One of the underrated ways of letting loose is taking a drive down a winding road, with nothing but swooshing trees lining up the way, and clear blue skies setting you in the right mood.
A good road trip will also give you the chance to sightsee and get a hold of breathtaking scenery, or simply take in the fresh crisp uncontaminated air.
If you’re looking to go on a road trip and don’t know where to start, below is a list of options to consider;
1. Lake Magadi
If you’re looking for a place not so far from Nairobi, but still offering the ambience you need for a road trip, then Lake Magadi in Kajiado tops your list.
You can either use the Ngong or Rongai route via Kiserian, and then proceed to the Isinya area.
A few kilometres past Kiserian, settlements become sparse, with acacia trees filling the area.
Stop by the numerous restaurants along the way and savour the coveted nyama choma.
The lake Magadi is quite scenic with its pinkish hue creating the most spectacular view.
Capture all the beauty in your camera, especially at dusk then take the road trip back.
2. Mount Suswa Conservancy
This little-known haven is situated along the main route from Nairobi to Narok, and the route is hardly crowded, making it ideal for a relaxing road trip.
Suswa is dominated by the Maasai tribe, and several shops selling curios and artefacts are along the way, so make a stop and grab yourself a souvenir.
Pay a small entrance fee to the conservancy, and get rewarded with stunning nature views and flocks of birds.
Joints selling the Nyama Choma delicacy are in plenty, so feel free to choose.
3. Lake Naivasha
This is a popular destination for road trip lovers, seeing that it’s not too far from Nairobi, and the route does not disappoint with several spots for sightseeing along the way.
A few kilometres from Nairobi near Limuru is the viewpoint spot that gives a spectacular view of the Great Rift valley.
A few kilometres more the stunning Mount Longonot is within full view, giving you the perfect view for your camera.
Once you get to the lake, go boat riding, sport fishing or engage in other water sports. At dusk, experience the thrill of watching the golden sunset.
4. Maasai Mara
The easiest way to get to this national reserve is from Nairobi to Narok via Maai Mahiu.
The journey takes approximately five hours, and the road is in good condition so you’re guaranteed to enjoy your trip.
Make stops along the way to catch a breath, capture the scenic views beyond, buy Maasai artefacts or simply get something to nibble on.
Climax your trip by enjoying a game drive at the reserve and watching various animals.
You can either set camp or put up in one of the several hotels located there.
5. Nanyuki
Nanyuki is a small town in the Mount Kenya region and is also a popular destination while on a road trip.
Depending on your location, you could either use the Nairobi-Nyeri highway, or the Nakuru route via Subukia, all of which are guaranteed to give you an unbeatable experience.
Enjoy green scenery and rolling hills along the Nyeri highway. Make stops along the way to buy local foodstuffs or simply breathe in the fresh air.
Once you get to Nanyuki, visit the various tourist attraction sites such as the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Mount Kenya Conservancy, Ngare Ndare forest and more.
You could either make a detour or choose to put up in the town for a day or two.
6. The Coast Area
The coastal area of Kenya is a popular area to visit, so why not make it fun by driving all the way, and enjoying every bit of the view along the way?
The distance is about 500 km from Nairobi, so prepare adequately for more than a day’s trip.
Make stops along the way to enjoy the open savannah, you might be lucky to see zebras, monkeys and elephants.
You can make detours along the way and learn more about the area. Once you get to Mombasa, enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
Feel free to move to the south coast area of Diani and explore some more.
7. Nakuru
The Nairobi-Nakuru highway has to be one of the most interesting routes to use.
With the breathtaking views along the way, it’s hard not to make a stop and admire the beauty.
The viewpoint gives you unbeatable views of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Longonot.
Catch sights of Lake Naivasha along the way. In Gilgil, you’ll stumble upon animals like monkeys, zebras and antelopes along the way.
The popular Kikopey area has meat joints where you can stop and savour a delicacy.
Moving forward, Lake Elementaita comes into view, you could make a detour and go see it.
Once you get to Nakuru, several attractions await you like Lake Nakuru, Hyrax Hill, Menengai Crater and more.
