Driving to Kenya From Tanzania

Is it possible to drive a Tanzanian vehicle to Kenya? – Can I drive a Kenyan vehicle to Tanzania? 

If this question still lingers in your head, you’re at the right place for the right answers. Our complete guide to your self-drive experience in East Africa offers comprehensive Knowledge about driving across borders. Well, there are trade barriers to protect each country’s tourism industry. Hence, all vehicles made for safari are mostly used in the same country registered however being in the same region, it is very possible to drive a Tanzanian Vehicle to Kenya.

All you need to know when planning to visit Kenya with your Tanzanian Vehicle

It is important to note that when travelling from Tanzania to Kenya on your self-drive safari, it is not possible to cross the border via the Serengeti to Masai Mara. You have to drive around the parks, using the Namanga or Isabania border or Loitoktok border which is the shortest route coming from Moshi and the Kilimanjaro.

When it comes to protected areas, the parks under the management of the Kenyan Wildlife Services only allow Tanzanian registered vehicles to enter, when it concerns self-drive and if considered ”private use”. These are Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Land Cruiser Double Cab. The Land cruiser Hardtop six-seater with the pop-up roof is classified as a ”tour” vehicle, and not allowed entrance in any of the National Parks of Kenya Wildlife Service.

The other restriction here is that Tanzania authorities will require you to leave the logbook behind at the border. Hence, you need to return to Tanzania taking the same border route.

What to note about driving in Tanzania and Kenya – Customs

Unlike Uganda, cars in Tanzania and Kenya drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Most roads are reasonably maintained, however travelling in the dark would make them unsafe.  Hidden potholes, livestock, and even people crossing the road can be the cause of accidents, flat tires and in some cases damaged vehicles.

While on your self-drive in these countries, de prepared for the unexpected and do not make assumptions that all drivers will adhere to the rules of the road. This is particularly true for people movers, local taxis, buses, and many heavy goods vehicles where the size of vehicle may be used to dominate a situation.

Kenya – Tanzania Driving permits

For a successful self-drive in Kenya, one needs a driving license. Kenya accepts a valid driving license from your country of residence and does not require additional documents if you have held your license for a minimum of 2-3 years. However someone with an International driving license will find it easier to drive in Kenya.

For Tanzania self-drive safaris, one needs an IDP with you at all times. If you decide to forego the IDP and use only your license, you will need to have it endorsed for an extra fee.

For self-drive safaris in National Parks

For both Kenya and Tanzania, they require that all vehicle drivers and their passengers to have purchased entry tickets at the gate using their credit card (cash and debit cards are not accepted), before proceeding for their adventure.

For fantastic safari experience, one should also consider the correct vehicle selection when traveling from Tanzania to Kenya. It is vital that you select the right vehicle for what you will be using it for, and where you will be traveling.

Our Kenya Car Rental Safari Fleet

Toyota Land Cruiser V8

Toyota RAV 4

Land Cruiser Prado

Interesting Places In Kenya

We have narrowed it down for you Browse through. In Here we present the Best of Kenya Safaris Africa, the best Kenya safari accommodations and the Best Kenya safari Africa destinations.