Hiring a 4x4 for a Kenya Safari: What to Know
Planning a self-drive or chauffeured safari to Masai Mara, Amboseli or Tsavo? How to choose a safari 4x4, what to check, and how to prepare.
Why a 4x4 matters
Park roads are often murram, rutted or muddy after rain. High ground clearance and four-wheel drive make the trip safer and more comfortable. The Toyota Prado and Land Cruiser are common choices.
Before you set off
- Check the spare tyre, jack and wheel spanner
- Confirm the company allows the vehicle inside national parks
- Ask about roadside assistance coverage outside Nairobi
- Carry water, a charged phone and offline maps
Consider a driver-guide
If you are new to off-road driving, a chauffeured safari vehicle lets you focus on wildlife while someone experienced handles the tracks.