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HomeRoad TripsAfricaEast AfricaKenyaSafaris Panoramic Road
Serengeti N.P.

Safaris Panoramic Road

Nairobi - Embu - Nanyuki - Nakuru - Masai Mara N.P. - Kendu Bay - Musoma - Seronera - Karatu - Arusha - Marangu - Mkomazi N.P. - Dar es Salaam

Expect on your itinerary

Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Landscape Landscape
Wildlife Wildlife
Culture Culture
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Safaris Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages12 km2,388 h/stage4.6

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Safaris Panoramic Road in Kenya?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,268EUR drive & more 325EUR sleep & more 836EUR eat & more 1,008EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,169EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,437EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 4,725EUR drive & more 425EUR sleep & more 2,222EUR eat & more 1,512EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 4,159EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 8,884EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 7,560EUR drive & more 588EUR sleep & more 4,158EUR eat & more 2,016EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 6,762EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 14,322EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 4,725EUR drive & more 650EUR sleep & more 1,155EUR eat & more 1,008EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,813EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 7,538EUR
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Safaris Panoramic Road Road Trip Itinerary

Safaris Panoramic Road is an amazing road trip that starts in Nairobi, Kenya and ends in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It takes you through fascinating towns such as Embu, Nakuru, Kendu Bay, Seronera and Arusha, and covers a total distance of 2388km. The recommended time to complete this trip is 21 days, and the best time of the year to drive is between July and October. On your way, you'll be able to witness the majestic African landscapes and nature, including the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Although the roads are not in the best condition, the experience you will get is well worth the effort. This road trip is suitable for any kind of driver, and you can manage it with a moderate budget. With its unique experience and memories, Safaris Panoramic Road is the perfect choice for you to explore the wonders of East Africa.
number of days 21 number of days
route length 2,388 km route length
budget fair budget
good for explorer good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level high accident level

START Nairobi

Distance 2,388 km Driving time 55.1 h Pace: slow 549.2 kWh Airports NBO
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Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya and the starting point of the amazing "Safaris Panoramic Road". The city is the capital of Kenya and offers a unique blend of modern city life and traditional African culture. Visitors can find a variety of attractions, including national parks, museums, shopping centers, and more. The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the closest international airport to Nairobi, and it is the main gateway to the city. From there, visitors can rent a car and drive to the city center, or to any other destination in the region. Car rental services are available at the airport, and many of them offer great deals and discounts. Visiting Nairobi is a great way to start the Safari Panoramic Road. The city is home to many interesting attractions, such as the Nairobi National Park, the Karen Blixen Museum, and the Giraffe Centre. Other popular sights include the National Museum of Kenya, the Nairobi Skyline, and the Nairobi Animal Orphanage. There are also many great restaurants, bars, and clubs in the city, so visitors can enjoy a night out in Nairobi. The Safari Panoramic Road is a great way to explore the beauty of Kenya. Starting in Nairobi, visitors can explore the country's national parks, cultural sites, and stunning landscapes. With its unique combination of modern city life and traditional African culture, Nairobi is the perfect starting point for any road trip.

1 Nairobi - Embu

Distance 129 km Driving time 3.1 h Pace: modest 33.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Nairobi to Embu? This 129km journey will take you less than 4 hours and you’ll be able to experience some of the most beautiful landscapes in Kenya. Start your journey in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and take some time to explore the city. There are plenty of attractions to visit, including the Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre and the Karen Blixen Museum. As you leave the city, you’ll be surrounded by rolling hills and lush green valleys. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife, including zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest. Continue your journey to Embu, a vibrant town situated on the banks of the Tana River. Here you can visit the Embu Museum, a great place to learn about the local culture and history. You can also take a boat ride on the river or explore the nearby forests and waterfalls. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Nairobi to Embu!

