Kenya is one of the countries which can be easily accessed by travelers from Uganda. There are two popular border points which include Busia and Malaba for entry in Kenya from Uganda using the boarder crossing services. The requirements of cross-border with car rental from Uganda to Kenya are simple, that is Comesa fees and vehicle crossing paperwork.
Kenya is one of the best tourist destinations in Africa, making it a perfect place for self drive adventures. This amazing country is located at the far east end of the continent being bordered by the Indian Ocean in the East, Tanzania in the South, Uganda in the west, Ethiopia in the north, South Sudan in the northwest, and Somalia in the southeast.
Once in Kenya, driving in Kenya can be both exciting and challenging. Follow the tips below to help you navigate the roads safely:
Drive on the left: In Kenya, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you are used to driving on the right, it may take you some time getting used to but never the less you will be able to follow what all other drivers are doing since its the norm for driving in the country.
Obtain a Kenyan driver’s license: If you plan to drive in Kenya, you will need a valid Kenyan driver’s license. You can obtain one by applying at the Department of Motor Vehicles. But this will only apply if you don’t have one from your home country. If you have one from your country then it will be an equivalent to the one of Kenya making it possible for you to self-drive.
Watch out for pedestrians: Pedestrians are common on Kenyan roads, and they often cross the street without warning. Keep a close eye out for them, especially in busy areas since they may put you into unwanted accidents which will put you into problems.
Be aware of road conditions: Many roads in Kenya are unpaved and can be quite bumpy, so be prepared for a rough ride. Additionally, some roads may be poorly lit at night, so use caution when driving after dark. Avoid driving at night: It’s generally safer to avoid driving at night in Kenya, as visibility can be poor, and roads may not be well-lit. If you must drive at night, be extra cautious and stay alert.
Follow traffic rules: Make sure to obey all traffic rules and regulations, including speed limits and traffic signals. Failure to do so can result in fines or even imprisonment. Try as much as possible to understand the traffic rules before starting the self- drive safari. This is fully availed in the car rental contract you will read and sign after understanding it.
Keep your vehicle secure: Car theft is a common problem in Kenya, so make sure to keep your vehicle locked and parked in a secure location whenever possible. Stay alert: Finally, it’s important to stay alert and focused while driving in Kenya. Keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions like using your phone while driving.
A self-drive safari in Kenya will always start with Nairobi National Park that exist just 16 minutes away from the business centre of the city. It is a very convenient safari destination for travelers on a short trip. The popular animals to see in Nairobi National Park are leopards, elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeest, rhinos, buffaloes, birds, and many more.
Once Nairobi national park is done, get back to the steering and head to the giraffe centre. The centre is found in Langata about 20 kilometres away from the Nairobi centre. The giraffe centre was established to protect the endangered Rothschild giraffes that are only found in the East African region wilderness.
Infant giraffes are kept and grown on this ranch danger free from predators and poachers. 500 giraffes have been grown on the ranch and later reintroduced into the wilderness through the breeding program.
Within the centre, there is a presence of different bird species to sight and enjoy. Nonetheless, the prime highlight of the centre is the giraffes, the visitors tour around watching, feeding and touching the giraffes within their enclosures.
Back to the steering heading to the Maasai Mara as you enjoy rough terrains on the way and with in the park for a wildlife encounter. Maasai Mara National Reserve is popular for hosting the big five animals that loiter in its open savannah grasslands, other big mammals like giraffes, elands, warthogs, hyenas, 570 bird species, and hippos, and crocodiles are present on River Mara. A very famous place for viewing the great migration of wildebeest, gazelles, and Zebras which takes place in the dry season in the months of July-October and December-march.
It presents the highest concentration of animals moving together as millions of wildebeests, thousands of zebras and gazelles are seen moving between Masai Mara and Serengeti forth and back looking for water and greener pastures.
Back to the steering to Samburu National Reserve located in the Northern semi-arid and mountainous areas of the country one of the wildlife habitats with some peculiar species to discover but less known to tourists. Samburu offers an incredible sight of wildlife species like majestic lions, elusive leopards, gigantic elephants, fast cheetahs, wet hippos, deadly crocodiles, and ever-present antelopes.
It is home to some rarest species of animals in the world like Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Blue Legged Somali Ostrich. The people that reside around the reserve are also an attraction, the Samburu people are very unique and so true to their ancient traditional culture. Their sense of fashion is something to wonder about, they have the most sparkling attires with bright colours and the jewellery crafted and worn is authentic and raw.