The Allure of the Swahili Coast
Overview
We love to share the knowledge of our featured destinations and to showcase the best of the region’s wildlife, landscapes, activities, people, culture and history. Click on the icons below to learn more about this self-drive safari:
Expedition Map
Itinerary
-
Meet your Drive Into The Wild team at your Nairobi hotel. After completing our Arrival In Country procedures, we depart for Chyulu Hills National Park.
Chyulu Hills National Park is home to spectacular landscape views, including the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. Located between Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks, Chyulu is a rugged wilderness area which to this day still displays signs of its ancient volcanic origins, including spectacular cave systems and craters. The national park offers an abundance of wildlife.
Upon arrival at Chyulu Hills National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 3:30 hours.
Meals: Dinner included, breakfast and lunch at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Umani Springs
DELUXE: Hunters Lodge
STANDARD: Hunters Lodge
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Chyulu Hills National Park. Activities include bird watching, game drives, horse riding or mountain climbing.
Chyulu Hills is one of the national parks in Kenya which is proudly home to all the Big Five, including lion, elephant, black rhino, leopard and buffalo. Other wildlife also call this park their home, including giraffe, zebra, eland, bushbuck, mountain, reedbuck, steenbok and bush pig, amongst others. Bird watchers will love Chyulu as its home to a great selection of bird species including turaco, sunbird, mousebird, barbet, hornbill, reedwarbler and greenbul.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Chyulu Hills National Park).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Umani Springs
DELUXE: Hunters Lodge
STANDARD: Hunters Lodge
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Malindi.
Boasting a fascinating history, Malindi is a bustling town located on Kenya’s coast. Home to a number of historical sights, the town offers a good selection of accommodations, bars, restaurants, a nearby marine national park and some of East Africa’s best tropical white-sand beaches, including Malindi’s very own and also neighbouring Watamu.
Upon arrival in Malindi, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure exploring Malindi or enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
Driving Time: 5:30 hours.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Diamonds Malindi
DELUXE: Ocean Beach Resort
STANDARD: Che Shale
OUR TENTED CAMP: Not available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities or explore the sights and sounds of Malindi. Activities include visiting its historical sights, shopping and enjoying a selection of good dining opportunities.
Malindi is also home to many nature based activities, such as discovering its tropical beaches, going snorkeling and diving to discover its marine life, embarking on a boat cruise, or visiting the Marine National Park. A visit to Hell’s Kitchen, which has become part of the local folklore and is comprised of a series of eroded sandstone gorges, is also worthwhile. A short drive from Malindi you will find the abandoned and crumbling city of Gedi, once one of the most important Swahili cities on the East African coast.
Spend the evening exploring Malindi or relaxing at your accommodation.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Malindi).
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Diamonds Malindi
DELUXE: Ocean Beach Resort
STANDARD: Che Shale
OUR TENTED CAMP: Not available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Lamu Island, via a boat from Mokowe.
Going back in history, Lamu was once an important stopover on ancient trading routes connecting Africa to the rest of the world. A mixture of Arab, Chinese, European and Indian influences, Lamu Old Town is one of the best-preserved and oldest Swahili settlements in East Africa. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001, Lamu Old Town has become one of the pivotal centres for the study of Swahili cultures.
Upon arrival in Lamu, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure exploring Lamu or enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
Driving Time: 3:30 hours.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Peponi Hotel
DELUXE: Peponi Hotel
STANDARD: Kijani Hotel
OUR TENTED CAMP: Not available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
Today, you can either enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Lamu Island. Activities include visiting its historical sights, beautiful beaches, or exploring the road-free island via motorbike.
Lamu’s pristine white sand beaches offer a good selection of land and water based activities, such as snorkelling its dazzling coral reefs. A visit to Lamu Old Town is an absolute must if you are interested in learning more about the Swahili culture. Characterised for its maze of narrow streets, traditionally constructed buildings with wooden doors, mosques, shops and boutiques, you can spend all day exploring its fascinating history and architecture.