2 Embu - Nanyuki

Distance 178 km Driving time 4.0 h Pace: modest 46.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Embu to Nanyuki! This 178 km drive through Mount Kenya National Park will take you less than 4 hours and you will be able to experience some of the most spectacular sights in Kenya. Start your journey in Embu, where you can explore the lush green landscapes of the region. Then, make your way to Mount Kenya National Park, where you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountain, the wildlife, and the breathtaking scenery. You can also take a hike to the summit of Mount Kenya, which is the highest peak in the country. Once you reach Nanyuki, you can explore the town and its surroundings. Here, you can take a walk along the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River and visit some of the nearby attractions, such as the Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park and the Aberdare National Park. This is just one of the stages of an amazing road trip, and for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

3 Nanyuki - Nakuru

Distance 208 km Driving time 4.3 h Pace: modest 54.1 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Nanyuki to Nakuru? This 208km drive will take you less than 5 hours and you will get to explore some of the most interesting places in Kenya. Start your journey in Nanyuki, where you can visit the Nanyuki Town Market, the Nanyuki Sports Club, and the Laikipia Nature Conservancy. You will be mesmerized by the spectacular landscapes and the abundant wildlife that you can find here. Continue your drive to Nyahururu, where you can explore the Thomson Falls, the Nyahururu Town Market, and the Lake Ol Bolossat. After Nyahururu, head to Nakuru, where you can visit the Menengai Crater, the Nakuru National Park, and the Lake Nakuru National Park. You can also visit the Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and the Lake Nakuru Bird Sanctuary. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Make sure to check it out before you start your journey!

4 Nakuru - Masai Mara N.P.

Distance 240 km Driving time 6.4 h Pace: slow 55.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Nakuru to Masai Mara? You will be driving for around 240km and it will take you fewer than 7 hours to reach your destination. The journey will take you through the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park and end in the incredible Masai Mara National Park. In Lake Nakuru National Park, you will be able to spot the famous pink flamingos that flock here in large numbers, as well as other wildlife such as lions, leopards, and black and white rhinos. In Masai Mara National Park, you will be able to witness the incredible Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras, as well as other wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs. This is just one of the stages of an amazing tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

5 Masai Mara N.P. - Kendu Bay

Distance 158 km Driving time 4.7 h Pace: slow 36.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Start your amazing road trip in Masai Mara National Park in Kenya, one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. Here you can spot the Big Five and many other species of wildlife. After leaving Masai Mara, you will drive to Kisii, a city located 158km away and it will take you fewer than 5 hours. In Kisii, you can visit the Kisii Stone Church, the largest stone structure in East and Central Africa. You can also take a stroll in the Kisii Central Market and buy some souvenirs. Continue your journey to Kendu Bay, a city located on the shores of Lake Victoria. Here you can visit the Kendu Bay Beach, a great spot for a picnic or a swim. You can also take a boat ride to explore the lake and its islands. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

6 Kendu Bay - Musoma

Distance 266 km Driving time 6.4 h Pace: modest 69.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Kendu Bay to Musoma! This 266km journey will take you fewer than 7 hours to complete and will take you through some of the most beautiful sights in Kenya. Start your trip in Kendu Bay, a small fishing village located on the shores of Lake Victoria. Make sure to visit the nearby Ruma National Park, home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare Rothschild's giraffe. Here you can take a guided tour and explore the park's unique landscape. Continue your journey to Musoma, a bustling city located on the banks of Lake Victoria. Here you can visit the local market, explore the city's many cultural attractions, and take a stroll along the lakefront. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

7 Musoma - Seronera

Distance 215 km Driving time 4.8 h Pace: modest 55.9 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Welcome to the incredible road trip from Musoma to Seronera! This 215km journey will take you less than 5 hours to complete and will be one of the most memorable stages of your tour. Start your journey in Musoma, a city known for its vibrant culture and beautiful lake. Here you will find a variety of activities, from exploring the local markets to taking a boat trip on Lake Victoria. Continue your journey to Bunda, a small town located in the Serengeti National Park. Here you will find some of the most spectacular wildlife in the world. Make sure to take your time to explore the area, as it is home to a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. Finally, end your journey in Seronera, a small village located on the edge of the Serengeti. This is the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

