Self-drive Safari Destinations 2023/24: Self Drive East Africa.

A safari to the African continent is one of the thrilling experiences that create life-time amazing memory to the adventure lovers. With over 56 countries, the continent features ideal attractions starting from its green and fertile soils and the cool climatic conditions that favor one’s stay in a particular country of visit to different adventurous features like snowcapped mountains, magical waterfalls, national parks, reserves and sanctuaries, large water bodies, rivers and many others. Of all these countries, there is one that shouldn’t miss on your travel plan to the African continent for a self-drive excursion and this is the mighty Republic of Kenya.

Magical Kenya

Officially the Republic of Kenya, Kenya is a country located in the Eastern part of the African continent bordered by different countries including South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Uganda to the west, Indian Ocean to the southeast and Tanzania to the south. With an area of approximately of 580,367 square kilometers, Kenya stands as the world’s 48^th largest country by area. It is the 29^th most populous country in the world with a population of over 50 million people.

The country features a number of beautiful cities with Nairobi as its capital and largest city and Mombasa as the second largest and first capital of the country. Other important cities of the country include Kisumu which is the third largest city and an inland port on Lake Victoria, Nakuru city and Eldoret city.

Named after the second highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro – Mount Kenya, the republic of Kenya is known for encompassing several attractions including over 60 national parks, reserves, historical and cultural sites, mountains, large water bodies, cities and many others. Kenya is known for hosting the largest flock of wildlife during the great migration in its Masai Mara national reserve and its why Kenya Safaris are popular. Other wildlife destinations include Lake Nakuru national park, Amboseli national park, Nairobi national park and many others. All these attractions are other below make the mighty Kenya stand as one of the best destinations for a safari during a visit to the African continent.

7 best National Parks to visit on Self Drive Kenya Safari .

1. Amboseli national park

Located in Kajiado south constituency county, Amboseli national park is one of the best destinations in Kenya. It is made up of swamp marshland, acacia woodlands and rock thorny bushes which provide a shelter to different wildlife species. The national park is known for hosting over 80 mammal species like lions, African elephants, African buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, impalas and many others. Also, Amboseli national park is a perfect haven for different bird species which are over 400 in number. Among these include the long toed lapwing, taveta golden weaver, Eurasian thick knee and many others. The visit to Amboseli national park will also give you a perfect cultural encounter with the Masai locals who will entertain you in different ways including storytelling, songs, dances and other ways.

2. Masai Mara national reserve

Contiguous with Serengeti national park of Tanzania, Masai Mara national reserve is one of the must visit destinations during a self-drive experience in Kenya. Stretching over an area of approximately 1,510 square kilometers, the reserve is preeminent for hosting the annual great migration where over million wildebeests, gazelles and thousands of zebras cross River Mara from Serengeti national park of Tanzania in the months of July to September. Other animals to watch in the reserve include lions, Nile crocodiles, African elephants, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, hartebeests and may others.

3. Tsavo national park

In the Kenyan coastal province, Tsavo national park is also a Kenya safari destination suitable for a self-drive excursion. The park is divided into two that is Tsavo west and Tsavo east stretching over an area of approximately 9,065 square kilometers. During the visit to the park, spot various attractions including wildlife, birdlife, and also several water sources like springs, lakes and rivers.

4. Mount Kenya national park

Encompassing the country’s highest mountain and second highest on the African continent, Mount Kenya national park among the destinations one shouldn’t miss during a self-drive encounter in Kenya. The national park is known for providing a mystical challenge to the adventurous and physically fit travellers during mountain climbing exercise. Aside the mountain, the national park hosts several wildlife species, bird species, butterfly species and many others.

5. Nairobi national park

Stretching over an area 117.1 square kilometers, Nairobi national park stands as the only city national park located in the heart of the capital city. Besides its small size, the national park consist ideal attractions such as wild animals and more than 500 bird species including both the permanent and migratory species. Also, the park offers a perfect game viewing exercise since it has an animal orphanage which serves as a rehabilitation center to several animals like buffalos, jackals, lions and many others.

6. Hell’s Gate national park

Situated south of Lake Naivasha in the North western region of Nairobi, Hell’s Gate national park is also among the Kenya destinations suitable for a visit during a self-drive safari. Besides its small size of about 68.25 square kilometers, the national park encompasses a wide range of wildlife such as African buffalos, zebras, elands, warthogs, waterbucks and many others. Also, the park caters for bird lovers hosting a population of over 103 bird species such as augur buzzards, verreaux’s eagle, and many others.

7. Lake Nakuru national park

Known for gazetting the shallowest lake in the central region of Kenya, Lake Nakuru, Lake Nakuru national park is another destination suitable for a visit during a self-drive safari in Kenya. Lake Nakuru is famous for attracting vast quantities of lesser flamingos which make the lake appear pink. Lake Nakuru national park attracts other bird species like the ostriches, sooty falcon, cormorants, Abyssinian thrush, and many more. Besides the birdlife, the park is also a home to some wildlife including the buffalos, African elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and many others. While in the park, view these attractions perfectly from baboon cliff which is one of the viewing points in the park.

For an excellent Kenya self-drive experience, there are several safari vehicles to use including the 4×4 land cruiser cars, Toyota vehicles, mini vans, RAV4s, Nissan Patrol and many others. These cars can be hired from different car rental companies in Kenya at affordable prices.