For enquiries or bookings, write to [email protected]. We’ll revert within 20 minutes during business hours.
Self Drive Car Hire Guide in Kenya
This self drive car hire guide in Kenya explains who qualifies, what it costs and how to avoid the mistakes that end up costing hirers money. Whether this is your first hire or your tenth, these points will still save you trouble. To see the vehicles and book, visit our self drive car hire page.
If you have questions, call, SMS or WhatsApp +254 712 004 003, +254 754 004 003 or +254 743 142 615. Alternatively, email [email protected].
Benefits of Self Drive Car Hire in Kenya
Many people enjoy driving themselves because it puts them in control of the trip. So here is why it works so well:
1. Freedom. You set your own pace, and you stop wherever you want.
2. Privacy and comfort. You also travel with your own people, in a clean car, without the crowding of public transport.
3. Enjoyment. For many clients, the drive itself is part of the holiday.
4. Lower daily cost. Finally, you do not pay for a driver, so the daily rate is lower.
However, self drive does not suit everyone. If you do not know the roads, a chauffeur driven car is often less stressful. We also limit self drive, and management reserves the right to decline a hire.
Self Drive Car Hire Guide to Who Qualifies
So the first step in any self drive car hire guide is the paperwork. Before you book, make sure you can meet these requirements:
1. You are aged 29 to 70, with at least 4 years of driving experience.
2. You hold a valid Kenyan licence or an International Driving Permit.
3. You can provide a national ID or passport, your full contacts and your next of kin.
4. You can also give your place of work or residence.
5. Visitors to Kenya also need a confirmed hotel booking and airline tickets in and out of the country.
Carry your original licence with you throughout the hire. In addition, have everything ready when you book, because it speeds up the handover.
What Self Drive Car Hire Costs in Kenya
This self drive car hire guide uses our current rates, which depend on the type of vehicle. In all cases, fuel is excluded.
A. Saloon (Toyota Axio, Fielder): from KES 4,000 a day or KES 90,000 a month. The deposit is KES 30,000.
B. Minivan (Toyota Noah, Voxy): from KES 7,000 a day or KES 150,000 a month. The deposit is KES 50,000.
C. Crossover (Toyota RAV4): from KES 7,000 a day or KES 150,000 a month. The deposit is KES 80,000.
D. Luxury MPV (Toyota Alphard, Vellfire): from KES 10,000 a day or KES 250,000 a month. The deposit is KES 80,000.
E. Full size SUV (Toyota Prado): from KES 13,000 a day or KES 300,000 a month. The deposit is KES 100,000.
F. Executive SUV (Land Cruiser V8): from KES 26,000 a day or KES 600,000 a month. The deposit is KES 150,000.
To secure the car, you pay a 30% booking fee and then the balance when you collect it. Monthly hire is paid a full month in advance instead. Meanwhile, delivery within Nairobi costs a flat KES 1,000. In Nanyuki, self drive is limited, so most hires there come with a driver.
Self Drive Car Hire Guide: 12 Tips for a Smooth Trip
These points come from years of handing over and receiving cars. For a longer list to tick off, see our self drive trip checklist.
1. Inspect the Car Before You Leave
Check the exterior and the interior before you drive off. Otherwise, you may end up paying for damage someone else caused. So take photos of any marks, and make sure we note them on the agreement.
2. Get to Know the Car
Even a familiar model can differ from the one you drive at home. Therefore, test the side mirrors, air conditioning and lights. Also confirm whether it is automatic or manual. We also advise against leaving for a long trip such as Mombasa straight after collecting a car you have never driven.
3. Share Your Itinerary
Tell us every place you plan to visit. Although mileage is unlimited, the car is tracked, and geo-fencing can switch off the engine in an undeclared location. In addition, our team can suggest a better route and stopovers.
4. Choose the Right Vehicle for the Road
A saloon such as the Axio is built for tarmac, so do not take it on an expedition. If you are going off-road, choose an SUV such as the Prado instead. For safaris, we recommend a safari van with a driver-guide, because the Masai Mara requires 4×4 vehicles.
5. Confirm the Fuel Type and Level
Some cars use petrol, while others use diesel. So confirm which one yours takes before you fill it. We hire out cars either empty or full, and you return them at the same level. We also recommend fuelling at Shell or Total stations.
6. Keep Time
Each day runs on a 24 hour basis, and we hand over and receive cars during normal working hours. Late returns cost at least KES 500 an hour. So if you need more days, tell us early rather than simply overstaying.