8 Seronera - Karatu

Distance 164 km Driving time 4.1 h Pace: slow 37.8 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Ready for an amazing road trip in Tanzania? Start your journey in Seronera, located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park. Enjoy the incredible wildlife, with the chance to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, and other animals, while exploring the vast savannah. Then, make your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and marvel at the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. Here, you can take a guided tour of the crater and observe the rich biodiversity of the area. Continue your journey to the Olduvai Gorge, a site of great importance for the study of human evolution. Here, you can learn about the history of the area, and visit the archaeological museum. After that, make your way to the Karatu region. Along the way, you can visit the Mto wa Mbu village, where you can go on a guided tour and learn about the culture and traditions of the local people. This 164km road trip will take you fewer than 5 hours to complete. Don't forget to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

9 Karatu - Arusha

Distance 140 km Driving time 2.6 h Pace: modest 36.5 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Experience a road trip of a lifetime as you travel from Karatu to Arusha, Tanzania. The journey is only 140 km and takes less than 3 hours to complete. Along the way, you will see some of the most incredible sights in the world. Start your journey in Karatu, where you can explore the nearby Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the world's largest volcanic caldera. Here, you can observe a variety of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, as well as zebras, gazelles, and even the rare wildebeest. Continue on to Ngorongoro National Park, where you can explore the crater floor and its many attractions. Here, you can spot lions, hyenas, and elephants, as well as the rare flamingo. Finally, your journey ends in Arusha, where you can experience the city's vibrant culture and bustling markets. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Experience the beauty of Tanzania and embark on this unforgettable road trip today!

10 Arusha - Marangu

Distance 118 km Driving time 2.9 h Pace: modest 30.6 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Arusha, Tanzania to Marangu! This 118 km journey will take you less than 3 hours, and you’ll be able to explore some of the most beautiful and interesting sights in the region. Start your adventure in Arusha National Park, where you can spot diverse wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and elephants. Then, make your way to the spectacular Momella Lakes, where you can marvel at the majestic views of the Rift Valley. Finally, end your journey in Marangu, where you can explore the local culture and take in the stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Don’t forget to check out the Itinerary section of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Get ready for an unforgettable journey and make sure to bring your camera!

11 Marangu - Mkomazi N.P.

Distance 135 km Driving time 2.9 h Pace: modest 35.1 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Welcome to this amazing road trip stage, starting in Marangu, Tanzania. First, you will visit the magnificent Kilimanjaro National Park, where you can admire the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro. There are many activities to do such as trekking, sightseeing, and exploring the flora and fauna. You can also visit the beautiful Materuni Waterfall and take a walk in the lush forests. Next, you will drive for about 135 km, with a driving time of less than 3 hours, and arrive at the Mkomazi National Park. This park is home to many endangered species, including the African Wild Dog and the Black Rhino. You can also explore the stunning landscapes, such as the savannah, and observe the diverse wildlife. These two parks offer a great opportunity to explore the beauty of Tanzania and discover its unique culture. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

12 Mkomazi N.P. - Dar es Salaam

Distance 436 km Driving time 8.9 h Pace: modest 113.4 kWh View map Itinerary
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Start your road trip in Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania, and explore the stunning landscapes of this protected area. Drive towards Bagamoyo, a historic town located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Visit the ruins of a 19th-century German fort, the ancient Kaole ruins and the Bagamoyo Museum. Then, continue your journey to Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania. On your way, you will have the chance to admire the picturesque views of the Tanzanian countryside. The total distance of this road trip is 436 km and the estimated driving time is fewer than 9 hours. During your journey, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most interesting places in Tanzania. Make sure to take some time to explore the cultural and historical attractions of Bagamoyo and the vibrant atmosphere of Dar es Salaam. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, pack your bags and get ready for a thrilling road trip from Mkomazi National Park to Dar es Salaam!

