One of the most wholesome road trips through Africa is from Kenya to South Africa (Nairobi to Cape Town). That’s because you’ll have essentially traveled through half of Africa, from East Africa through Central Africa, and finally to the South of the African continent.
It’s also the most adventurous, satisfying, and probably the most important aspect—it is safe. The journey begins in Nairobi and continues through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, and finally, South Africa.
This is part one of that epic journey!
Kenya to South Africa Distance By Road
Hundreds of thousands of people have used this route throughout history, and the most recent was during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Fans drove as far north as Morocco to South Africa to witness one of the greatest sporting events.
For travel buffs in East Africa, traveling to South Africa by road allows them to witness the vastness, beauty, and authenticity of African culture. Traveling to South Africa from Nairobi by road is approximately 5,300 kilometers (3,293 miles) and takes about 73 hours.
But here’s the thing. Driving from Kenya to South Africa (Nairobi to Cape Town) isn’t a walk in the park. There are a ton of things you need to have to cross through the eight African countries. Don’t sweat it. We’ve got you covered.
If you drive from Nairobi to South Africa with a personal vehicle, you must have the following things and checks before you set out to your first border post. We’ve curated a guide to help you drive through these eight territories seamlessly without immigration problems.
Must-Have Travel Documents Driving From Kenya to South Africa
The following are documents you must have when driving your car from Kenya to South Africa (Nairobi to Cape Town). Make sure your documents are authentic and up to date to prevent problems at the border points.
- Well-maintained and serviced vehicle.
- Valid Passport
- Up to date Driving License
- Vehicle valid logbook ( print several copies and don’t leave it at any border point or risk losing it forever).
- Yellow Fever Certificate
- Comesa Insurance (this will be useful when crossing through the Malawi and Zambia territories).
- Camera to capture those amazing memories driving south.
NB: Most drivers who’ve traveled from Kenya to South Africa (Nairobi to Cape Town) have used their own individual country’s driver’s license, but to be on the safe side, get an IDL (International Driving Permit). Laws change, and experiences vary on the road from time to time. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry. As a result, we recommend getting an International Driving License just in case.
Driving from Kenya to Tanzania (Nairobi to Namanga Border Post)
The easiest leg of this road trip from Kenya to South Africa (Nairobi to Cape Town) is driving from Nairobi to Tanzania via the Namanga border post. Namanga town and border point is close to Nairobi (approximately 163 kilometers/ 101 miles) and will take approximately 2 hours of easy driving.
Of all the eight countries you’ll be expected to drive through, the Namanga border point entry into Tanzania is the most seamless. Contrary to what used to happen, Tanzania officials at the Namanga Border Point have exceptional hospitality and professionalism in processing travelers from Kenya into Tanzania.
Must-Have Travel Documents Driving From Kenya to Tanzania (Via Namanga Border Point)
Namanga Border Post is the first official stop driving from Kenya to South Africa (Nairobi to Cape Town). You’ll need the following documents at hand:
- Valid Passport
- Yellow Fever Vaccination card
- Vehicle logbook
- Comesa Yellow Card (third-party insurance).
What to Expect Driving Through Namanga Border Point from Kenya Into Tanzania
As stated earlier, you’ll need to print several copies of your vehicle’s logbook, which will be left behind at the border crossing point of the several countries you drive through. At the Namanga border point (Kenyan Immigration office), each driver will be issued a temporary importation permit for their vehicle, otherwise known as the ‘C32.’
The Temporary Importation Permit (C32) is valid for only seven days and allows you to progress with your journey to the next border exit point.
NB: Do not leave your original logbook at the border crossing point. Only copies of the valid document are required for documentation. Keep your original safe throughout the journey. Also, take note of traffic signs. Tanzania traffic laws are strict on speed limits. Most highways are capped at 50km/hr.
At the border point, like any other immigration station, your vehicle and luggage might be subject to scrutiny and will most likely get scanned. Therefore, ensure you have nothing that might get you in trouble. If you doubt, read through the Tanzanian government’s immigration policies.
To enjoy the experience of traveling from Kenya to South Africa (Nairobi to Cape Town), it is also important to witness the beauty and magnificence of the six countries on the road. In Tanzania, this trip will go through Namanga, Arusha, Manyara, Iringa City, Mbeya City, and finally, the Tunduma Border Point into Zambia.
The following is part two of driving from Kenya to South Africa.