What vehicle to hire for month in parks in Kenya including Masai Mara

[madaboutafrica]

Please advise
What is the most reliable vehicle to hire for the above trip
We are three adults have had experience driving in the bush (e.g. N luangwa to S Luangwa )
We have been offered

Toyota Landcruiser hardtop 75/78

4x4 Landcruiser V8

Landcruiser 78 series

Landrover 4x4

Landcruiser GX

Landcruiser Prado automatic

Landcruiser Prado TX

All suggestions gratefully received

[Wazungu Wawili]

I’m afraid the question is “what vehicle is available from a reputable company?”.

As you have no doubt read, there are very few companies in Kenya who rent out fully-equipped 4x4s as you have been used to in the southern African countries.

But if you are worrying about the roads in (and to and from) the Mara - having been in the Luangwa valley, ZAM - then you have no worries. The similarities are striking. However, the main roads inside the Maasai Mara are, actually, very much better than the traverse from N Luangwa to S Luangwa. The “05” ZAM is a different kettle of fish.

I’m sure that most areas of the Mara can still be done in a normal saloon car. We took my father’s Peugeot 504 straight across the Mara - admittedly many years ago. Wait until you see where Toyota Corollas and the modern-equivalent, the Pro Box, can go!

If I knew what time of year you are planning this trip - and more details on who has quoted for those vehicles - then I can give better advice.

And, remember, a trip report is your payback…

[Wazungu Wawili]

You could talk to your fellow Dutchman - DutchieGoingAfrica - who is still working on his trip report from November 2021. He has written great things about his first few days, but seems to have stalled.

https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum...t-amp-Amboseli

[Mabe]

Are you looking for a fully equipped 4 x 4 for camping or is a "normal" 4x 4 fine?

I agree, it´s not just the car - the company is obviously more important.

We have a nice contact with central rent a car and will get a Prado next week - hopefully.

If it is not too urgent I can tell about our experiences in a few weeks.

[apfac]

Totally agree with WW and Mabe. More important than vehicle Makes and Models, is the vehicle maintenance and reliability the company you are hiring from offers to you. Also, hiring prices may not necessarily match with quality and reliability.

@Mabe : good to know you are back on the road (some envy here!). We will definitely wait from some news on your adventure.

Do enjoy marvelous Kenya. Safari njema!

AP

[DutchieGoingAfrica]

You could talk to your fellow Dutchman - DutchieGoingAfrica - who is still working on his trip report from November 2021. He has written great things about his first few days, but seems to have stalled.

https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum...t-amp-Amboseli

Still very much alive and already busy with writing. Have to keep everyone excited ha (-;
I should’ve been writing some stories each day in Kenya...

[Wazungu Wawili]

Still very much alive and already busy with writing. Have to keep everyone excited ha (-;
I should’ve been writing some stories each day in Kenya...

Thanks! Of course, our Dutch is non-existent, so well done you for writing a trip report in your second language. Looking forward to hearing more. Don’t worry about photos.

Perhaps the OP on this thread might like to hear about the vehicle you hired, how it was, and who you hired it from?

[madaboutafrica]

If anyone has any recommendations re a car hire which is reliable with well maintained vehicle please can you send me the relevant details ?
many thanks Ceri

[Wazungu Wawili]

Ortelius on this forum did some considerable research a few years ago about rental vehicles. Have a look for his thread.

Most people who have rented vehicles in Kenya in recent years have used Road Trip Kenya. Old vehicles, but they seem to have a network of mechanics who can come to help if needed. On a recent trip to Kenya we met some Czechs who were renting a Road Trip Kenya pick-up type (which didn’t have the RTK logo on it) and they didn’t complain about the vehicle.

Sunworld Safaris are a reputable safari company and they do have a few self-drive rental vehicles, I understand. They are, apparently, expensive.

But be aware that any vehicle will be (a) expensive and (b) not the standard you may be used to in the southern African countries. Kenya is not known for self-drive 4x4 rentals. It might be cheaper to go with a budget safari operator.

[chf]

If you let us know the companies offering the vehicles we can look into them for you. Most people I know living here just borrow cars from friends as the rental companies are so notoriously unreliable. http://expat-to-expat.com/ seems to have a rather positive reputation.

[Jola]

I just rented a vehicle with driver, those Toyota microbuses with the lifting roof. Old, but good.

Driving in Kenya is not for the faint of heart, with bad roads, roadblocks, and all manner of obstructions.

The local drivers know the ins and outs, and assist each other with breakdowns, they seem to manage all sorts of repairs.

They also seem to know how to bend all the rules that you would not be able to do.

Rentals are expensive, it may actually be cheaper to get a vehicle with a driver.

[madaboutafrica]

If anyone has any recommendations re a car hire which is reliable with well maintained vehicle please can you send me the relevant details ?
many thanks Ceri

Thanks but we really don't want a driver ...we have had some experience of driving in Africa ...and once even drove North to South Luangwa ! That is a seriously bad road
I understand what you mean re the hassles - roadblocks etc etc ...but that is be a matter of course and we have plenty of patience...driving in Africa has given us that as well .
Thanks anyway for taking the time to reply appreciated

[ortelius]

This is the thread that Wazungu Wawili is referring to. It's a bit old, though. https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum...g-4x4-in-Kenya

We have been renting twice from Roadtrip Kenya. They have Landcruisers and Rav4 available, but in the recent past, they have expanded their fleet with some Hiluxes too. You can find some information about our experiences with them in this blog post: https://safaribug.wordpress.com/vehicles-used/

[madaboutafrica]

hi thanks
They now have some Toyota Landcruisers V8 but are the most expensive charging almost $160 per day . Plus loads of add ons $68 pick up and return from airport if you don't want to pick up from them . Hire of any camping equipment is also $5.5 per day per person irrespective if you just want a few things
Thanks for posting though much appreciated (I thought I'd put info on to save anyone the legwork if they are looking too !)

[madaboutafrica]

Hi all
Ha anyone heard of company
Balihaghuma Tours

Based in Nairobi

They are hiring out 4x4s e.g. a toyota landcruiser V8

I am wondering if anyone car recommend them or otherwise
Thanks

[Wazungu Wawili]

No, I haven’t heard of them, but Google says they are based in UGANDA.

[madaboutafrica]

Yes I know
But there is a company operating under the same name in Nairobi ?

[Wazungu Wawili]

Absolutely no idea.

This is from Google https://www.facebook.com/Balihaghuma...?fref=mentions

[Wazungu Wawili]

Yes I know
But there is a company operating under the same name in Nairobi ?

I am really trying to manage your expectations…

My advice is to go with a tried and tested KENYAN based tour operator. It is very important for many reasons.

[SANZ]

To MadaboutAfrica
You are being offered good advise from WW and others who have local experience.
Recommend that you take the advise that has been offered.

Unless I missed it you have not commented on when you are planning on travelling. This may influence your vehicle choice.

Have a great trip. The Mara is truely spectacular. We did it in a Suzuki 4x4 with a 2 man ground tent with the spare tyre in the vehicle as insisted on by the rental agency (to counter tyre theft!). Not much space inside with that inside!