Travel Guides

Kenya

Car rentals Kenya

Big game is what brings most Americans to Kenya, as does with its superb coastline along the Indian Ocean. Such vacations are enhanced by grabbing a car rental at one of the major cities in the country. The capital of Nairobi is the most likely arrivals point and there are flights in from major gateways around the world. From here, routes to the coast are quick and there are decent roads that link up to the major safari game parks.

Travelers’ favorites

Nairobi is fairly well surrounded by game parks and conservation areas. Just a few-hour drive away is Aberdare National Park, and it is an almost equal distance to the Mount Kenya National Park. The country’s most famous mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, is set almost midway between the capital and the coast around Mombassa. In all, this country has adventure written all over it.

The unique experience of getting up close and personal to African lions is one that those coming to Kenya will remember forever, especially when avid photographers grab a great shot of the animals gathered together for an evening meal. On the coast, quality resorts of the Indian Ocean provide suitable contrast to the rigors of the safari parks. Meanwhile, Lake Victoria and the area around the Kisumu mountains provide yet another aspect to the country.

Best time to visit

The hottest period in Kenya is in January and February, but in Nairobi this high temperature never goes above 80 degrees, so it’s a pleasantly warm period. In the mountain regions of the lake Victoria basin there is a higher rainfall level, while down on the coast the favorite time for travelers is in between the hot month of February and the cooler period around August. Coastal areas can get quite humid as rainfall increases.

Driving in Kenya

The roads can be rough and rugged on the safari trails, so some care is advised, and be sure to inspect car hire vehicles thoroughly inspected before leaving departing. An independent driver with experience will generally be fine but there are still surprises in store – in some cases signage may not what it should be. American should be aware that driving is done on the left and almost all rental vehicles will have gear shift sticks.