Self-driving in Kenya: what to know before you go
Short answer: self-driving is possible and, for many families, a wonderful way to see Kenya. Drive on the left, plan generously, don't drive in the dark and pick a route that suits your experience. First time in Kenya? Consider a driver for the first days, or start with a short, simple route.
Documents
- Bring your own driving licence, the original and not a copy.
- An International Driving Permit is strongly recommended. Rental companies often ask for one, especially if your licence isn't in English. Sources differ on whether it is legally required, so ask your rental company.
- Keep your licence, rental papers and proof of insurance within reach for checks.
Driving on the left and the rules
- In Kenya you drive on the left.
- Seat belts are compulsory and you may not use a hand-held phone while driving.
- Follow the signs. Limits are low in towns (roughly 40 to 50 km/h) and usually around 80 to 100 km/h on main roads.
- Villages often have speed bumps at the entrance with little or no marking. Slow down early.
Roads and travel time
- Main roads around Nairobi are paved but busy with trucks and buses. The Nairobi to Mombasa road is a good example.
- Smaller roads often have potholes or are unpaved, and the last stretch to a lodge is often a dirt track.
- Allow about 30% more time than your navigation app suggests.
- Road markings are often missing or hard to read, so don't expect them to work as they do at home.
- Check conditions on your route just before you leave, especially after rain.
Don't drive in the dark
Potholes are hard to see at night, oncoming vehicles sometimes use full beams, and animals and pedestrians walk on the road. Plan to arrive before sunset.
Do you need a 4x4?
A 4x4 is recommended for many safari routes, especially for park tracks and in wet weather. It isn't needed for every route. A normal car can work if you stay on tarmac, but ask your lodge what they recommend for the final stretch.
Police checks
- You'll meet checkpoints on main roads and near towns. Stay calm, friendly and patient.
- Officers may check your speed, licence, tyres and insurance.
- If you're fined, ask for an official receipt and pay only through the official route stated on it.
National parks and paying
- Rules differ per park. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is the source for current rules and fees.
- Entry is paid through KWSPay, the KWS digital payment system. You can pay by M-Pesa, bank card or bank transfer. Extra charges and fees apply, so check the total before you pay.
- Speed limits inside parks are low, around 30 to 40 km/h. Keep your distance from animals and stay on the tracks.
Fuel, navigation and signal
- Fill up in larger towns before you set off. Stations are scarcer in remote areas and diesel isn't always available.
- Buy a local SIM card, for example from Safaricom, which has the best coverage.
- Download offline maps before you leave. Offline Google Maps and Maps.me both work well.
Safety
- Lock the doors in towns and in slow traffic, and don't leave valuables visible in the car.
- Share your route with your lodge or someone at home.
- Read your government's current travel advice before you go.
Insurance and the rental car
Ask your rental company in writing about the excess, tyre and windscreen cover, breakdown assistance and whether use in national parks is covered. Also ask what happens if the car can't be repaired quickly.
Checklist before you leave
- Original licence (and International Driving Permit)
- Rental papers and proof of insurance
- Offline maps and a local SIM
- Full tank, spare wheel and tools checked
- Water, snacks and a first-aid kit
- Arrival planned before sunset
- Route shared with your lodge
Want to know whether self-driving suits your trip, or which route works best with children? Ask for free advice.
Sources
Compiled from current information including SafariFind, Roadtrip Africa, Business Daily and Eastleigh Voice (on KWSPay). This is general information, not legal advice.