I’ve led many overland tours in Kenya down through the years. In this post, I will outline the best options available and the precise trips I think you might want to consider. This is also an important destination for overlanding because Kenya is the starting point for most overland tours, wildlife safaris and trips to East Africa. And this is because Nairobi airport is often the easiest and most affordable point of entry. You will find many overland itineraries in Africa begin (and end) in Nairobi and this includes trips to neighboring countries including Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.
Capital City – Nairobi
Currency: Kenya Shilling
Language: English, Swahili, Tribal languages
Major Attractions: Masai Mara National Park, Mombassa, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park, Mount Kenya, Lake Nakura NP
Things to do in Nairobi: Giraffe sanctuary, David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum
Quick Overview: Safaris and Overland Tours in Kenya
Masai Mara is undoubtedly home to the best wildlife safari in Kenya and most travelers will pick overland tours in Kenya that venture into other countries. For instance, a popular itinerary begins in Nairobi and travels to Uganda where you can trek to see the mountain gorillas. This overland tour will stop enroute to enjoy a host of experiences in Kenya and Uganda which include everything from wildlife safaris in the Masai Mara to whitewater rafting the River Nile. Alternatively, you might join an overland tour in Nairobi which travels south into Tanzania to experience Serengeti National Park and Zanzibar. It is also possible to combine these two trips because each itinerary is essentially a section of a much larger/longer tour that can last for up to 10 weeks!
But which overland tour or wildlife safari in Kenya do I recommend you consider?
My Picks for the Best Wildlife Safari in Kenya
Masai Mara Wildlife Camping Safari (4 Days)
If you’re short on time, this adventure packs Kenya’s colors, culture, and wildlife into just four unforgettable days. You’ll journey across the rolling plains and through the acacia trees of the legendary Masai Mara, on the lookout for Africa’s elusive “big five.” Our 4×4 safari vans are perfect for wildlife viewing and offer an adventurous yet affordable way to experience the area’s wonders. While camping in permanent tents, you’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the planet’s most incredible wildlife. The diverse animals of the Mara and the rich culture of the local Masai people come together to create a truly spectacular safari experience.
Personal travel insurance is mandatory for overland tours but not all policies will have sufficient cover. I always use World Nomads and suggest you at least get quick quote below….it takes just a few seconds!
Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Samburu (9 Days)
Experience Kenya in all its splendor, from This is one of the overland tours in Kenya that takes in a variety of landscapes and experiences. Roam the wide-open plains and rolling hills of the Masai Mara, keeping your eyes peeled for Africa’s “big five.” Camping under the vast African sky brings you closer to the region’s wildlife and takes you off the beaten path, giving you a true taste of the local culture. Our small safari vans help cut down on drive times, boosting your chances of capturing that perfect shot of some of the most incredible animals on Earth.
My Picks for the Best Overland Tours in Kenya
Masai Mara, Uganda and Gorilla Trekking (15 Days)
East Africa feels less ‘influenced’ compared to down south, which means you’re more likely to come across local tribes and traditional villages as you travel. The Masai Mara offers an incredible wildlife safari and Lake Bunyoni is one of the most scenic destinations you will ever encounter. Jinja is great for activities like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and whitewater rafting on the Nile River and the highlight of this overland tour has to be the trek to see the mountain gorillas in Uganda. If you want to see the gorillas, this is one of the overland tours in Kenya that will take you all the way to see them and then all the way back again in time for you return flight from Nairobi airport.
Serengeti, Gorilla Trekking and Zanzibar (19 Days)
This East Africa overland tour is absolutely packed with adventure. You start off with an unforgettable jungle trek to see the mountain gorillas in Uganda. Then, you’ll travel across Uganda, stopping at Jinja, where you can kayak or take on the wild waters of the Nile River. I have to say, I love the quad biking in Jinja—it’s an awesome way to explore dirt tracks through remote villages, taking you well off the beaten path. Once you arrive in Tanzania, you’ll head deep into Serengeti National Park on the hunt for the Big Five, and then descend into Ngorongoro Crater for an encounter you won’t forget. And just when you think it can’t get any better, you’ll wrap up this East Africa adventure with a relaxing stay on the stunning white beaches of Zanzibar!
But seriously, if you can afford the extra time and cost….
My Favourite Overland Tour in Africa
Serengeti to Cape Town Overland Tour (40 Days)
This amazing journey was actually my very first overland tour in Africa. You kick things off with thrilling game safaris in Serengeti National Park, followed by a fun escape to the beaches of Zanzibar. In Malawi, you’ll get a taste of local life, and South Luangwa National Park offers even more wildlife encounters. Victoria Falls is packed with things to see and do, and the Okavango Delta is one of the wildest experiences Africa has to offer. The desert landscapes of Namibia are a standout for many travelers, offering a stark contrast to everything that came before. You’ll then journey through scenic winelands before reaching Cape Town, wrapping up what truly is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.