Tips For Renting A car in Kenya
Tips For Renting A car in Kenya: All You Need To Know before Renting A Car In Kenya
Tips for renting a car in Kenya: Renting a car in Kenya and self-driving is a unique way of exploring Kenya, although there are still some things you need to know before going on a Kenya road trip.
You might be in Kenya, or just planning to come to Kenya either to stay otherwise travel for some days , as you visit many tourist attraction sites like the Masai mara, the Amboseli national Park, Aberdare National parl, OIpejeta, Samburu National game reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha National park, Hells Gate national Park among others.
Kenya is the second biggest country in East Africa after Tanzania, and with its wide population, you will find almost no land to settle in, but with many interesting destinations that are worth visiting. This alone provides absolute freedom of going on road trips and planning your own travel itineraries, that makes sense for solo travelers, or couples, even groups to rent a car so as to stop anywhere they liked — exploring local villages, mountains, beaches and historic cities at their own pace.
Despite the reputation for crazy driving (and drivers), you will absolutely love traveling in Kenya on a self-drive or guided holiday
Below are some important tips renting a car Kenya, to help you save money and stay safe while driving here!
Kenya Travel Restrictions to travelers coming to Kenya 2022
Kenya is now open to all travelers including American tourists. However, all you need is proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.
Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines.
You can find the latest updates on traveling to Kenya from https://kcaa.or.ke/covid-19/covid-19-travel-requirements
How To Rent A Car In Kenya Guide
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Renting A Car For A Solo or group in Kenya ?
If you are a fun of a minibus, Land cruiser extended, safari Land cruiser, by all means, You will have to hire a driver guide as well. It’s a decent way to see many destinations in Kenya if you don’t have a lot of time.
No planning, no driving, just sit back and let someone else do all the work!,
But if you’re traveling Solo, you prefer the challenge of independent travel which provides the true exploration, with no set schedule or timetable.
You will drive around many Kenya destinations with the freedom to stop anywhere fun you happen to find as you drive around, discovering places off-the-beaten path — that bus tours might miss.
If that’s the kind of traveler you want to be, then rent a car in Kenya is the way to go!
Another interesting bit of having a rental car is the ability to store luggage in the trunk, so you can explore cities with small travel backpacks rather than carrying luggage and huge suitcase everywhere.
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Where To Rent Your Car In Kenya
The best site to book your car is www.selfdrivekenya.com. They have a wide selection of 4×4 rental fleets; Land cruiser Tx/Tz, 4×4 safari Land Cruiser extended, Land cruiser Lx, Nissan X-trail, Safari mini vans, coaster vans and the Toyota Rav4 to help you enjoy your adventure at its best. This is the easiest way to rent a car in Kenya.
At Self drive Kenya, you get to enjoy more deals like car rental with rooftop tent, long term rentals, car hire with camping gear, car hire with pop up roof for game viewing and renting a car on one way basis, where there is no need to return the car at the Initial position, where you picked it from.
Some of my the favorite Kenyan drives so far are; exploring the beautiful Lake Nakuru for birding, visiting the Masai mara for the Big five, while around the city, you can visit the Sheldrick Elephant trust and the Giraffe Monor so as to get near the Giraffes and an epic photography road trip along the rift valley plains and the Mombasa beaches.
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Car Rental Insurance In Kenya
Most Kenya companies out of which www.selfdrivekenya.com is part, have their fleet insured under a policy of motor vehicle insurance as per the kenya Insurance act. The Insurance only covers head collision, theft and fire for the car, but not personal life insurance for the person renting the car, therefore you are urged to come handy with life insurance from your home country.
However this same Insurance does not cater for any damage caused by negligence
such as driving when drunk, wheels/trims, cigarette burns, Tyres, tools, windscreen, side mirrors or any burned vehicle part to the interior of the vehicle, radio /MP4 screen, reversing camera, lights, body parts, engine parts or any other parts related to the vehicle accessories etc, are not covered by insurance and is the full responsibility of the hirer for any loss of any damage to the vehicle, plus
actual towing storage impound and other related expenses. If at all the vehicle is driven under your driver’s negligence: you shall be debited for any damage caused to the engine/ battery, radiator or cylinder head due to your negligence.