  Dar es Salaam

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Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is the perfect destination to end your amazing road trip along the "Safaris Panoramic Road". This vibrant city is a mixture of African, Arab, Indian and European cultures, giving it a unique charm. Start your trip by exploring the city's vibrant markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade souvenirs. There is also the National Museum, which houses a wealth of knowledge about the country's history, culture and wildlife. To get a closer look at the wildlife, take a day trip to the nearby Saadani National Park, where you can spot African elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras and more. The city also has plenty of opportunities to experience local food. For a taste of Indian cuisine, visit the Little India district, and for traditional African dishes, head to the Kariakoo Market. If you’re looking for a place to relax, grab a drink by the beach at Coco Beach or take a stroll around the botanical gardens at Askari Park. To reach Dar es Salaam, the closest international airport is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) with direct flights from several African countries. It is easy to get around the city with public transport or taxis. At the end of your "Safaris Panoramic Road" journey, you’ll be glad you chose Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Safaris Panoramic Road Road Trip at a glance

We have no doubt that our journey will become an ideal inspiration for your future travels.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a foundation that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original beauty spots.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a list of things to bear in mind to make your road trip smooth and safe. These tips will surely become useful for holidayers who are considering renting a vehicle or renting a camper.
It is vital to follow the local road rules when on a tour around Kenya. To be on the safe side, try avoiding alcoholic beverages at any price. Holidaymakers ought to remember that the amount of alcohol that the driver can consume is low and cannot exceed 0‰. Exceeding the maximum permissible speed, which is 50km/h, inside the cities may result in a speeding ticket. When it comes to rural areas, you should be mindful of the fact that the maximum allowed speed is 80km/h. When travelling on highways, you cannot exceed the permissible speed of 100km/h. It is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on at daytime for your own safety.
The majority of holidaymakers wonder about the costs of the whole trip. Well, depending on the needs of the holidayers, the money that you have to spend will differ. A wide range of budget possibilities is presented below.
The cost of gasoline for the cheapest option to cover the planned 2,388km while travelling around Kenya can equal as much as 325 EUR. Economy overnight stays are estimated to cost up to roughly836 EUR. Travellers who want to benefit from this option will spend about 1,008 EUR on restaurants and food. Travellers will have to pay about 2,268 EUR if they go for the cheapest car rental offer as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from approximately 2,169 EUR to around 4,437 EUR.
Holidayers who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 425 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the road trip. Cost amounting to 2,222 EUR can be expected by all travellers who are considering standard overnight stays. Holidaymakers can expect that the standard option in terms of restaurants and food will cost about 1,512 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire vehicle should expect a cost of around 4,725 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay roughly 8,884 EUR for the whole itinerary, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend roughly 4,159 EUR.
Holidayers who would like to take advantage of the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium offer. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 14,322 EUR for holidayers who are considering vehicle hire and 4,159 EUR for those who do not want to rent. Travellers who would like to cover the itinerary in a premium hire car should expect a cost of around 7,560 EUR. In the premium version of the adventure, the cost of the gasoline needed to cover all stages around Kenya is around 588 EUR. Drivers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their tour should expect to pay more or less 2,016 EUR for food and restaurants and more or less 4,158 EUR for accommodation.
Safaris Panoramic Road is also ideal for camper fans. For those who are interested in this transport option, you should expect the costs of around 4,725 EUR. If you are wondering about the gasoline costs for the whole tour, they will amount to more or less 650 EUR. Camper lovers should expect to pay more or less 1,008 EUR for expenses connected with food and approximately 1,155 EUR for overnight stays.
You can check all of the expenses in the section Road Trip Costs.
The best travel opportunity when visiting the part of Kenya presented in our road trip idea is between November and February. There are countless beautiful scenic drives and road trips that we offer on our website if you like Safaris Panoramic Road. The great versatility of travel opportunities will surely meet the expectations of the most demanding holidayers.

Facts for safer driving in Kenya

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 80 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 100 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

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