the pink birds, Lake Nakuru national park also gives a home to antelopes, leopards, buffaloes, lions and zebras and many more. These entice tourist activities such as game driving, bird watching, nature photography, and the sighting of beautiful view points such as the Baboon Cliff.
Masaai Mara National Reserve: It is located in the southern part of Kenya, bordering Tanzania and seated on an area of 1510 square kilometers of open savannah grasslands and rolling hills, forming a larger part of the eco-system of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
It has a great population of wild animals with the eye-catching great wildebeest migration that involves huge number of wildebeests, gazelles and zebras move for Serengeti National Park to the Masaai Mara in search for water and pastures. This usually takes place between July and October and attracts many tourists.
Famous activities here include game drives, wildlife photography, and hot air balloons over the savannah grasslands, cultural visits to the Masai villages among others.
Mountain Kenya National Park: It is one of Kenya’s most preserved areas as it surrounds Mount Kenya, which is her highest mountain.
The wildlife here includes bushbucks, elephants, leopards, monkeys, birds and many more. Tourism activities include mountain climbing and trekking on Mount Kenya, bird watching, camping and nature photography and wildlife viewing.
.Tsavo National Park: It is divided into two sections namely Tsavo East and Tsavo West National park. It is characterized by lava flows, volcanic hills, rivers and natural springs. Mzima springs are the greatest tourist attraction in the western arm of the park, where visitors sight clear water coming from underground.
The commonest wildlife here are the red elephants which are called so because of the red soil in the park that hey smear themselves with. Others include lions, buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, zebras and leopards etc.
Main activities here include; game driving, exploring scenic attraction, bird watching and nature photography.
Mombasa city: It is a port mainly for export and import
Best time to visit Kenya
Kenya is worth visiting all year round though there are best seasons where you will enjoy it to its climax.
June to October: This is the best season that attracts many because of the great wildebeest migration.
January to February: This is the dry season, also known as the peak season that gives an excellent opportunity for game driving and photography. The roads during this season in Kenya are dry and passable.
March to May: This is the low season in East Africa, as it has fewer tourists and many tourist related services are at a low price. It is also great season for bird lovers as it offers the great bird watching sceneries, and photography.
The roads during this season are super slippery, muddy and difficult to pass there requiring a 4×4 vehicle for easy maneuvering.
November to December: The period has low rains that are still suitable for tourism and exploration activities.
Best Car Hire Kenya Cars to choose from
Land Cruiser Prado: This can seat 5 people and has a high ground clearance to easily go through rough routes usually found in national parks.
Land Cruiser Extended: This is the ideal vehicle for adventure seekers as it gives an interesting experience, right from it robust appearance to its interior that is spacious, accommodating both people and cargo. It has an exceptional ground clearance which leaves you thrilled on how it passes roads.
Land Cruiser Hard top: This is another adventure vehicle that is as great as the extended. Its ground clearance is very high, with great maneuverability.
Land Cruiser V8: It has a luxurious and comfortable interior and can seat 7 people with the driver. It has a good fuel economy, suitable for mid-range travelers.
Safari Van: It is a large vehicle that can seat 10 people, with a great fuel economy and 4×4 capacity to navigate rough paths.
Toyota RAV4: For couples and other small groups, this is the ideal 4×4 for you. It has a comfortable interior and can harbor 4-5 people depending on the model.
Our Car Hire Kenya Services
There are main two known services offered by car rental companies in Kenya such as self-drive or 4×4 car hire with a driver.
Self drive Kenya: This involves you touring Kenya independently, allowing you have privacy at its climax with no foreign intervention or inconvenience. It also provides flexibility as you can turn your travel plan according to what satisfies.
Car hire with a driver: This involves hiring a 4×4 vehicle with a driver to drive you to all your destinations in Kenya. A driver can also act as a tour guide, explaining to you things you may need to know about the different places you are to visit and the attractions there in.
Foods in Kenya
Nyama choma: This is a national dish, often translated to roasted meat, usually food on the road side.
Ugali: This is their staple food made from maize flour
Sukuma Wiki: This are green leafy vegetables usually used to make soups and sauces
Chapati: This is obtained from mixing wheat flour, salt, cooking oil and any other additional spices of one’s choice.
Coastal areas also feature Swahili dishes influenced by Arabic and Indian cuisines, including seafood curries and coconut-based meals
Accommodation in Kenya for travelers
They range from luxuries to budget hotels and lodges.
Luxury lodges: located in national parks and coastal areas
Midrange: located in cities and tourist areas
Budget: suitable for budget travelers
Eco lodges: They focus on sustainability and nature.
Car Hire Kenya Safety Tips
- Avoid driving at night when you are doing a self-drive safari.
- Always have cash to make transactions smooth.
- Endeavour to use reputable safari companies in Kenya
- Always follow local advisories on how to go about different roads and short cuts.
Requirements for entry to Kenya: This is only a valid passport with a visa, guaranteeing you legal entry into the country.
Activities to do in Kenya
Hiking the Mountain Kenya
Visiting the Masaai villages for a Manyatta experience
Walking safaris with local guides
Hot air balloon safaris that allow you sight different landscapes from above.
With such information, you will get to understand that Kenya is a paradise worth visiting in a life time, offering you the best car hire services, attractions rare in the white man land. She is a pure embodiment of cultural diversity, wildlife, modernity, giving you the best travel experience known to man.