The Central Circuit
The central and southern parts of Kenya are known for their diverse and abundant nature. Beginning and ending your journey in Nairobi, you visit Samburu, Lake Naguru, Lake Navaisha and Hell's Gate and top it off with the Masai Mara. The Central Circuit is ideal for those who primarily come for wildlife watching, want modest driving hours a day, and have limited time to visit Kenya.
Scroll down to see the detailed day-to-day route with lots of insider travel tips and accommodation suggestions that you can book yourself. The suggested lodges are places we like to stay ourselves when we are roadtripping; small-scale, good price-quality ratio and owner-managed when possible.
Check the day to day itinerary
What to expect on this 4x4 self-drive adventure
Travel time and road conditions
A stay of 13 days with 11 day car rental is recommended to follow this route. On average, you spend two nights at one location. On a travel day, you will drive around five hours without factoring in time for lunch, pictures etc.
Road conditions are good year round. It is asphalt pavement, with an occasional pothole and speed bumps. The roads to the Maasai Mara are notoriously bad. It is a challenging road due to the rocky surface with washboard ribbons. Drive at LIMITED SPEED (25 km /h).
Offline navigation is easy if you download Maps.me on your smart phone before you go. More tips at the on the road section.
Prices
Create & book
Follow the Central Circuit as suggested, or use it as a starting point for travel inspiration, and adjust it to your liking.
Secure your carIncluded in your accommodated roadtrip
Included
- Comprehensive car insurance
- Car delivery to your hotel or airport
- Roadmap and Lonely Planet
- 24/7 Road assistance
- Unlimited mileage
Optional
- Electrical fridge
- Driver-Guide
- Camping gear