Top Tips for an Unforgettable Journey: 7 of the Best Road Trips in Kenya

With its breathtaking vistas, expansive national parks, and charming towns that showcase local life and culture, Kenya is an ideal destination for road trips.

Whether you're driving yourself or enjoying a ride with a driver, hitting the road allows you to explore Kenya's major attractions and discover hidden gems, including viewpoints and eateries off the beaten path. As you navigate through the Great Rift Valley and Western Highlands, you'll find yourself stopping frequently to admire the scenery or capture stunning photos.

1. A Round Trip from Nairobi to Lake Naivasha

The ultimate day-trip drive from Nairobi

Nairobi–Naivasha; 95km (60 miles); plan for 1 day

For a quick escape from the capital, this day trip offers breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley, particularly from the Mathore Viewpoint. Here, you'll witness the stunning landscape of ridges and escarpments that create one of Kenya’s most magnificent sights, with the valley floor dotted by various lakes and both active and dormant volcanoes.

About 50km (30 miles) into your journey from Nairobi, make a stop at the Traveler’s Chapel (locally known as Mai Mahiu Church). This quaint stone Catholic church, constructed by Italian prisoners of war in 1942, is among the smallest churches in the world. Keep an eye out for the vibrant “Welcome to Nakuru County” sign nearby, featuring a map of Africa and distance markers—perfect for a memorable photo opportunity.

Travel tip: If you choose to stay overnight near Naivasha, the dormant volcano Mt Longonot and its lush crater forest offer a great detour. Experience stunning views of the Great Rift Valley from the crater's edge before heading to Lake Naivasha, where you'll find a variety of wildlife and birds around the freshwater lake.

2. Journey into the Western Highlands towards Kisumu

The ideal road trip for breathtaking Great Rift Valley scenery

Nairobi–Kisumu; 360km (225 miles); plan for 7–10 days

Travel northwest from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru and continue on to the lakeside city of Kisumu for a scenic adventure through western Kenya, complete with stunning views of the northern Great Rift Valley along the way.

The Nairobi–Naivasha Highway takes you through the town of Kericho, where you can grab snacks and drinks while immersing yourself in local life outside the capital. Here, you'll also discover beaches and safari lodges.

Surrounding Kericho, you'll find numerous tea plantations and the lush Mau Forest, perfect for a road trip with just the right mix of winding roads for a delightful driving experience. Once you arrive in Kisumu, located on the northeastern shore of Lake Victoria, take your time to enjoy the atmosphere of this laid-back port town, browse its market, visit the impala sanctuary, and relish the breathtaking sunset views.

3. Journey from Nairobi to Lake Magadi

The ultimate weekend road trip from Nairobi

Nairobi–Lake Magadi; 112km (70 miles); allow 2 days For a delightful journey without venturing too far from Nairobi, make your way south to Kenya’s famed “pink lake,” Lake Magadi. Stop for lunch at the Nyama Choma restaurant at Olepolos Country Club, roughly an hour down the road from Nairobi. Nyama choma translates to “barbecue meat” in Swahili, and while roadside stalls offer grilled goat, chicken, and crunchy corn snacks, Olepolos provides a serene atmosphere with stunning views and hiking trails.

As you continue your drive through acacia trees and traditional villages, head towards the soda lake of Lake Magadi, known for its flamingoes and various wading birds. Pack a picnic or visit the Lake Magadi Sports Club and Tented Camp for lunch. It’s a charming lakeside spot—especially magical at sunset—serving delicious meals. For an overnight stay, you can choose between cozy rooms and safari tents.

Planning tip: Make sure to allocate time for an overnight stay in the Ngong Hills, where you can enjoy a cliff walk or hike along the valley floor.

4. Embrace the great outdoors at Mt Kenya

Ideal drive-and-hike adventure

Nairobi–Mt Kenya National Park; 213km (133 miles); allow 3 days

As you head north from the capital towards Mt Kenya National Park, watch the landscape shift from urban sprawl to verdant countryside, perfect for hiking, climbing, and wild camping. Make a stop in Thika to grab some fresh local pineapples from roadside vendors. A great active break can be found at Sagana Camp, located about 95km (60 miles) from Nairobi, where you can enjoy camping, rafting, and ziplining.

Before reaching Mt Kenya, don’t miss the equator sign just before entering Nanyuki—it’s a popular selfie spot. Check out the craft market nearby, which features a fantastic coffee kiosk and a convenience store with ice creams, drinks, and snacks. Nanyuki is the vibrant gateway town to Mt Kenya, perfect for grabbing nyama choma (grilled goat meat), grilled corn, and other tasty treats.