7. Collect the Car Early
If your journey starts at 8am tomorrow, consider collecting the car this evening. As a result, you leave calmly and on time.
8. Be Careful Where You Park
Theft and towing are the two main parking risks. Since you are responsible for the car while it is in your care, use secure parking. Also check the parking rules in each county, because the charges differ.
9. Look After the Keys
Modern keys are expensive and often tied to the security system. So find out how to start the car before you leave, and keep the keys safe throughout the trip.
10. Keep the Car Clean
Return the car as clean as you received it. Otherwise, a dirty car costs KES 1,000. Similarly, special cleaning for smells, spills or animal mess costs KES 5,000.
11. Understand Your Insurance
Your cover comes through a Collision Damage Waiver and a Loss Damage Waiver, which cap your liability at 10 percent of the vehicle value. However, they do not cover tyres, bumpers, headlights, interiors, wheels, the undercarriage, the roof or the windscreen. We therefore advise you to arrange personal accident cover too.
12. Do Not Hand Over the Keys
Only a driver registered with us can drive the car. If anyone else takes the wheel, the insurance cover becomes void. Finally, always wear your seat belt, and never drink and drive.
What Happens if Something Goes Wrong?
Call or WhatsApp us the moment there is a problem. We then send help, and if the car is beyond roadside repair, we arrange a replacement. If you decide you no longer want to drive, you can also add a professional driver for KES 3,000 a day within Nairobi or KES 5,000 a day in other towns.
For the complete rules, read our self drive terms and conditions. You can also read what our clients say on our reviews page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Self Drive Car Hire in Kenya
How old do you need to be for self drive car hire in Kenya?
At Bamm Tours, you must be aged 29 to 70, with at least 4 years of driving experience. You also need a valid Kenyan licence or an International Driving Permit, plus a national ID or passport.
What is the minimum self drive hire period?
The minimum is three days, and each day runs on a 24 hour basis. Any hire shorter than two days must come with a driver. If you return the car late, extra hours cost at least KES 500 an hour.
How much is the self drive deposit?
It depends on the vehicle. A saloon needs KES 30,000, a minivan KES 50,000 and a crossover or luxury MPV KES 80,000. Meanwhile, a Prado needs KES 100,000 and a V8 KES 150,000. We refund it within 48 hours of a clean handback.
Does self drive hire include insurance and fuel?
Insurance comes through a Collision Damage Waiver and a Loss Damage Waiver, which cap your liability at 10 percent of the vehicle value. However, fuel is excluded, so you return the car at the level you collected it.
Can I take a self drive car to the Masai Mara?
No, we do not recommend self drive for safaris. Instead, we recommend a tour van or a Land Cruiser safari van with a driver-guide, because their pop-up roofs suit game viewing and the Mara requires 4×4 vehicles.
Which cars can I hire on self drive?
You can hire saloons such as the Toyota Axio and Fielder, minivans such as the Noah and Voxy, and crossovers such as the RAV4. You can also hire the Alphard, Prado and V8. However, double cabs and Mercedes vehicles come with a driver only.
Can another person drive my self drive car?
Only a driver registered with us can drive it. If you hand the car to anyone else, the insurance cover becomes void, and you become fully liable for any damage or loss.
Can I add a driver later if I no longer want to drive?
Yes. A driver costs KES 3,000 a day within Nairobi, from 6am to 6pm. In other towns, a driver costs KES 5,000 a day from 6am to 7pm, excluding meals and accommodation. Overtime costs KES 1,000 an hour.
Book Self Drive Car Hire in Kenya
Now that you have read this self drive car hire guide, choose your vehicle on our self drive car hire page. Alternatively, call, SMS or WhatsApp +254 712 004 003, +254 754 004 003 or +254 743 142 615, or email [email protected]. You can also fill in the form below or visit one of our offices:
1. Nairobi (main office): a few meters from AAR Hospital, Ridgeways, Kiambu Road, Suite 05, Ground Floor.
2. Mombasa: Epic Business Park, 3rd Floor, Office A33, Links Road, Nyali.
3. Diani: Diani Tyre Centre, opposite Watatu Watano, Beach Road.
4. Nakuru: Kang’ei & Nyakinyua Building, Kenyatta Avenue, opposite Nyayo Gardens, First Floor, Room 9.
5. Eldoret: Eldo Centre Mall, Office 027, Ground Floor.
6. Nanyuki: Oddesey House, Office 1, Laikipia Road, opposite Cedar Mall.
How to Prepare for a Self-Drive Trip in Kenya: Essential Checklist
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