25 Counties | 14 days: All you need to know

Nakuru-Sigor Road

Today marks one week since I was back in Nairobi after a two-week road trip through the country. An experience that I would love for all travel lovers to embark on.

Travelling has always been a way for me to explore different cultures, landscapes, opportunities in addition to providing time away from the usual to retrospect, internalize and plan.

Herein lies the tips and tricks I used when planning my solo road trip from Nairobi through Migori, Kakamega, Kitale, Nakuru, Meru and back to Nairobi. A trip that would exceed 1,500 kilometers. (You can read more about my experience here)

Road Trip Circuit: Nairobi — Sori (Migori)— Kakamega — Suam — Nakuru — Meru — Nairobi

This article will focus on the:

• Safety measures I took
• Itinerary with links to airbnbs
• Budget.

Safety measures:

• Assessing the car prior to the trip (ensure you have the first aid kit, fire extinguisher, spare tyre, jack, the reflective triangle, jembe, gumboots- in case the car gets stuck on a muddy road, and more can be added based on the areas being traversed and personal needs)
• Travelling during the day,
• Consulting on which routes are best (Google maps can take one through incomplete roads, so it is best to consult. Call the Airbnb host to confirm the route and/or ask people along the way, it will save you loads of time and frustration. Also when asking for directions, always ask someone headed in the opposite direction, someone with a bike or situated at a shop to avoid the awkward situation where someone asks for a lift)
• Selecting Airbnb’s carefully (check the reviews and rating),
• Using a referred guide — Hosts can refer one. (A referred guide took me on my 4hr hike in Kakamega Forest National Reserve)
• Sharing my itinerary & informing my circle of my whereabouts.

Here’s my itinerary with the dates, location (airbnb link embedded), counties crossed and reason for selecting that location:

1st — 3rd Sept: 7/8 hr drive to Sori, Migori county via Kiambu, Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kisii, Migori.

Great view of Lake Victoria. (One can also visit Ruma National Park)

Airbnb in Sori, Migori County, with the view of Lake Victoria: Great for a large group of people looking to unplug

3rd — 5th Sept: 4hr drive to Kakamega, Kakamega County via Homabay, Kisumu, Nandi, Vihiga, Kakamega.

Hike to Kakamega forest.

Airbnb in Isukha Ichina, Kakamega: Great for anyone, individual or a group of people, travelling for work or leisure

5th — 7th Sept: 4hr drive to Suam, Trans Nzoia County via Bungoma, Trans Nzoia.

View of Mt. Elgon & Visit Mt. Elgon National Park.

Airbnb in Suam: Mt. Elgon Guest House: Great for anyone, individual or a group of people, travelling for work or leisure

7th — 9th Sept: 5/6hr drive to Nakuru, Nakuru County via Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Kericho, Nakuru.

Visit L. Nakuru, Baringo & Bogoria (Nakuru is also home to Menengai Crater, Hells gate, Hyrax Hill Museum etc. There is so much to see here)

Airbnb in Nakuru: The view of the backyard: A homely place that is great for an individual or a couple travelling for work or leisure.

9th — 11th Sept: 5hr drive to Meru, Meru County via Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru.

Visit a friend and try and visit Meru National Park. (If driving through Nyahururu, one can check out Thomson Falls)

The view along Meru-Nairobi Highway

11th Sept: 4hr drive back to Nairobi County via Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nairobi.

What actually happened:

1. Due to heavy rains in Suam, I did not get to visit Mt. Elgon national park, however I managed to walk to the Kenya-Uganda border and see the River Suam that marks the border.
2. I extended my stay in Nakuru with one night due to the fatigue of driving every other day and the hospitality of my airbnb host. I also never managed to visit Lake Nakuru due to time (I took a day to rest)
3. By the time I was getting to Meru, my friend’s schedule had changed therefore we could not make it to the park. Nevertheless, I still got to experience Meru and I intend on going back to visit the park. I also extended my stay here.
4. Given all the changes, I made it back to Nairobi on 14th September, which was the latest I had to be back. With travelling, flexibility and a little wiggle room is key.

The budget:

1. Fuel — Total Ksh. 15,000 (With increased numbers the price reduces drastically per person. It also depends on the car’s fuel intake. This price can also be overruled altogether with the use of public transport)
2. Entrance fees — Max Ksh. 5,000 (It will definitely be lower than this but better safe than sorry. Most entrance fees are below Ksh. 500 for Kenyan citizens-do check the websites for exact pricing- but in case you choose to do other activities such as the boat ride in Lake Baringo whose costs are above ksh. 1,500, it’s better to have an inflated budget to cater for impromptu activities)
3. Food — Ksh. 3,000 (This accounts for ordering out, buying ingredients to cook, though it can go lower with proper planning)
4. Accommodation — This is where it gets crazy, but it can be reduced with increase in numbers, a friend to host you and cheaper airbnbs. Since I was solo, my accommodation budget was pretty high but it can go as low as you’re willing to spend.
5. Safety net — Have some extra money just in case you run into any issues such as car trouble, which I did.

I hope this article covers all you need to know if embarking on a solo road trip. In case of any questions, feel free to leave a comment. You can read more about my experience on this trip here.

Lastly, I hope you take the leap and enjoy every minute of it! I assure you, it’s worth it.

#ChooseToThrive