By Timothy Albrite
The festive season comes with a spirit of adventure and exploration. And for road-trip lovers and petrolheads, there’s no better way to enjoy the holidays than hitting the open road. Whether you’re travelling solo, rounding up your friends, or planning a family escape, a good road trip is an easy, affordable, and unforgettable way to experience Kenya’s beauty. Here are some of the best destinations to fire up your engine and your sense of adventure this season.
1. Naivasha – The All-Rounder
Driving time: 2 hours
If there’s one place that never runs out of things to do, it’s Naivasha. Lakes, crater lakes, hikes, wildlife, and some of Kenya’s coolest campsites, all in one destination.
Highlights
- Game drive at Hell’s Gate National Park
- Take a dip at the Olkaria Geothermal Spa
- Walk among wildlife at Crescent Island
- Camp by Lake Oloiden under a sky full of stars
If you love speed, swing by the Great Rift Valley Circuit (1.5 hours from Nairobi) for go-karting. It’s one of the best tracks in Africa perfect with friends or family.
2. Sagana – For the Adrenaline Seekers
Driving time: 2 hours
If your heart likes racing faster than your engine, Sagana is your spot. It’s Kenya’s capital of extreme sports.
Highlights
- Bungee jumping
- White-water rafting
- Rock climbing
- Kayaking
- Camping by the river
Sagana is that road trip you take when you need to feel alive again.
3. Nanyuki – A Weekend Classic
Driving time: 3 hours
Nanyuki’s charm hits you the moment you arrive cool weather, wildlife, great food, and beautiful stays.
Highlights
- A scenic drive past the flower farms of Timau
- Game drive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Visit or stay at Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy
- Explore Ngare Ndare Forest and its iconic canopy walkway
- Lunch at Trout Tree Restaurant, a treehouse with fresh trout and playful Colobus monkeys
It’s an easy, refreshing weekend escape from the city.
4. Nyeri – Rest, Nature, and Family Fun
Driving time: 3 hours
Nyeri blends adventure with tranquillity, making it ideal for families or couples.
Highlights
- Chaka Ranch – quad bikes, skating rink, paintball, and fun zones for kids and adults
- Solio Conservancy – a private wildlife haven often described as Kenya’s best-kept secret
- If you’re looking for romance or quiet, Solio never disappoints.
5. Kisumu – Sunsets, Slow Days, and Lakeside Magic
Driving time: ~6 hours (or a quick flight)
Kisumu invites you to slow down. Warm weather, soft breezes from Lake Victoria, and those famous orange sunsets make it perfect for travellers seeking beauty without the rush.
Highlights
- Boat rides on Lake Victoria – glide across calm waters, spot birds, and watch fishermen cast their nets at sunrise
- Fresh tilapia by the lake – Dunga and other Beaches offer it straight from the water
- Spectacular sunsets – catch them at Lélé Beach, Hippo Point, or any lakeside deck
- Fishing escapades – join local guides for peaceful morning fishing trips
- Kisumu Impala Sanctuary – scenic walks among impalas, zebras, and hippos
- Kit Mikayi – explore the legendary rock formation and hear stories from Luo culture
- With its easygoing rhythm and endless lake views, Kisumu is perfect for a long, scenic weekend.
6. Taita Taveta County – Long Drive, Big Reward
Driving time: ~5.5-6 hours
It’s a longer road trip, but incredibly rewarding.
Highlights
- Game drives at Tsavo East or Tsavo West
- Explore Mzima Springs, one of Kenya’s most beautiful natural sites
- Visit Lake Chala and Lake Jipe, two stunning border gems
- Perfect for travellers who want an extended weekend in the wild.
7. Nakuru – Nature, History, and City Vibes
Driving time: ~3 hours
Nakuru is scenic, lively, and packed with activities.
Highlights
- Game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
- Picnic at Lord Egerton Castle
- Hike Menengai Crater for breathtaking views
A great option if you want a mix of nature and culture.
8. Kereita – Adventure in the Forest
Driving time: ~1 hour
Close to the city, but feels completely removed from it.
Highlights
- Ziplining on the longest zipline in East Africa
- Forest hikes
- Archery, horse riding, and paintball
Perfect for a half-day or full-day adventure.
9. Magadi – Hot, Wild, and Stunning
Driving time: ~3 hours
Magadi is raw, beautiful, and full of character.
Highlights
- Picnic at Olorgesailie prehistoric site
- See the pink waters of Lake Magadi
- Visit natural hot springs and camp under the stars
- Interact with the Maasai and learn about their culture
Ideal for travellers drawn to rugged, dramatic landscapes.
10. Lukenya – Short, Sweet, and Scenic
Driving time: ~1–1.5 hours
Just outside Nairobi, but it feels like a mini-safari escape.
Highlights
- Staycation at Lukenya Getaway
- Ride bicycles in the wild
- Quad biking, hoverboards, and camping at Lukenya Motocross
- Smooth, easy road all the way
A quick, refreshing getaway.
11. Machakos – Laid-Back, Fun, and Full of Surprises
Driving time: ~2 hours
Machakos is relaxed yet unexpectedly fun.
Highlights
- Machakos People’s Park – ziplining, skating, events
- Visit the amphitheatre
- Try the famous Kituluni Hill, where objects appear to roll uphill
A fun day trip with a quirky twist.
12. Namanga & Oloitoktok – Borderline Adventures
Perfect if you want a quiet escape, views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and a laid-back cultural experience. Great for travellers who prefer less-crowded spots and scenic drives.
More Worthy Mentions
- Amboseli National Park
- Maasai Mara
- Nyandarua County
- Arusha (Tanzania)
Point to note: Many of these destinations are accessible by matatu from Nairobi’s CBD—road trips don’t always require a personal car, or organised transport by AA Destinations.
Which One Calls Your Name?
Have you been to any of these places? Which one won your heart? Your favourite road trips might inspire someone else’s next adventure.
Safe travels!