Annemiek from the Netherlands
We rented an amazing 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser for 16 days, which took us through the beautiful landscapes of Kenya. Great car, excellent service, and valuable advice.
From €3,590 pp | 20 days
Want to experience the best of Kenya? Our Bush-to-Beach route combines classic safari experiences with relaxing days on Kenya’s stunning beaches.
This self-drive tour includes airport pick-up & drop-off, 4×4 car rental, a practical roadbook and hand-picked accommodations. Scroll below to view our day-to-day itinerary, including realistic driving times, route directions, and travel tips for Kenya.
Prices are per person, based on 2 people sharing a Land Cruiser Troopy and travelling off-season. You can choose your accommodation preferences below.
Peak season: July – September.
Prefer a private guided road trip? Travel with a driver-guide! This is an option you can select in the online booking form.
Book your 4×4 self-drive tour with stays in campsites, mid-range lodges or luxury retreats, or tailor the trip completely to your wishes.
We rented an amazing 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser for 16 days, which took us through the beautiful landscapes of Kenya. Great car, excellent service, and valuable advice.
Robert has been so kind, flexible and he has looked after us so well. I can’t thank him enough. He has helped us to choose the best places to eat, spend the nights and enjoy our time in this incredible country. We have done so many different activities according on our preferences and he has always been so focus on making us just enjoy and being happy.
We had a great roadtrip with our family of 5. Our driver, Ken, was an absolute legend. He is very knowledgeable and experienced. Driving through Kenya is really not easy. Although the Toyota Land Cruiser was quite old, it was very reliable.
We recommend 20 days for this Bush to Beach itinerary. Want to spend more or less time at the beach in Watamu? Just let us know and we’ll adjust the itinerary to fit your plans.
Road conditions
Most main roads, especially those to and from Nairobi, are smooth tarmac and in good condition. The A109 highway between Nairobi and Mombasa is the exception: ongoing construction and heavy traffic from buses, cars, and slow trucks can make overtaking unsafe. It’s best to relax, keep your distance, and go with the flow.
For more tips, see our Driving in Kenya blog.
Bush
Kenya is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re after. The dry seasons (June to October & January to February) offer prime wildlife viewing, while the rains from March to May & November give you lush landscapes and fewer tourists.
Beach
Most travellers visit Watamu from December to March and July to October, when it’s dry and sunny. The rainy seasons (April to June and November) bring higher humidity and occasional overcast skies, but that can actually be a relief – giving you a break from the intense coastal heat. Fewer visitors during this time also means a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
Check out our blog ‘The best time to visit Kenya’ for more details.
Masai Mara: when to go?
Wildlife viewing in the Mara is excellent all year. Your choice depends on the experience you want:
Tip: The Mara uses seasonal pricing. From January to June, rates are about USD100 per person per day. From July to December, rates rise to USD200 per person per day.
Kenya is the birthplace of safari, and hospitality here is an art. We work with small-scale, eco-friendly lodges that offer good value and a warm welcome. Our team knows Kenya well – we’ve worked and travelled here for years, so we make sure you’ll stay in places we genuinely recommend.
Nature, atmosphere and hospitality
From tented camps in the Maasai Mara to boutique lodges on the Indian Ocean, every stay combines comfort with nature and local craftsmanship. And then there’s the food. Bush breakfasts, sundowners, and dinners by the campfire; meals here are just as memorable as any game drive.
What our travellers love most? The diversity, the atmosphere and the famously warm Kenyan hospitality. Many lodges are community-run, so your stay directly supports conservation and local people.
Curious? Click the orange arrow to browse photos of some of the lodges you’ll stay in.
Our Bush to Beach tour is available in three styles and price ranges:
Travelling through Kenya on your own gives you a real sense of freedom. At the same time, preparing a road trip here takes some thought. From more than a decade of experience, we’ve seen that our travellers get the most out of Kenya when we help them plan their itinerary and accommodation – leaving more space to enjoy the journey itself. That’s what our self-drive tours in Kenya are all about.
This page brings together practical guidance for your trip. We’ve selected 12 important topics covering self-driving and independent travel in Kenya, including useful tips and common questions. They’ll help you prepare with confidence before setting off.