Spend the evening exploring Lamu or relaxing at your accommodation.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Peponi Hotel
DELUXE: Peponi Hotel
STANDARD: Kijani Hotel
OUR TENTED CAMP: Not available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Mombasa.
Historically, Mombasa was an important port for trade across the Indian Ocean. It gained it’s reputation due to the trade in gold, spices and ivory which passed through it’s old port. It has cemented this role as Kenya’s, and indeed one of the region’s, most important trading hubs due to its modern deepwater port. The city also attracts many tourists, due to its historical significance and its proximity to a range of attractive beaches.
Upon arrival in Mombasa, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring Mombasa or enjoying your your accommodation’s facilities.
Driving Time: 6:00 hours.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel
DELUXE: Nomad Beach Resort
STANDARD: Baobab Beach Resort & Spa
OUR TENTED CAMP: Not available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
Today, you can either enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Mombasa. Activities include discovering the city’s many cultural and historical attractions, in addition to its lively music scene and great seafood cuisine.
If you are interested in Mombasa’s history, then a visit to its old town and Fort Jesus is an absolute must. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011, Fort Jesus is one of the best preserved examples of 16th century Portuguese military fortifications. Other attractions include visiting the city’s spice, fruit and vegetable markets, stunning beaches and nearby marine national park & reserve.
Spend the evening exploring Mombasa or relaxing at your accommodation.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity).
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel
DELUXE: Nomad Beach Resort
STANDARD: Baobab Beach Resort & Spa
OUR TENTED CAMP: Not available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Tanga.
In the past, Tanga was a popular colonial town with wide avenues and an elegant waterfront. Being the location of grand hotels, including a swimming and sailing club, the town flourished as it morphed into a thriving industrial centre. Despite Tanga today being one of Tanzania’s largest cities, its previous standing as a destination for the wealthy is not as prevalent anymore. For Drive Into The Wild’s purposes, Tanga serves as a suitable transit stop enroute to Saadani National Park.
Upon arrival in Tanga, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure exploring Tanga or enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
Driving Time: 3:30 hours + 1 hour border crossing
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Tanga Beach Resort
DELUXE: Capricorn Beach Cottages
STANDARD: Peponi Resort
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Tanga. Activities include visiting the city’s Ropeworks, Independence Avenue, Railway Station, Library and Boma overlooking the old harbour.
Areas to visit around Tanga include a tour of the Amboni Caves, which form one of the most extensive limestone cave systems in East Africa. Some of the locals visit to offer prayers and sacrifices, as they believe the caves to be supernatural and the home of a powerful deity. Alternatively, nearby Tongoni Ruins are also worth a visit. Although dating from the 13th to 16th centuries, they also include mosques and tombs from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Spend the evening exploring Tanga or relaxing at your accommodation.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity).
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Tanga Beach Resort
DELUXE: Capricorn Beach Cottages
STANDARD: Peponi Resort
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Saadani National Park.
Located along Tanzania’s coastline on the Indian Ocean, Saadani National Park is famous for being the only wildlife reserve in East Africa which has a beachfront with plenty of marine life, in addition to a national park which is home to wildlife. For those who want to combine game drives, walking safaris, Wami River boat trips and relaxing on the beach, Saadani is the perfect destination for you.
Upon arrival in Saadani National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
Driving Time: 3:45 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Simply Saadani Camp
DELUXE: Kijongo Bay Beach Resort
STANDARD: Kijongo Bay Beach Resort
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Saadani National Park. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, river trips and relaxing on the beach.
Converted from a game reserve to a national park in 2005, it is not unusual to encounter wild animals on the beach of this coastal park. Saadani is breeding site for endangered sea turtles and the park also protects important mangrove forests, which are rapidly disappearing along Africa’s coastlines. The park's wildlife includes the elusive leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, hyena, giraffe, wildebeest and warthog, amongst others.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Saadani National Park).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Simply Saadani Camp
DELUXE: Kijongo Bay Beach Resort
STANDARD: Kijongo Bay Beach Resort
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Zanzibar, via Dar es Salaam from where we board a ferry or flight to Zanzibar.