When you meet an accident, you are urged to instantly notify the police in-case it is another party’s guilt is to be ascertained, or if any person is injured. This is because it is the operator who will claim the insurance for the damages caused to the car. Most of the excess insurance charged by tour operator companies , usually depend on the type of car say;
Toyota Rav4 USD 500
Land cruiser Prado TZ & TX 1500 USD
Luxury jeeps: LX 7.0 Series, V8, GX, TXL land cruisers Excess insurance is $ 2000USD.
The hirer will comply with the terms and conditions of the insurance policy and pay the owner any excess in the event of the claim
Rooftop Tents and camping gears are also not part of the insurance in case of any damage, therefore client shall pay an amount similar to the manufacturer price of $1000
4.Gas Prices
Gas (petrol) prices in Kenya keep on fluctuating, depending on situations. Currently in Kenya the fuel seem expensive to locals, but remember that the rest of the world quotes gas in Liters, not Gallons. The prices as of June 20th 2022, gas costs about $5.129 per gallon ($1.355 per liter) while diesel is , $4.516 per gallon ($1.193 per liter), hence a Diesel car will always save you some money on gas.
5.Automatic vs Manual
In most cases, Automatic cars are more expensive to rent in Kenya than manual cars, which you must specify what type you want when reserving.
And if you have never driven a manual jeep before, then don’t hesitate to hire one in Kenya, but otherwise, you can hire a driver with knowledge of a manual. However, it is more safe to get an automatic, even if it costs more.
6.One-Way Rentals
In most cases, most clients prefer to pick their rental cars from either Jommo Kenyatta international Airport or hotel of their residence, and return to the same spot after their road trip, while others would love to go one way, that the destination of pick up is different from the drop off point, which then calls for a one way additional fee for one way car rental. These fees are even more expensive if you want to drop the car off in a different country like Tanzania or Uganda because, you will need to Pay for the cross border license — which can add a few hundred USD to actual price.
6. Book In Advance
It is always advisable to book the car early enough, prior to the arrival date/pick up date so as to get a good deal especially if you want to travel to popular destinations. Six months early seems to be the sweet spot for the best rates.
Consider going on your Kenya road trip during the peak tourist seasons, or off-season to get affordable rental car rates.
When crossing the border from Kenya to Tanzania, or Kenya to Uganda by car, the rental companies often charge a fee (COMESA charge) to cross borders with the cars, ranging between $50 to $200.
7.Rental Car Requirements In Europe
Self Drive Kenya like any other car rental company in Kenya has their own rules when it comes to renting a car for self drive or with a driver. We usually just want the driver to be at least 21 years of age, photocopy a valid passport and your home English driver’s license, although the International driving license would be much better.
8. Driving Laws Tourists Should Know
In Kenya, Driving is always on the left, therefore it’s illegal to make a right turn on red lights, and it is always advisable you observe the road rules and the lights. Before you start driving in Kenya, research the meanings of different street signs
Traffic Camera Speed Traps
Although many countries have automatic traffic cameras, Kenya today relies on both the automatic traffic cameras to enforce their speed limits and the highway patrol officers. Therefore proper driving and keen following of the traffic rules will save few expensive speeding tickets!
Children’s Car Seat Requirements
If you’re coming on a self drive road trip with young kids, make sure to rent or bring your own child seat or booster seat. Children between the ages of 2 and 12 are required to use an appropriate restraint in cars.
9.Extra Advice For Renting A Car In Europe
Parking can be a pain in Nairobi city and other buzy towns of Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa, Malindi among others, as there usually isn’t a lot of space (if any at all). Therefore rent Self drive Kenya 4×4 cars to make parking easier, and parking on the outskirts of large cities.
Don’t book our cars without reading company rules and regulations.
