Our road trip adventure from Nakuru to Lamu

The roar of engines, the thrill of the open road and the promise of an unforgettable adventure - this was the spirit that fuelled a group of young men from Nakuru as they embarked on a 2300 kilometre road trip from Nakuru to Lamu.

Organised by the Nakuru Motor Club, the journey, which began on March 12, was about more than just clocking up miles; it was a celebration of camaraderie, exploration and Kenya's breathtakingly diverse landscapes. 

From the cool highlands of the Rift Valley to the sun-kissed shores of the Indian Ocean, the team of nine motoring enthusiasts navigated rugged terrain, scenic highways and bustling coastal towns in an epic journey filled with challenges, breathtaking scenery and memories to last a lifetime.

Some of the stops included Malindi, Lamu, Watamu and Kilifi before returning home.

Steve Muturi, a first-time participant in the club's road trip, had always admired road trippers but was reluctant to join as he thought such journeys would be expensive, especially if they crossed several counties or even borders.

However, he overcame his fears and eventually joined the Nakuru Motor Club in 2023.

"This trip was an eye-opener for me. I realised that you don't have to break the bank to quench your thirst for adventure," he says. "For the entire round trip, I spent about Sh40,000 on fuel, but since I had a travelling companion, we split the cost. With more people on board, the cost can be even lower".

Aside from the scenery, the trip is also therapeutic. The thrill for Muturi came when he took the wheel for an incredible 2200km, while his travel partner drove the remaining 100km.

"My highlight was the return journey through Garissa, where we reached high speeds on the open road and experienced the charm of Old Lamu Town. The night life along the coast was amazing. I had a great time and learnt a lot," he recalls.

According to Tony Ndung'u, the chairman of the Nakuru Motor Club, the destination of the trip was chosen through a raffle among club members.

"One of the key requirements for this trip was a National Identity Card, which was crucial for entry into Lamu," he notes.

Ndung'u emphasised that the club, which consists mainly of business owners, provides a great networking opportunity while allowing members to freely explore new destinations.

When asked about his preference between a road trip and a package tour from a travel agent, he was quick to dismiss the latter.

"A travel agent can never offer the flexibility of a road trip," he says. "For this trip, you could easily spend Sh35,000 in total. We booked Airbnbs and split the cost, which brought the accommodation costs down to around Sh4,000 per night. This trip also allowed us to try new cuisines at each stop. For me, Mwingi was an interesting place away from the coastal towns."

However, the trip wasn't without its challenges. Ndung'u mentions that cultural differences in Lamu, especially as their visit coincided with Ramadan, made it a little difficult to find food during the day. 

In addition, they had not considered the fact that they will have to leave their cars on the main land and take boats to reach the main island.

"Trips like this make you realise that no one is an island. When like-minded people come together, a lot can be achieved. All you have to do is overcome your fears and allow yourself to explore without limits," he says.

For road-trip lovers and adventure seekers, the Nakuru Motor Club's trip to Lamu is a testament to the boundless joy that comes with exploring Kenya on four wheels. The club is planning its next road trip to Mt Ololokwe.