Kenya is a dream land, a stunning destination for tourists. It has the perfect mixture of natural wonders. Aside from Kenya’s natural parks, you can catch the view of wildlife safaris, endless grasslands, snowy mountains, as well as pretty sandy beaches.
Kenya also has a reputation for traffic being chaotic and roads being full of potholes. So as a tourist, what can we do? Should we hire a driver to drive you everywhere during the trip, or join the Kenya traffic on our own? In this article, our expert drivers will recommend all the tips and tricks you need when driving in Kenya.
Tricks and Tips for Driving and Road Safety in Kenya
The Visa
Of course, before being able to drive in Kenya or any country, you need to have a visa to arrive in that place. So before planning a trip to Kenya, it is essential to make sure whether tourists from your own country are able to apply online for this African country’s eVisa.
And trust us, you need the eVisa. To be more specific, this simple online visa application only took a few minutes to complete. Not to mention, you do not have to wait in line for hours and hours to obtain a Kenya visa on arrival at Kenyan border entry.
Kenya Road Rules
It is crucial to acknowledge the rules of the country before driving there. And of course, there are rules that exist in Kenya roads, yet many drivers, even some of the locals do not really follow them.
According to UsedCars.co.ke, the traffic laws in Kenya require the norm to drive on the left-hand side of the road. Nevertheless, there are various locals who drive on the wrong side whenever they encounter an animal in their way. Sometimes, they drive on the right side in order to avoid a pothole, which has various on the normal road. So it is better to hire a driver to do the hard job for you. Also, travelers must note that foreign-registered vehicles with more than 6 seats are not permitted to enter into Kenyan national parks and reserves.
The Road Conditions in Kenya
Overall, most of the roads around Nairobi are well-paved, despite a lot of potholes. Along with that, the tarmac roads outside Nairobi will eventually lead you to your safari destination in this African nation. A bonus information is that the road conditions of this country are constantly improving, so it is natural to encounter some roadworks along the way.
However, the further car owners drive away from Nairobi, the more likely they will be to meet more unsurfaced roads. While there are a few unsurfaced roads that may be in good condition, most of them are full of rocky surfaces, large potholes. Some roads even have rivers overflowing over them.
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Kenya Road Hazards
Talking about Kenya roads, we need to consider the condition of the road itself. The structure of Kenya’s roads vary quite a bit, from bumpy dirt tracks in many national parks to flat, smooth highways around Nairobi. Even though drivers can drive on some unpaved roads in a 2 wheel drive means of transportation, a car would likely be a better choice. If you are looking for any used cars in Kenya, there are various ways to get them.
However, it is wise to check potholes on poor roads. Not to mention the livestock, pedestrians, as well as cyclists along the way. Yet again, the worst thing is the acacia thorns. They are a tire-piercing threat in certain rural areas. And this is the reason why certain roads have a reputation for bandits on the lookout. For that reason, it is a brilliant idea to seek local advice before driving around.
Driving in Kenya as a Tourist
Alright, you now know all the tips for driving in Kenya. Time for some closer details: Before car owners choose to bring your own automobile to drive in this African country, there is some paperwork to be prepared at hand:
The first one is definitely the vehicle’s registration papers. The second paperwork is the liability insurance in order to save yourself from various situations. The driver’s license, also known as an International Driving Permit (IDP), is not needed in Kenya.
The view of Kenya is stunning (Photo Source: Pexels)
The reason for this is that most foreign licenses are accepted in this country. Drivers also need the carnet de passage en douane, which is a passport for the car. This acts as a temporary waiver of import duty.
Car Rental in Kenya for Foreigners
There are many issues when driving by yourself, so If you would like to hire a car in Kenya, here are some tips for you.
Reputable Car Rental Company
If you want to hire a car, make sure you reach a reputable car rental company. The location of these companies is usually in Nairobi, Kenya.
Along with that, car owners must make sure that the car is in a good state to avoid paying more money for scars and damage that already existed. Another thing to take note is to ask for insurance while renting a car in Kenya.
However, the most crucial thing when renting a car is to remember to check your safety features. These include tires, brakes, windscreen wipers as well as car lights before you leave the car rental park.
Hire a Driver
To be honest, Kenya is not an ideal place for inexperienced drivers. If you happen to be one, it is our recommendation renting a car with a driver. It would be more comfortable for you to enjoy the trip. And fortunately, this does not cost a lot more.
Some car hire companies in Kenya require drivers’ age to be around 23 to 25 years old. And the hired drivers must have 2 years of driving experience, so you can trust the drivers to drive you safe.