Use Google Maps on your smartphone for directions. Bring your own hands-free adapter and buy a Kenyan SIM card for your phone at the airport. Just be aware that Google Maps isn’t always accurate some times.
10.Accident & Breakdown Information
The Kenya Emergency Phone Number is 112, or 911, or 999.
However if your car simply breaks down, and no one is injured, its probably better to call us because you are guaranteed a 24/7 road assistance
Lastly, enjoy your Kenyan road trip with Self drive Kenya, as you proceed to explore small villages, ancient castles, lush mountains of Kenya, and coastal areas of Kenya in our rental car which is definitely the right choice for us.
Contact Self Drive Kenya by emailing us at: info@selfdrivekenya.com, or call/WhatsApp us on +254 115342989
Self-drive road trips allow you to get off the beaten track to see things a lot of people miss!
Best Day trips in Wakiso
If you are visiting Uganda for more than a few days, there are some great day trips from kampalathat are worth doing.
One such trip is to lake victoria, the famous pink lake. Lake Victoria is located on the outskirts of Kampala and is a great place for boating, 4×4selfdriveuganda riding, and other adventure sports.its one of the greatest lake in eastafrica shared by three countries.
It is also a nice place to enjoy a peaceful lunch or shop at many of the artisan craft stalls by the lake. It is easy to take a day trip from Entebbe to lake Victoria if you have a rental car for self-drive or if you hire a car with a driver for the day.
Another good day trip is to Entebbe zoo des Tortues. Close to lake victoria Entebbe botanical, the turtle village is located in Wakiso district, about 30 to 35km from Kampala. It is a great place to witness the conservation and repopulation efforts of Ugandan wildlife. Visitors can follow a path that passes by all kinds of turtles, from massive old ones to tiny ones that can fit in the palm of your hand.
Closer to the city, the Kasubi tombs make for one of the best day trips from Kampala. It is the perfect place for the history culture of Buganda and anyone that wants a peaceful escape from the bustle of the capital. taxes run regularly between the city and villages, making it an easy trip.
Top Tourist places to visit in Kenya
The question is posed anyone in tour where to start from, Kenya has various places to visit and in those places there are a lot of activities to do, one mat decide to make the visit very short and another makes it longer depending on your budget for the safari and the time to spend in the holiday you can choose to make your visit as short or as long. Either way, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
Your budget can determine either to use the camping or using lodges to the luxurious camping tents and exquisite lodges. You chose your pick and enjoy! Am going to mention few of the top beautiful places you can Visit in Kenya both as a tourist or a local. Important Notice: And note that they are all year round destinations.
1.Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara is the most popular National Park in Kenya. It is known to be a home for giraffes, lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles among others.
The name is derived from the famous nomadic tribe of the ‘Maasai’ community. The Mara is most visited during the great migration of the wild – beast. This “Great Migration” takes place every year from July to October when millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Also if you have ever wanted a Hot Air Balloon experience the Maasai Mara is the place to do so through http://www.selfdrivekenya.com
Just Magical! Other places to visit while in Maasai Mara include- Going see the Mara River, the Mara Triangle, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Olare Orok Conservancy, go on a Balloon ride (link above), Go see the Musiara Swamp, the Olypunyanta swamp, take an air tour, sight-seeing tours, Eluai Plain just but to mention my picks for you.
2. TSAVO EAST and TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK
This is the largest national park in Kenya and among the biggest in the World. For this reason, it was divided into two, namely, the Tsavo West and Tsavo East.
They are known to the popular house the Elephants. The Tsavo West has spectacular scenery with a rolling volcanic landscape while Tsavo East has more open savannah than its western sibling.
If you love crocodiles and springs, be sure to catch both at the Mzima Springs in Tsavo West National Park. Tsavo National Park is the ideal destination in Kenya for people who seek solitude and privacy as well as the chance to explore the wilderness.
