Do-it-Yourself Safaris- Guide to Self Drive Kenya Camping Safaris

The self drive Kenya safaris are a viable and exciting option is you have the necessary camping equipment and when you can get a group together. Nothing beats the experience of discovering new frontiers by maps, getting lost and found and all the frills of DIY.

Group self drive safaris

The group will of course help you share the cost of hiring a vehicle and other expenses. It is however highly discouraged to go on a do-it-yourself safari by yourself. Besides the everyday risks of mugging and solitude, you don’t want to be changing a tyre with no one watching your back for that Tsavo lion.

Pros of a self drive safari

There are of course several advantages of a DIY safari over organised itineraries through outfitters. This ranges from the flexibility, independence of being able to choose your safari companions and of-course the thrill of being out and about exploring. It is however also wise to know that going on a self drive safari will cost you as much as an organised cheap safari.

The down side of self drives safaris

Besides the cost, vehicle breakdowns, accidents, security and a lack of local knowledge are also major handicaps in a self drive safari tour.

Your flexibility

With an appropriate vehicle, all accommodation options are open to you even out of the way places and camping and using bandas are two good ways of keeping down your costs.

Camping Equipment Hire for DIY Safaris

If you want to hire camping equipment, there are several places in Nairobi that you can go to for the same. Organize to have at least 2 days to get the vehicle camping, gear, maps, cooking ware, canvas safari bathrooms, supplies and of course water. You may need to also test drive your choice car around Nairobi. Never take the word of a car hire firm as final.

Your check list

Check and double check your equipment and don’t pay until you are sure of the fitness of the car especially. Most importantly find out of the self drive car rental firm has a backup mechanism. Mobile VHF radio or at the least a mobile phone is of course very essential.

Believe me I once had a situation, in the middle of forsaken carnivore territory and not even a match to send smoke signals. Me thinks you wouldn’t want to have been there with me.

Rental/Hiring costs of camping gear

Identification such as passport is required and advance booking is recommended and saves time. Expect to pay 400 for a sleeping bag per day with liner, Kshs 700 for a two person dome tent and Kshs 200 per day for gas stove (gas canisters are extra).

A deposit of Kshs 3000-5000 is payable for most items. For longer trips it may be reasonable to buy some of these items at the big Nakumatt super markets in Nairobi which sell cheap plastic plates, stoves, chairs etc.

It is also possible to hire a vehicle and camping equipment as one package. Some companies in Nairobi offer rather an unusual package of a fully fitted 4WD with roof-mounted tent and everything else you might need for a long self drive safari for up to four people, including mobile phone, fridge, gas cooker and cooking utensils.

Prices range from BP 100 per day (less than 10 days) to BP 80 per day (25 days or more), with a minimum of five days rental; insurance excess waiver is an additional BP15.

Robert has written variously in travel to Kenya East Africa. Degreed in tourism management, he is a travel expert with landmarksafaris.com. For an idea of where to go for self drive safari tours, take the bait here