What Should I consider when planning My Self Drive Kenya Safari?
Top Visited Safari National Parks In Kenya
Kenya is an ultimate safari hub, that receives over millions of thousands safari enthusiasts, to its 23 National parks, 15 national reserves, and over 140 private conservancies, which fall under one Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Planning a remarkable self drive safari requires an all 4×4 terrain to navigate through maintained but rough roads leading to and inside the National parks. The premium National parks & reserves, that are best suited for safaris include: Masai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi National Park, Meru National Park Samburu National Game Reserve, Olpejeta Conservancy, Mount Kenya National Park, Amboseli National Park, Hells Gate National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Tsavo West & East National Park, & Mombasa Marine National Park.
All these safari parks are subjected to park entrance fees by any self drive Kenya safari enthusiast, as well as the 4×4 rental car.
KWS National Parks’ entry permits for all the National parks, cannot be issued on arrival, but obtained online through their portal, only if you have an eCitizen account. You can access your eCitizen account create one from https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/en/register . With this account, you can also apply for your Kenya tourist visit, as well as permits.
KWS does not limit the number of visitors applying, therefore, there’s no need to worry about being denied at the gate, although we highly advise each client to purchase the permits early enough, at least one day prior to the date of entering the park.
Important Ideas.
You should select a car with not more than 6 seats, because the driver seat is not considered, when adding up the number of passengers with whom you will travel.
You will be availed with the 4×4 jeep registration number(though its not of great importance,as the car registration number must not march the one you will be renting, otherwise one can register as KWS0000, as the vehicle registration number) 2 days to your arrival date because, the company reserves the right to offer you a car in great condition, out of the ones that were reserved under your name upon paying commitment fee. (all details were are discussed during reservations).
While for a driver guided Kenya safari (in case you will hire one driver), you must add the driver’s name as a resident to your permit during application, as well as the park activities you will be booking.
It also important to purchase a local sim card (preferably Safaricom), because most Kenya payments are made via Mpesa, although credit cards(Visa/Mastercard) can also be accepted or even payments in USD are seldom made. You should remember to check your history page for the USD payments once you done making KWS payments.
Is it safe to do a self drive safari in Kenya?
Yes! A self drive safari in Kenya is generally very safe
Kenya is an ideal self-drive destination with many attractions to visit while on a self drive safari, including the Big Five, Wildebeest migration experience, Mount Kenya hikes, impressive landscapes, and the remarkable Kenya cultures, which offer intimate self drive safari experiences in Kenya. Although there are precautions one must follow before taking a self drive safari in Kenya such as; driving on the left, watch out for bad roads & potholes , rent a car with comprehensive insurance, don’t drive at night, always stop at a pedestrian crossing in busy towns, respect the speed limits on the road, pay the parking fee whenever you park otherwise you will be fined, and make sure you have your driving license.
Can I Enter Tanzania on My self drive Kenya safari?
You can easily access Tanzania in our 4×4 rental car that you have hired? This can only be possible after paying for the COMESA License, depending on the number of days you will spend in Tanzania. In addition to COMESA, the client must pay for Temporary exportation/importation of road vehicles within East document, which will bear the client’s name. This also applies for all park
Kenya’s vast open spaces allow for relaxed driving while enjoying every moment of your self drive safari. The scenery changes daily and the diversity of destinations are superb! The national parks offer a wide variety of wildlife, scenic beauty and comfortable rest camps/Accommodation.