Kenya is home to over 50 national parks and reserves, making it an ideal country to go on a self-drive safari and explore the wilderness that Africa has to offer. There’s nothing like a self-drive safari where you can explore the flora and fauna of this mystical African land. You can stop wherever and whenever you want to (as long as it’s not illegal) and you’re not time-bound. You’ll have a lot more fun exploring the tracks on your own! If you’re up for an adventurous day out, this is the best way to explore Kenya’s wildlife.
Here are some of the best self-drive safari destinations in Kenya:
- Maasai Mara – the Masai Mara offers optimal wildlife viewing throughout the year, but it’s best to go from June to October and November to February. You might even be able to catch the Great Migration of wildebeests on your trip! It’s a beautiful reserve with over 500 species of birds to watch.
Best time to travel: Mid-June to October (peak season), November to February (high season)
Entrance fee for Maasai Mara:
- $80/person for those staying outside the park and $70/person for those staying inside the park. These fees are applicable for 24 hours.
- $10 per safari vehicle
You can opt either to stay in the park or to find a lodge outside the park. If you plan on driving around a few days around the park consistently, then it’s best to stay inside and utilize your time to the maximum. However, if you plan on taking a break from driving around, stay outside the park.
- Amboseli National Park – known for its majestic views of the neighboring Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, and its large herds of elephants, Amboseli National Park is a beautiful park. It is a paradise for photographers as Mount Kilimanjaro provides a stunning backdrop.
Best time to travel: June to October (dry season)
Entrance fee for Amboseli:
For adults, it’s $75 and for children it’s $40 during the peak season. During the regular season, it’s $60 for adults and $30 for children.
For 6-seaters, they charge 300 KES.
- Lake Nakuru National Park – a beautiful park with a stunning lake. It’s a bird haven, known for its large population – millions – of pink flamingoes that line the lake. Most of them are lesser flamingoes, but you can also spot the occasional greater flamingoes.
The lake takes up about a third of the park.
Best time to travel: June to October
These three are some of the most frequented self-drive safari destinations in Kenya. Others include Tsavo National Park, Aberdare National Park, Buffalo Springs, and Samburu National Reserve.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Kenya and have an adventurous self-drive safari! While you’re there, don’t forget to check out these 8 Relaxing Retreats in Kenya where you can chill after your safari.
