An off-road vehicle expedition into the heart of wild Kenya.
A trip to Kenya is a dream for many adventurers who want an authentic experience in the wild. This African country offers endless possibilities for safari lovers, but if you want to get off the beaten track, you need to be prepared to face a real challenge – not only natural, but also on the road.
Kenya's main roads are paved, but off-road you'll find gravel, sand, rocks or mud. A 4x4 off-road vehicle is a must. We chose the Toyota Land Cruiser 76 – a proven "workhorse" that proved to be an ideal partner on this challenging journey.
In the north of Kenya, in the less visited areas where the Samburu, Shaba, Kora and Meru parks lie, the journey becomes even more challenging. This part of the country is dry, less green and therefore ideal for wildlife watching. Roads are practically non-existent here - instead you will encounter broken rain-worn tracks, deep puddles and sand traps. You need to be constantly on the lookout, because a seemingly innocent puddle can hide deep in a pit that could easily stop even the most rugged vehicle.
Despite advances in technology, the wildness of northern Kenya has remained largely untouched. Wandering through these places is like a journey back in time, where you can experience Kenya as it was a decade ago.
After traveling north, we headed to the lakes in the Great Rift Valley. Lake Naivasha, known for its hippos, flamingos, and unique islands with floating grass, enchanted us.
The area offers a contrast to the dry north – it is green, rich in water and full of life.
We again chose the route to the south of the country as a transit through Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, where our journey through Kenya began.
Modern high-rise buildings here form an interesting contrast to the vast slums where the poorest live.
Nairobi is the only place where you can indulge in a limited amount of "European-style" food to replenish your supplies.
Overall, the city acts as a gateway between two worlds – modern and traditional, rich and poor, busy and quiet.
A 4x4 trip in Kenya is not for everyone, but for those who are not afraid of challenges and adventure, you will be rewarded with unforgettable experiences.
You will experience everything on your journey here. From lion and elephant sightings, to challenging crossings over rugged terrain, to peaceful moments by the lake – Kenya will captivate you with its raw beauty and uniqueness. All you have to do is get in, turn on the four-wheel drive and let nature guide you.
Southern Kenya is already more visited by tourists. In particular, the Amboselli and Tsavo East parks offer a rich opportunity to observe elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes and, if you are lucky like us, lions and cheetahs. In case of good weather, you will also enjoy an unforgettable view of the highest African mountain, Kilimanjaro, with its snowy peak. However, be prepared, especially from the edge of the parks, for a relatively significant traffic of local guides in sightseeing Toyotas with tourists. You need to venture deeper into the reserve and enjoy individual tourism. In Kenya, it is not common for you to drive a car individually, that is the work of the locals. But we prefer independence and free decision-making about where we go. However, it depends on everyone how they accommodate their trips. The next park, Tsavo West, is beautiful mainly for testing your driving skills, but thanks to the mountains and lush vegetation, the possibility of observing wildlife is significantly limited. However, the experience will be enhanced by the vast lava field located here.
And then there's the C103, which is listed as one of the most dangerous roads in the world, not because of the traffic, but because of the varied "road" surfaces. Here you can really test your skills behind the wheel.
It is also possible to do it carefully and in one car, like us, but avoid traveling on the C103 during the rainy season. Many sections would be impassable. The road is 460km long and passes through reserves and parks, which is actually a toll road, because of course you have to pay for the entrances to the parks. The C103 ends on the Indian Ocean coast, where you can regenerate after completing it.
I must not forget the park, which is directly connected to the capital of Kenya, Nairobi. The park is beautiful, with a relatively large number of animals. The roads in the park are not in any better condition than those in the interior, of course, unless you only drive on the main ring road that crosses this park.
Finally, an answer to a frequently asked question after our return.
Why haven't you been to Masai Mara Park? The answer is simple. ¨
Masai Mara cannot be visited individually, but only in a group with a guide, which is a shame.
At the same time, it is the most commercial park in Kenya.
After this trip, it's clear to us - Kenya still has many hidden beauties waiting to be discovered.
Maybe we'll head back north to Shaba and Meru parks, or explore a lesser-known area to the west.
One thing is certain – each subsequent journey brings us closer to the raw beauty and magic of this unique country.
Hop in your SUV, engage the four-wheel drive and let yourself be carried away by what Kenya has to offer. Every kilometer is unforgettable.
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