Kenya to South Africa road trip is one of the world’s most incredible overland journeys that every avid traveller should embark on at least once. The road trip from the grassy savannah of Kenya to the noble silhouette of Table Mountain has a lot to see, things to do and places to visit. From the rich landscapes, the culture of the people and a heady mix of game drives to the beautiful white sand ocean beaches, expect memorable experiences on your trip.
But before embarking on an adventurous trip from East Africa to Southern Africa, ensure you have a passport, a Visa (for South Africa) and a yellow fever certificate. You should also carry your ID just in case you misplace your passport. There are a number of routes for this journey. However, this article will focus on the Kenya-Tanzania-Zambia-Botswana-South Africa route.
The journey across five countries and four borders is more than 5,000 kilometres. And there are several places you should pass by during your road trip to create a memorable experience.
Table of Contents
What to See During a Kenya to South Africa Road Trip
1. Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park. Photo/GetYourGuide
Begin your Kenya to South Africa road trip by visiting Tsavo East National Park, which is home to many remarkable natural and cultural features. Tsavo East National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, is found midway between Nairobi and Mombasa. The national park offers the perfect safari experience as you see the largest elephant herds and a large pride of lions. You’ll also see elusive leopards, cheetahs, zebras, and a good population of giraffes, among other wild animals.
2. Arusha City
Arusha City in Tanzania. Photo/Safari Bookings
Arusha City is one of the best places you can pass by in Tanzania on Kenya to South Africa road trip. The sprawling city of Arusha is an important destination due to its numerous thrilling adventures, such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Arusha National Park. Arusha City, situated at the base of Mount Meru, has a soothing temperate climate, bustling markets and some of the best cafes.
3. Victoria Falls
The Royal Livingstone Hotel set up close to the magical Victoria Falls. Photo/
On your road trip, ensure you pass by one of the world’s largest waterfalls – Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty on the Zambezi River on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The widest continuous waterfall in the world is the natural habitat of many wild animals and a paradise for bird watchers. There are dozens of different activities to do at the waterfall, such as rafting, bungee jumping and a river cruise.
4. Tsodilo Hills
Tsodilo Hills in Botswana. Photo/Winton Africa Safaris
Botswana is one of the countries you’ll pass by while on the Kenya to South Africa road trip. It is a fantastic and rewarding safari destination with incredible places to visit. But since you have already seen a wide array of wildlife and birds on your trip, we recommend you visit Tsodilo Hills. The UNESCO World Heritage Site appears almost suddenly out of the ground in the Kalahari. Tsodilo Hills is an outdoor art gallery with more than 4,000 ancient San Bushmen rock paintings, caves and shelters.
Some of the cave drawings are believed to be more than 30,000 years old, and archaeologists believe people have lived in the area for more than 100,000 years. The San Bushmen believe that Tsodilo Hills is a sacred area where the spirits of the dead rest.
5. Cape Town, Western Cape
Table Mountain views from Cape Town. Photo/Britannica
Cape Town, one of Africa’s most breathtaking cities, is a must-visit place on your Kenya to South Africa road trip. Nature surrounds the beautiful city, which nuzzles between the sea and a rugged range of mountains. One of the top things to do in Cape Town is to visit Table Mountain. Hiking to the summit of the flat-topped peak provides panoramic city vistas and a view of the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
How Long Does It Take To Travel From Kenya To South Africa?
A Non-stop flight from Kenya to South Africa takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes. The quickest one-stop flight takes nearly seven hours. Some airlines, however, take up to 38 hours, depending on the waiting duration and the stopover destination. By road, it takes anywhere between seven and 14 days, depending on the number of stops you make, speed and general road conditions.
How Much Does It Cost To Travel From Kenya To South Africa?
Cheap flights from Kenya to South Africa on Kenya Airways start at KES 83,310.
Is There a Bus From Kenya To South Africa?
There is no direct bus from Kenya to South Africa. However, you can connect buses from Kenya to Tanzania, Tanzania to Zambia, and then Zambia to South Africa. Nevertheless, transport players are in the process of launching a service allowing travellers to travel from Kenya to South Africa in a direct trip.
How Do You Get From South Africa to Kenya?
Using air is the fastest way to get from South Africa to Kenya. The journey, which is 3657 kilometres, takes 6 hours 39 minutes and costs between R 8 000 and R 12 000.
