What are some of the best road trip places in Kenya? With its breathtaking sceneries, a treasure trove of landscapes and small towns that offer a glimpse into local life, Kenya is the best place to be if you love road trips.
Adventure is waiting and all you need is a road trip worthy car. Whether you’re behind the wheels of with a driver, you’ll be tempted to stop and take a snap of the beautiful sights around. Don’t be so surprised if you come across some of the hidden gems, especially if you decide to explore the lesser-visited regions. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the best road trip places in Kenya.
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1. Ololokwe
Mount Ololokwe road trip. Photo/ Wilder Magazine.
One of the best ways to get to see what Kenya has to offer is taking a road trip from Nairobi to Mt. Ololokwe. With its distinctive flat shape and high sheer cliffs, Mt. Ololokwe never fails to turn heads. Located in Samburu, expect to enjoy the warm blues skies of the Samburu plains during your road trip.
The journey from Nairobi to Ololokwe takes about 5 to 8 hours and expect to encounter more camels than cars on the smooth, straight and seemingly never-ending road.
2. Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is undoubtedly one of the best places for road trips in Kenya, especially if you are aiming for a short trip from the capital. The distance is just 90 kilometres, but there are plenty of places to stop by and and enjoy the scenic views of the Great Rift Valley
One of the spots you can’t miss is the Mathore Viewpoint, from which you can get an eyeful of the vast system of ridges or escarpments of the Rift Valley. Take photos before heading to Lake Naivasha, where you have 100 per cent chance of spotting wildlife and birdlife who gather around the freshwater lake.
3. Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya road trip. Photo/ Lonely Planet.
Mount Kenya is not only one of the best road trip places in Kenya but also a leading tourist destination. Drive north out of the capital and watch the scenery transform from urban sprawl to green countryside. You’ll pass towns such as Thika and Nanyuki on your way to the scenic mountain where there is plenty to do.
Some of the things to do here include viewing the peaks of Batian, Nelion and Lenana up close, watching thousands of birds in the Mt Kenya forest trees and viewing the rural life of Kenya. You can also spot leopards, elephants and bucks if you decide to trek the mountain.
4. Isiolo
Visiting Isiolo is a highly worthwhile journey that you should embark on. The distance from Nairobi to Isiolo is about 280 kilometres and has a travel time of five hours.
Some of the places you’ll pass by during your trip include Nyeri, Naro Moru and Nanyuki. Isiolo is a tourist hotspot boasting attractions such as the Borana Wildlife Conservancy. The famous Buffalo Springs National Reserve is also nearby and you can create time to explore it during your trip.
5. Lake Baringo
Lake Baringo. Photo/ Africa Adventure Vacations.
If you want a road trip that will end with numerous tourist attractions, then Lake Baringo should be your destination this weekend. It is about a 5-hour drive from Nairobi and the views of the semi-arid plains are stunning. Once you’re in Lake Baringo, which is the most northern of the Kenyan Rift Valley lakes after Lake Turkana, you can choose to explore the local villages, go on a walking safari or take a boat ride.
Lake Baringo is home to many birds and wild animals, so expect to see the best Rift Valley has to offer here. We recommend you bring a 4×4 vehicle and plan your trip at the right time of the year because Baringo is subject to staggering climatic changes.
6. Explore the Road to Kisumu
If you have the whole day, then one of the best road trip places in Kenya is Kisumu. Driving from Nairobi to the lakeside city of Kisumu takes about 6 hours but the journey is worth it. You can stop on the way and enjoy the fantastic views that Kenya has to offer in the various scenic towns.
A road trip from Nairobi to Kisumu is long but worth it. Photo/ Destinations Kenya.
Around Kericho, there are several tea farms that actually look like a football pitch from a distance. Once you’re in Kisumu, wander its market, visit its impala sanctuary and don’t forget to explore the famous Lake Victoria.
How to Do a Long Road Trip
To ensure you have a successful and safe road trip, ensure you observe the following:
- Make sure you get enough sleep
- Don’t go off the beaten path
- Pack layers
- Make reservations before you start your journey
- Pack a first aid kit
How to Spend Three Days in Kenya
- Day 1: Go on a safari in one of the top national parks, which include Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East and Tsavo West.
- Day 2: Hike the famous Mount Kenya
- Day 3: Exploring Mombasa and east coast beaches
What Is The Biggest Road Trip?
The longest road trip covers a distance of 33,612 kilometres through Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Kazakhstan, Russia and then across Europe from Belarus to Spain.
