Practical guide to self-drive in Kenya
As traveling in Kenya particularly for safari reasons is progressing considerably through the last 2 decades, and travelers/ tourists have appreciated either going for a fully guided trip or taking a self-drive. Gofurther 4×4 Car Rental we bring you guideline which is to help you in arranging a perfect self-drive holiday in Kenya.
Kenya is perfect destination as far as his kind of self-guided exploration. It has a well-maintained road network and all the necessary infrastructure. This makes it easy to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, enjoying encounters with a rich diversity of people along the way. The experience can also be as adventurous as you want it to be, and it’s a superb introduction to the joys of being your own boss out on the open road.
Is self-drive safe in Kenya?
The fact is that Kenya is safe compared to some of the other countries in region and East African. Thanks to the descent political a country without rebel group threats. It’s always possible to drive across the country of Kenya to all amazing national parks and reserves and other places of tourist virtue. However, staying safe and drive through from Nairobi to all parts of the country, you need to consider the conditions and terms in all spheres.
Requirements for self-drive in Kenya
The first requirement for any driver in Kenya is must be above 18 years, and must have a valid documentations including a driving permit. However, for foreign travelers/drivers must have a valid international driving permit. Identification documents are a must have for nationals and those from the region/ East African community must have their respective country national ID, and foreigners have their passport, and visa.
Follow Traffic Rules
Don’t over speed, the limited speed on Kenya’s roads is 100kmh on highways, around towns and cities 50kmh, and 45kmh for national parks. Don’t overtake where it’s prohibited, respect all driving rules on road. Driving in Kenya is done using the left lane of the road which might not be the case to your country.
Must the road conditions
Kenya is the most developed country in the sun rising African region, and this mean a lot of infrastructural advancement is realized for the country. This is a reason why the standard gauge is working currently, and the many roads across the country are paved. However, should understand that many roads in the countryside and mainly many tourist destination are still ragging, and must be ready to drive through such road. With this matter is necessitate the need to hire a 4×4 car and mainly needs a safari customized car.
Which car to hire for self-drive
In respect for the purpose of the driving, for safari adventure purposes, it’s important to hire a 4×4 car which are customized for safaris. The land cruiser hardtop, and the safari land cruiser extended are mainly the vehicles available for self-drive in Kenya. However, for self-drive the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TX, Prado V8, and the mainly available for self-drive. These are fitting cars for safaris as they are customized for safaris with a rooftop pop up for game viewing experience.
Rent a vehicle in advance
Intending to hire a car and drive yourself, its quiet great but need to consider an advance setting to hire a car. Have your car rental confirmed at least a month before your traveling date. It’s important even to know seasons, when you are use the vehicle during high seasons, at least 3 month before traveling date, and for lower season at least a month before the traveling.
Driving time on a self-drive
For your own safety, it’s advisable not to drive at night. During night hours there’re possibilities of finding robber who can take everything out of you, or even when driving at night and encounter any mechanical challenges it’s difficult for any vehicle or anyone to stop and give a hand. Whenever on a self-drive can turn on the road at 6am and stop driving at 7pm, when time finds you in the remote places can get a parking anywhere and look out for a lodging facilities which are spread across the country.
Don’t give lifts
Never stop to give a lift to strangers, these sometimes can turn out not to be good people and end up in robbing and stealing from you everything.
What to be careful of
Never, ever drive at night in Kenya, though it’s safe to drive throughout the country, its wisdom to be careful when handling all the matters on self-drive, it’s a foreign country remember. Drivers on roads from opposite direction are often poorly maintained and the headlights don’t always work. When in the park, and driving in the countryside wild and domestic animals frequently wander across the road which dangerous especially when driving on speed. Drive with enough fuel in your vehicle, can you manage a full tank especially in the countryside as some of the areas it make take a long distance without finding a fuel station.
Drive on the Left lane
Kenya uses the left side to drive, this is the case with neighbors like Uganda, and Tanzania. So, drive Uganda