Few names evoke such a romantic image as the spice islands of Zanzibar. Stone Town, its capital, is one of East Africa’s best cultural highlights and provides a fine example of a Swahili coastal trading town. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, it is home to a fascinating maze of narrow streets, ready for you to explore. Zanzibar also has beaches, with the Nungwi and Kendwa beaches in the north of the island ranking as some of its best.
Upon arrival in Zanzibar, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure exploring Zanzibar or enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
Driving Time: 3:30 hours + 1 hour flight.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Elewana Kilindi
DELUXE: Zuri Zanzibar
STANDARD: Nungwi Dreams by Mantis
OUR TENTED CAMP: Not available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
Today you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities or explore the sights and sounds of Zanzibar and the island’s many optional activities and tours on offer.
This is the Indian Ocean at its very best. Unwind on pure white sand beaches or enjoy a selection of optional activities. Learn about the rich history of Zanzibar, its culture or stunning marine life. Alternatively, participate in a great selection of optional activities including spa treatments, dhow and sailing tours, motorised and non-motorised water activities, snorkelling and diving, guided tours (Prison Island, Jozani Forest, spice plantation, and cultural excursions.
Spend the evening exploring Zanzibar or relaxing at your accommodation.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Zanzibar).
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Elewana Kilindi
DELUXE: Zuri Zanzibar
STANDARD: Nungwi Dreams by Mantis
OUR TENTED CAMP: Not available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
-
After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your onward travel arrangements.
Alternatively, consider extending this trip by adding one of our Extension Ideas (enquire for details) to this program.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Be Inspired
Click on text links above to watch the videos
in full screen mode
Your Team
We specialise in designing one-of-a-kind self-drive safari adventures, taking great pride in our ability to plan and execute every trip to perfection. We offer two types of expeditions for customers to choose from:
Escorted are group trips led by our founders, Richard and Kristin, supported by their on-the-ground expedition crews and travel specialists located in our regional offices in Kigali, Kampala and Nairobi.
Un-escorted are led by you, supported remotely by our regional office teams. We plan an itinerary especially for you, make all accommodation bookings, and create a mapped out route for you to follow.
Accommodations
We offer the choice of Premium, Deluxe and Standard accommodations, in addition to Drive Into The Wild’s very own mobile Tented Camps across East Africa.
When choosing accommodations, we can suggest a wide range of properties where you can stay. Let’s arrange a call so we can discuss the suitable hotels, lodges and camps with you.
A sample of our popular accommodations:
Driving
Due to the distances we travel whilst on a self-drive safari, long driving days will sometimes be required in order to explore off-the-beaten track destinations.
We spend a minimum of 2 nights in each destination, which gives our customers time to relax and recuperate, enjoy the property facilities, participate in activities and prepare for the next driving day.
On the days where long drives are required, we leave at 8am in the morning, drive for 2 - 3 hours, stop for a 2 hour lunch-break, and continue for another 2 - 3 hours in the afternoon before reaching our destination.
Prices & Dates
The price of your self-drive safari is calculated by your choice of vehicle, the travel dates (high vs. low season), number of participants and accommodations.
Your travel dates are determined by the type of self-drive safari you select. You can choose between escorted or un-escorted, as listed below:
Escorted:
Next available scheduled trip:
07 - 21 JUNE, 2025
Contact us for additional dates in 2025
Un-Escorted:
When do you want to travel?
We will plan a travel itinerary especially for you.
travel notes
-
Kenya Climate
Kenya is generally warm all year round, with temperature fluctuations mainly determined by altitude. One of the most popular times to visit Kenya is from July to September, which coincides with the Great Migration. A good time to see baby animals and migratory bird species is typically from December to February.
The approximate seasons are January to March, short dry season; April to June, long wet season; July to October, long dry season and November to December, short wet season. During rainy seasons there are fewer tourists, and the landscape is strikingly green and lush.
Language & Currency
Kiswahili and English are the official languages of Kenya. Kiswahili is spoken by most Kenyans, with English fluency varying outside of major towns and cities. There are over 65 languages spoken throughout Kenya, which mainly belong to the various Bantu and Nilotic tribal populations.
