Central Kenya Car Tours: Top 5 Unforgettable Drives
Dreaming of open roads, fresh air, and sights that really stick with you? So, picture yourself winding through the heart of Kenya, on a journey packed with incredible views and memories. That’s what we’re chatting about today—amazing car tours in Central Kenya. Instead of your usual touristy spots, we’re thinking you could grab the keys to your own adventure and uncover what this super scenic area has on offer, almost at your own pace. Basically, we’re pointing the way to drives that swap out those overcrowded buses for freedom and those been-there-seen-that destinations for the real Kenya. So, buckle up; we’ve picked five amazing car tours in Central Kenya. Ready? Let’s get rolling!
1. Aberdare National Park Loop: A Wildlife and Waterfall Adventure
You want to spot some animals? Well, the Aberdare National Park Loop might be just your thing. So, consider this: You start in Nyeri and you swing through some incredible high-altitude spots, almost where the air is crisp and very clean. It’s likely that you’ll meet elephants and some buffalo pretty quickly. That is that, you also keep your eyes peeled for the super rare Black Rhino; it likes this area. By the way, you can find the amazing Karuru Waterfalls here too; so, be sure to make a stop, actually. Just a heads-up, though, 4×4 is more or less recommended. We would say that it’s a bit of a necessity since things can get slippery if it’s wet. That is that it’s an awesome few days.
Read our full review: Aberdare National Park Full Review and Details
Things to look forward to:
- Wildlife spotting: You could easily find yourself face-to-face with elephants, buffalo, and maybe even a rhino!
- Karuru Waterfalls: You’re probably going to love the falls – bring your camera!
- High-altitude views: You should enjoy the clean air.
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Aberdare Park Tour Bookings)
2. Mount Kenya Circuit: Circle the Summit
Okay, if you fancy something big, like scaling a mountain, just in your car though, the Mount Kenya Circuit is seriously cool. It’s almost a ring road, and you get unbelievable views of Mount Kenya all the time. Now, think of heading out from Nanyuki, very close to the equator, and driving through little towns and some really thick forest. Maybe you could stop in a town like Chogoria and take a walk to the start of one of the hiking trails if you enjoy climbing. That, you know, just for a good look! As a matter of fact, this tour offers a chance to really get the feel of rural Kenya too; like your chats with the locals at some roadside stops are as much fun as what you see from the window. Anyway, don’t fret too much about the car, as almost any vehicle can handle it. You will very much enjoy the route. It’s truly something. Read our full review: Mount Kenya Circuit Full Review and Details
Don’t Miss:
- Constant mountain views: You could see Mount Kenya from every angle.
- Rural Kenyan life: Just feel like you’re one of the locals by just hanging out in small towns.
- Hiking options: Some trails are for you, if you’re into that.
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mount Kenya Tour Guide Here)
3. Tea and Coffee Farm Tour: The Central Highlands
Maybe your holiday requires a bit of calm, eh? We feel you! So, this Tea and Coffee Farm Tour is your ticket. This is the real deal, so this drive around the Central Highlands mixes seeing how some top-notch tea and coffee are made with really lovely scenery. Almost feel how fresh it is? Okay. From Nairobi, drive into places like Murang’a or Kirinyaga where the fields, more or less, are like green carpets over hills. Anyhow, several farms welcome folks for tours. I think it’s cool that you get to see the picking, drying, and all that. It also helps you know where your coffee came from that morning. Now that’s great. Anyway, you might get a car here which won’t matter all that much; roads tend to be good in these farming zones. It is actually so chill.
Read our full review: Tea and Coffee Farm Full Review and Details
Reasons to Visit:
- See the process: Now you know how tea and coffee get from the plant to your cup.
- Beautiful scenery: Almost picture yourself with views all over the farms.
- Easy driving: That the roads are pretty friendly is actually cool.
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Your Coffee and Tea Tour)
4. Lake Ol Bolossat and Thomson’s Falls: A Day Trip from Nyahururu
Sometimes, you might fancy a day trip, or perhaps a bit of variety? The circuit around Lake Ol Bolossat is seriously the best way to relax a bit. By the way, Thomson’s Falls is stunning. Anyhow, get your starting point at Nyahururu, the town of highest altitude in Kenya. That said, Lake Ol Bolossat is worth seeing; because the place is a bird sanctuary, it is seriously a fantastic place if bird-watching is actually one of your favourite activities. A little way off, there is the roar of Thomson’s Falls where the water falls a massive way down, really! We just feel like any car would be OK to drive around these parts, since the main spots are pretty straightforward. We think this tour just gives enough ‘wow’, you know.
Read our full review: Lake Ol Bolossat Full Review and Details
Highlights:
- Bird-watching: It’s just the best place to see a number of various bird species around.
- Thomson’s Falls: Be stunned when you see these falls – definitely bring the camera.
- Easy access: Almost any car is fine. You could arrive and just do that!
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Bird Watching Safaris and Bookings)
5. The Solio Ranch Wildlife Conservancy Route: Up Close with Rhinos
Are you keen to get pretty close to animals without getting out of the vehicle? Really? Well, Solio Ranch does things right. So, you get a chance to drive through where rhinos are protected and thriving. From Nyeri, you will get very good directions. In any case, they limit visitor numbers, which is cool; therefore it’s less like being in traffic. What do you know? I actually love Solio because they really make conservation and also tours work well together. At the end of the day, 4×4 does make a difference in wet weather because the tracks might get tough to grip. I’m very serious; it is an epic adventure! You should be there!
Read our full review: Solio Ranch Full Review and Details
Reasons it rocks:
- Close encounters: Seriously? Get up super close to rhinos and feel the excitement!
- Conservation focused: Just realize how you are supporting conservancy as part of your tour.
- Limited visitors: No big crowds. How good is that?!
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Solio Ranch Experience Now)
