Camping Spots to Explore on a Kenyan Self-Drive this 2024
Camping in the wild is a perfect escape the bustling Nairobi city, and explore Kenya’s spectacular sites in the country’s remotest region. Kenya is renowned for its unmatched camping experiences, and guests are guaranteed of ultimate comfort. Come along with your own tent or hire one through your tour operator. Wondering where to go for camping or where to find the best campsites in Kenya? Here are some of the best camping spots to explore on a Kenyan self-drive;
Camping Spots to Explore in Kenya;
Lake Magadi
There is something special about camping at Lake Magadi. First, the campground is found close to the Lake and offers guests ultimate opportunity to enjoy sight of some interesting species of animals including gazelles, zebras, ostriches and more.
Lake Magadi is found in the Southernmost point of Kenya, along the rift valley and not far from Tanzania. To the North, there is Lake Natron and getting there from Nairobi, you can embark on a self-drive 4×4 rental car. The campsite is suitably situated in the rich area with diverse wildlife such as cheetahs, elephants, lions, and perfect for you to enjoy the scenic sunsets while at your campsite.
In the surrounding, there are Maasai people, thus presenting you a chance to also interact with locals. Lake Magadi covers 100sq.km of land area, and is typically a saline, alkaline Lake lying in an endorheic basin. If you are visiting Kenya on self-drive vacation, Lake Magadi is an ideal spot to escape the cold, especially around July when temperatures are at 40 degrees celsius.
When setting up your tent, ensure that you do it under the tree shade. For the most terrifying and thrilling wild camping experience, consider Lake Magadi a must visit.
Amboseli Bush Camp in Amboseli National Park
Lying in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, a few miles away from Amboseli National park entrance is Amboseli Bush Camp. This is one of the best and beautiful camping spots worth considering for all your camping vacation in Kenya. While here, you can as well set your camp and amazingly, there is possibility to undertake walks around the area.
It is 3 hours’ drive to Amboseli Bush Camp from Nairobi city. Drive along the Mombasa road towards the coast, and take your right at Emali then again take your right in Kamana, about 12km. Available facilities at Amboseli Bush Camp include cooking, showers and toilets.
Ol Pejeta
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is most popular for big five sighting and also for unbeatable wild camping experiences. This conservancy lies near Nanyuki in the Laikipia District, occupying the land area of 364sq.km.
Camping safari in Ol Pejeta allows you to embark on game viewing with a great opportunity to spot variety of wildlife including elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, and some interesting birds that account for a population of 350. In the surrounding, expect to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and sight some wildlife while at your campsite.
Chalbi Desert
Located in Marsabit County, East of the popular Lake Turkana, Chalbi Desert extends up to the Ethiopia border. It occupies the land area of 100,000sq.km and noted to be one of Kenya’s hottest and arid areas. The area is inhabited by the Boran nomadics and not only does it feature exceptional landscape, but also supports some amazing species including oryx, grevy’s zebras, spotted hyenas, cheetahs and ostriches.
Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park is Kenya’s biggest park with the land area coverage of 22,000sq.km. It is an extensive conservation area featuring savanna grassland and arid-like areas. It is divided into 2; Tsavo East and Tsavo West. This is one favorite place for camping and comes with breathtaking sceneries and abundant wildlife.
Tsavo protects variety of wildlife including small and large mammals. They include buffaloes, zebras, cheetahs, lions, rhinos, gerenuks, hippos, waterbucks, leopards, crocodiles, gazelles, and more than 500 species of birds.
Bongo Campsite (Aberdare National Park)
Boasting of its remarkable landscapes, Aberdare National Park is one favorite place if you are interested in wild camping in Kenya. Several campsites exist in and around the park, but no one beats Bongo campsite. This campsite is found next to the elephant mud pools.
Accessing Bongo campsite is possible starting from Nairobi, about 150km. While at Aberdare, expect to look out for numerous wildlife including giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, red-duikers, elands, reedbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, leopards, lions, giant forest hogs, colobus monkeys, and others.
Mount Suswa Crater Rim
Mt. Suswa is a scenic dormant volcano located within the rift valley area. It is found between Narok and Nairobi city. The Northwestern section of this volcano lies in Narok County while the Eastern and Southern areas are found in Kajiado County. The northwestern side is the main access area to this volcano.
At Mount Suswa crater rim, expect to enjoy excellent views of the crater and spectacular inner peaks. Besides, the area also features network of lava tube caves that you can also explore with the lead of an experienced guide.
Getting to Suswa takes 3 hours’ drive from Nairobi, and perfect using a 4×4 safari vehicle. If you plan to get here for camping, then consider packing all essentials to make your camping experience memorable.
Chyulu Hills
Chyulu Hills is a lovely destination and a favorite spot for nature lovers. At Chyulu Hills, there are lots of wildlife to be spotted including giraffes, elephants, antelope families, bush pigs, buffaloes, and network of lava tubes that form the Kisula caves. It is possible to get there along Mombasa road from Nairobi and ideal to embark on a self-drive road trip using a 4×4 vehicle.
Mount Ololokwe
Mt. Ololokwe is 2000 meter flat-topped mountain with sheer cliffs. This sacred mountain is found in the Northern Samburu area, and is a favorite hiking spot in Kenya. At the foot of Mount Ololokwe, there is Sabache camp with amazing facilities such as a restaurant, toilets and more.
Kimana Sanctuary
Kimana Sanctuary is another incredible place worth considering for wild camping in Kenya. This sanctuary is 5400ha and hosts over 500 bird species, several mammals like giraffes, zebras, elephants, buffaloes, impalas, monkeys, elands, and more.
Kambu Mara Camp
Located in Masai Mara Reserve, Kambu Mara Camp is one of the spots you should consider for wild camping on Kenyan self-drive. The campsite is set in the Narok region, a budget facility accessible within 14 minutes from the Maasai Mara National Reserve’s Sekenani gate.
What to carry on wild camping in Kenya?
The list of items to pack; food and water supplies, sleeping bags, tents, stove, first aid kit, toiletries, hygiene products, insect repellents, flashlight, screwdriver, knife, and more.
Safety Tips to Follow in these Camping Spots:
- Do not camp in areas with large predators like leopards and lions.
- Be aware of surroundings and avoid sudden movements/loud noises.
- Keep your food away from the campsite to avoid attracting wildlife.
- Learn basic survival skills prior to wild camping.
- Be aware of the local regulations in the wild camping.
