Exploring Kenya: Ultimate Road Trips Through National Parks, Scenic Landscapes, and Cultural Gems
Kenya, with its sweeping landscapes, several national parks, and charming small towns that offer a peek into local life and culture, is a perfect destination for anyone planning a road trip in Africa. Whether you’re going on a self-drive safari, or taking a guided tour, you have the freedom to explore the country’s major attractions as well as hidden gems like off-the-beaten-path viewpoints and restaurants. As you drive through the Great Rift Valley and Western Highlands, you’ll find several opportunities to stop, take in the stunning scenery, and capture memorable photos.
1. Lake Magadi Trip from Nairobi
Best weekend-long road trip from Nairobi
Lake Magadi Trip
In case you looking for a rewarding trip not far from Nairobi with a stunning lakeside finish, travel south to Kenya’s “pink lake,” Lake Magadi. For a great lunch spot, try the Nyama Choma restaurant at Olepolos Country Club, found about a 1hour drive from Nairobi city. “Nyama choma” means “barbecue meat” in Swahili, and you’ll find many roadside stalls selling grilled goat meat, barbecued chicken, and crunchy corn snacks, Olepolos provides a relaxing atmosphere with fantastic views and hiking trails.
Proceed with your drive past acacia trees and traditional villages towards the soda lake of Lake Magadi, which is home to flamingos and other wading birds. You can bring a picnic or enjoy lunch at the Lake Magadi Sports Club and Tented Camp, a beautiful lakeside spot that serves delicious food, especially at sunset. If you wish to stay overnight, you can choose between comfortable rooms and safari tents. In case you to spend an overnight here, you choose from the comfortable rooms and safari tents.
Planning tip: Consider spending a night around the Ngong Hills, where you can enjoy a cliff walk or a hike on the valley floor.
2. Hit the Road from Nairobi to Mombasa Highway
Best bush-to-beach road trip
For an adventurous road trip, consider driving through the amazing landscapes and wildlife of Amboseli and Tsavo East and West national parks before having a relaxed evening at Indian Ocean beaches. The Nairobi to Mombasa Highway is a well-maintained, mostly double-lane road. You can also first visit Amboseli National Park, famous for its breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro before you reach Mombasa. Spend a few nights here to witness the majestic elephant herds.
Then you return to the main highway from Amboseli to reach Tsavo National Park. Alternatively, a more direct route takes you to the west to Tsavo West, but this is only advisable in the dry season and with no recent adverse weather. Always get road updates from the rangers of the park. Both Tsavo East and West are Kenya’s largest parks, known for their rugged hills, craters, and rocky scrubland. Approximately 100 km of highway separates Tsavo West from Tsavo East National Park, offering chances to spot some animals like zebras, monkeys, giraffes, and elephants along the way. Some section of this highway, runs parallel to the railway line, providing a unique experience if your drive coincides with a passing train, perfect for a memorable photo opportunity.
As you travel past the town of Mtito Andei, you’ll observe the change in the landscape to a more lush and hilly terrain, accompanied by cooler temperatures. The changes happen when you pass at countryside scenery of the Shimba Hills. Reaching Mombasa, you’ll have to choose from staying at the sweeping white-sand beaches of Diani and Galu to the south or head north to experience the bohemian vibe of Kilifi, the superb snorkeling opportunities at Watamu, or the charming atmosphere of the old town in Malindi.
3. Explore the Western Highlands to Kisumu
Best road trip for Great Rift Valley views
Hit the road to the northwest from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru, then continue to the lake city of Kisumu for a scenic journey through western Kenya, with views of the northern Great Rift Valley along the way.
The Nairobi – Naivasha Highway takes you through Kericho which is most known for tea growing and from here you can stock up on snacks and drinks and enjoy the daily life outside the capital. This area also offers beaches and safari lodges.
Around Kericho, you’ll find a lot of tea farms and the Mau Forest, perfect for a road trip with just the right number of winding routes for driving pleasure. Once you reach Kisumu on the northeastern shore of Lake Victoria, take some time to enjoy the relaxed port town, explore its market, visit the impala sanctuary, and enjoy the sunset views.
4. Day Trip to the Great Rift Valley
Best day-trip drive from Nairobi
In case you have less time in Kenya and would love to have a short and memorable road trip out of the capital, consider this day-long drive that offers breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley from spots like Mathore Viewpoint. At this point, you can enjoy the amazing view of this vast system of ridges and escarpments, one of the country’s most stunning sights, with the valley floor dotted by a series of lakes and both active and dormant volcanoes.
About 50km from Nairobi the capital of Kenya, make a stop at the Traveler’s Chapel, commonly known as the Mai Mahiu Church. This small stone Catholic church, built in 1942 by the Italian prisoners of war, is one of the world’s tiniest churches. Don’t miss the colorful “Welcome to Nakuru County” signpost shortly after the church; with the map of Nakuru County and distance markers, it’s a popular spot for photos.
Planning tip: If you are to spend an overnight in Naivasha, consider stopping by the extinct volcano Mt Longonot. The thick forest within its crater offers a unique and memorable experience. From the crater rim, you can enjoy stunning views of the Great Rift Valley and then you continue to Lake Naivasha, where you can watch a variety of wildlife and birdlife around the freshwater lake.
5. Get into the great outdoors at Mt Kenya
Best drive-and-hike road trip
Enjoy the scenery change from urban sprawl to the lush green countryside as you head to north from the capital towards Mt Kenya National Park, good for hiking, climbing, and wild camping. On your way, you’ll pass through Thika town, where you can buy fresh pineapples from roadside stalls.
You will have an en-stop at the Sagana Camp which is located about 95km from Nairobi, where you can camp, raft, and zipline. Before reaching Mt Kenya, another stop will be at the equator sign just before Nanyuki town – a perfect spot for selfies. Explore the craft market, which also offers good coffee kiosks and a convenience store selling ice creams, drinks, and snacks. Nanyuki, the gateway town to Mt Kenya, is lively and perfect for buying nyama choma (grilled goat meat), corn, and other snacks.
Travel Tip: If your time allows, extend your journey to the lush, swampy, and wildlife-rich Meru National Park, located west of Mt. Kenya. This lesser-known gem offers an adventurous, off-the-beaten-path experience with stunning views of Mt. Kenya.
6. On the road to Lake Turkana, Samburu and Marsabit
Best road trip for serious adventurers
A safari to Lake Turkana National Park is among the best experiences any adventure lover would love to enjoy. The area has arid volcanic landscapes surrounding a salty, crocodile-filled crater lake, famously known as the vibrant “Jade Sea” of Lake Turkana. Traditional fishing villages and local communities are also present.
From Nairobi, it takes approximately a 6-hour drive to Samburu National Reserve, located 300 km away, where you can spend a night in a tented camp and enjoy an amazing riverside ambiance. The next morning, you will start with a 4 to 5-hour drive to Marsabit National Park, an unexpected patch of green in the desert, home to an extinct volcano. You will spend the night at Kalacha, found at the edge of the Chalbi Desert. The Kalacha Camp is a perfect location to immerse yourself in the tranquility and striking desert landscapes before hitting the road for an 8-hour drive to Loiyangalani, located on the eastern shores of Lake Turkana.
Highlight: Walking and exploring the “Jade Sea” of Lake Turkana is an unforgettable experience, featuring:
Crocodiles
Hippos
Migratory birds
Cultural Insight: This region is home to the El Molo tribe, one of Kenya’s smallest communities. They sustain their livelihoods through fishing, often navigating the crocodile-infested waters.