3. AMBOSEL NATIONAL PARK
The Amboseli will offer you views of the African grassland like no other place on earth.It is a smaller national park compared to other national parks that are on the border of Kenya and Tanzania. It offers magical views of MT. Kilimanjaro- the tallest mountain in Africa, which stands at 19,341 feet tall.
Plus you will not miss finding the cheetah around here too! A rare species! Other places to visit and things to do while in Amboseli include: witnessing a lion hunt, watch both the sunset and sunrise in Amboseli, witness the dust Devils ( Oh my! The thrill when seen from afar), spot a spotty zebra and the Mighty Amboseli Elephants. Good Luck, you will need it!
4. LAKE NAKULU
This is famously known to be the home for the flamingos, the bird species. This definitely has to be one of Kenya’s best-kept secrets. Simply Magical.
I call it the greatest bird spectacle on earth and you will have to see it to believe it! Plenty of game drives available!
Other places to visit while in Nakuru County include-Lord Egerton Castle, Menengai Crater, The Olkaria Geothermal, Kariandusi Site, Hyrax Hills Museum, Olorgesailie Pre Historic site, and the Lion Hill Ridge just but to name my recommendations.
5. LAKE NAIVASHA
It offers spectacular views like no other. This is popularly known as the Kenyan beasts camping lake. This is because you can get up close and personal with the beasts of Kenya- including the leopard, rhino, lion, etc.
One or two mosquito bites while on duty as a nightguard ( Scouts can relate!) oh what beautiful Memories! Shout Out to all Girl Scouts in the World!
Other places to visit while in Naivasha include- Enishapai Resort View, Panorama Park View, Sanctuary Horseback Safaris, Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, lake Oloiden, Life beads Kenya, Hells Gate National Park just but to mention my recommendations. Have Fun!
7.NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
This Park is a 15-minute drive from the heart of Kenya, which is Nairobi. It houses various animals including giraffes, gorilla, monkeys, etc. Migrating wildebeest and zebra gather in the park during the dry season, and it isoneof Kenya’s most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries.
Other places to visit while in Nairobi County include Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, Bomas Of Kenya, Ngong Hills, Hell’s Gate National Park, Uhuru Gardens, Jamia Mosque, Nairobi Railway Museum, Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family, Muthaiga Country Club, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karura Forest, KICC top roof view, VillageMarket, Nairobi Mamba Village, Nairobi’s Maasai Market, United Nations Visitor’s Service, National Archives,KiberaSlum Tour, If you love monkeys be sure to visit City Park. This is just but to mention a few. Enjoy!
8.KENYA COASTS
Home to popular Mombasa Island, Malindi, and Lamu. The coast is the most perfect place to relax and unwind. Very few people actually know that Mombasa is an island. palm trees and white sands on the shore of the Indian Ocean has spectacular views.
The following beach can be seen on the cost, the exclusive to Diani , Shanzu and Nyali Beach Views and the Coral Gardens of wasini found 100 km South of MombasaThere other places you can visit while in Mombasa County include Fort Jesus, Haller Park, Mombasa Marine National Park, Shimba Hills National Reserve, Arabuko Sokoke National Park, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary. its time to have a difference!
9.ISLANDS IN KENYA LAMU
It is a part of Kenya’s Lamu Archipelago, and has managed to stay unspoiled and unbothered by the mass tourism that has hit much of Kenya’s coastline.
Lamu town is one of the oldest living towns you find in Kenya, Lamu Town has retained all the charm and character built up over centuries. There are no roads on Lamu Island, just alleyways and footpaths, and therefore, there are few motorized vehicles on the island.
Residents mainly move about on foot or by boat, and donkeys are used to transport goods and materials. Other places to visit while in Lamu may include:
Going to see Lamu Old Town, Lamu Museum, Siyu Fort., Sail the traditional Dhow, Visit ShelaVillage, Get a glimpse of the Sunset Gaze on Manda Island, Visit the ruined city of Takwa, Feast on the Swahili food and while at it…enjoy it all-pole* Swahili word for ‘take it slowly’