The local currency is the Kenyan shilling, which divides into 100 cents. US dollars are often accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Hotels in tourist areas generally accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Remote lodges often accept cash only. When making payments in US dollars, many businesses only accept notes that are dated 2013, or newer. Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
All foreign nationals will require a Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for entry to Kenya. Please check with your local Kenyan Embassy or our travel team for further information. ETAs can not be obtained, on arrival, at any port of entry.
The Kenyan government has introduced an online eTA application system for issuing eTAs in advance of travel. Travellers should carry a printed copy of their eTA to present to immigration officials.
-
Rwanda Climate
Rwanda has a year-round tropical highland climate. Temperatures vary by location and altitude, with little variation throughout the year. Rain is commonplace in Rwanda. The driest months are June to mid-September and the wettest from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December.
The dry season sees cloud cover and light rainfall. Roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate during this period.
Language & Currency
The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili. Generally all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda. French, English and Swahili is widely spoken in tourist areas, with varying degrees of fluency.
The local currency is the Rwandan franc, which divides into 100 centimes. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Very few places accept credit cards outside of the major hotels in Kigali.
Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
All foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Rwanda. Please check with your local Rwandan Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visas can be obtained, on arrival, for all travellers at all ports of entry. Visitors from the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie are waived visa fees for visits up to 30 days.
For travellers of other nationalities, a visa fee is payable. The Rwandan government has introduced an online ‘e-visa’ application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers who choose to arrange their visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
-
Tanzania Climate
Tanzania is a year-round destination with the weather varying by location, altitude and season. Picking the 'best time' will depend on your interests, where you are travelling to and for what purpose. Visiting the Serengeti is popular in June and July to see migrating wildebeest and in January and February to see calving.
The approximate seasons are January to February, short dry season; March to May, long wet season; June to October, long dry season and November to December, short wet season. During the rainy seasons, the landscape is lush and green with fewer tourists around.
Language & Currency
Kiswahili and English are the official languages of Tanzania. Kiswahili is spoken by most Tanzanians and Zanzibaris, with English fluency varying outside of major towns and tourist areas. In Zanzibar, many residents also speak Arabic. There are 126 languages spoken throughout Tanzania, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in East Africa.
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, which divides into 100 senti. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Larger hotels in tourist areas may accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Do not rely on using credit cards other than as a backup. Remote lodges often accept cash only. Access to cash machines is limited outside of major towns and cities. Exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
Most foreign nationals will require a visa for entry to Tanzania. Please check with your local Tanzanian Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visit visas can often be obtained, on arrival, at most ports of entry.
The Tanzanian government has introduced an online 'e-visa' application system for obtaining visas in advance of travel. Travellers who require a visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
-
Uganda Climate
Uganda is tropically warm all year round, with temperature fluctuations mainly determined by altitude and the presence of lakes. Rain showers are commonplace, with the dry seasons being December to March and June to August. In the south, April is the rainiest month, and the rains can stretch into May.
Although the dry months are more popular for gorilla trekking and birding, you might see more during the wetter months as this is the peak breeding season for wildlife.
Language & Currency
English and Kiswahili are the official languages of Uganda. There are over 40 languages spoken throughout Uganda, with Luganda being the most geographically spread language.
The local currency is the Ugandan shilling. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Larger hotels in tourist areas may accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Access to cash machines is available in most towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
Most foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Uganda. Tourist visas can no longer be obtained, on arrival, at any port of entry.
The Ugandan government has introduced an online e-visa application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
Plan your Expedition
Are you ready to start planning your self-drive safari adventure? Would you like our team to start working on a suggested expedition itinerary for you?
To provide excellent customer support is always our top priority at Drive Into The Wild. There are to options to get in touch with us:
Complete the Introductory Call form
As part of this option we offer both telephone and video appointments, which can be scheduled at a time to suit you, all from the comfort of your home or office.
Complete the Enquiry form
Whilst completing this form you will be required to answer questions, which will provide us with the required information to start working on your itinerary.