How to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa via the parks: rental car or train?

Hi there, I’m heading to Kenya in July 2026. I’d like to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa in 5/6 days, passing through Amboseli, Tsavo West and East, and Taita Hills. Unfortunately, I can’t find any group tours for this itinerary—only private options, which makes the prices skyrocket for camping accommodations. I’m realizing it might actually be cheaper to rent an SUV from Hertz and stay in much more luxurious lodges on my own! My partner drove for a month from Cape Town to Johannesburg, so left-hand driving doesn’t scare him, but I’ve seen a lot of warnings about chaotic traffic... Has anyone tried this? And what about safety (fake police checks, carjacking, etc.)? Alternatively, should I take the train and book directly with the lodges? But I’m worried about wasting too much time. Thanks for your help! Gaëlle

I realize it would be cheaper for me to rent an SUV from Hertz

An SUV for the parks???

I’m not sure the road conditions will allow it in this country.

Check before booking. It’s more important than left-hand driving or chaotic traffic.

An SUV is more for accessing the lodges smoothly since I assume there are dirt roads, then booking 4x4 excursions through the lodges.

I suppose there are tracks

True, but what kind of vehicle can handle those tracks?

You can't compare Kenya with South Africa. The infrastructure isn't the same.

I strongly recommend checking with the lodges you've spotted to see if they're accessible with a non-4x4 car.

book 4x4 excursions through the lodges.

The only time I did that (in Botswana), it was pretty expensive. It's best to also ask the lodges about the cost of excursions.

There's a recent travel journal where the person traveled partly by non-4x4 car. Maybe you'll find some useful info there.

Hi there,

To reach the lodges inside the parks, the tracks are the same ones used for game drives.

In my opinion, the cost of renting a vehicle plus the organized outings through your accommodation will likely be higher than if you went with a guide and vehicle for this safari portion of your trip. ...

I realize that it would be cheaper for me to rent an SUV from Hertz and travel on my own to much more luxurious lodges!

???!!

Hi there,

I completely agree with Sylvie 56’s point above—no objections here.

Happy planning!

Cheers, Puma2A

...

Africa is unpredictable!!