Planning tip: If time permits, extend your journey to the verdant, swampy, and wildlife-rich Meru National Park, located west of Mt Kenya. This lesser-known gem offers an adventurous, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere and stunning views of the mountain.

5. Travel the Nairobi to Mombasa Highway

The ultimate bush-to-beach road trip

Nairobi–Mombasa; 490km (305 miles); allow 10 days While flying or taking the train to Mombasa is an option, embark on an adventure by traversing the diverse landscapes and wildlife-rich Amboseli and Tsavo East and West national parks before unwinding on the Indian Ocean beaches. The Nairobi to Mombasa Highway is a well-maintained, mostly dual-lane road, and you can enjoy a delightful detour to Amboseli, famous for its breathtaking scenery framed by Mt Kilimanjaro. Spend a few nights here to witness the majestic elephant herds.

After exploring Amboseli, you can return to the main highway to access Tsavo National Park. A more direct route leads west to Tsavo West, but this is only advisable during dry conditions; check with rangers at Amboseli for the latest road updates. Tsavo, encompassing both East and West, is one of Kenya’s largest parks, known for its dramatic landscapes featuring hills, craters, and rocky scrubland. Expect to see wildlife like zebras, monkeys, and even giraffes and elephants along the 100km (62 miles) stretch between Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Park. Some sections of the road run parallel to the railway, offering a fantastic photo opportunity if your timing aligns with a passing train.

As you pass through the town of Mtito Andei, nestled between Tsavo East and West, you’ll notice the landscape transforming into a more verdant, hilly terrain with cooler temperatures. Approaching Mombasa, choose between the expansive white-sand beaches of Diani and Galu to the south, or head north to embrace the bohemian vibe of Kilifi, enjoy superb snorkeling at Watamu, or soak in the historic ambiance of Malindi.

6. Journey to Lake Turkana

Ideal road trip for hardcore adventurers

Nairobi–Turkana; 700km (435 miles); allow 6–12 days Exploring the Lake Turkana National Parks is an adventure in itself, attracting intrepid travelers with its stunning arid volcanic landscapes surrounding a salty, crocodile-filled crater lake – the vivid “Jade Sea” of Lake Turkana – along with traditional fishing villages and local communities.

The drive from Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve takes approximately six hours (300km or 185 miles), where you can enjoy a night in a tented camp by the riverside. On day two, a shorter journey of four to five hours leads you to Marsabit National Park, a surprising green oasis amidst the desert, home to an extinct volcano. Spend a night at Kalacha, located on the edge of the Chalbi Desert (about four hours from Marsabit); Basic Kalacha Camp provides an excellent opportunity to experience the solitude and beauty of desert landscapes before embarking on the eight-hour drive to Loiyangalani on the eastern shores of Lake Turkana.

Exploring the enchanting “Jade Sea” of Lake Turkana is a true highlight, with its crocodiles, hippos, and flocks of migratory birds. This area is also inhabited by the El Molo tribe, one of Kenya’s smallest communities, who depend on fishing and navigate the crocodile-infested waters to sustain their livelihoods.

Planning tip: When joining a community tour, make sure to inquire about the activities involved and how the funds are utilized. Simply “observing” the local people and their way of life is not advisable, as it does not benefit their economy.

7. Desert expeditions to Samburu

Ultimate road trip for breathtaking landscapes

Nanyuki–Samburu; 130km (80 miles); allow 5 days Traveling to Kenya’s northern Samburu National Reserve by road is one of the finest ways to truly appreciate the diversity of the country’s landscapes, as lush greenery transitions into arid deserts and mountains. Samburu is an extraordinary wilderness where you can drive for miles without encountering another vehicle.

Make a stop in Isiolo, a town nestled among hills and known for its bustling market. Visit the Catholic Church’s bell tower for stunning views over the cityscape. Continue your journey to the Samburu villages near Archers Post or towards Ngurunit at the foot of Mt Poi, northwest of the reserve. Spend several days in the national park, renowned for its unique wildlife, including the “Special Five”: gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, and common beisa oryx.

Driving tips for Kenya

While Kenya’s main roads are generally well-maintained, many unpaved routes can be rough and riddled with potholes. Ensure you rent a vehicle suited for the terrains you plan to explore—consult your rental company if unsure. Familiarity with basic car maintenance can be invaluable, as roadside assistance may take time in remote areas.

Driving in Kenya can be unpredictable, and it's definitely not for the timid. You might encounter heavy truck traffic, and overtaking is common, even on narrow mountain roads. For safety reasons, it's best to drive during daylight hours due to poor lighting, varying road conditions, and risks such as carjacking. Always check your government’s travel advice for the most current information about specific areas and consult your car rental company for the latest updates upon arrival.

Additional edits and fact-checking were provided by Dinogo Planet contributor Helena Smith.