Front three-quarter view
The Prado is the 4x4 most Kenyans trust: tough enough for the long road upcountry, comfortable enough for a family drive, and easier on fuel and parking than its bigger V8 sibling. If you want one car that does Nairobi on Monday and Naivasha on Saturday, this is usually it.
Who the Prado suits
- Diaspora families home for two or three weeks, with visits in town and a trip "shags" in between.
- Couples and small groups doing a road trip to the lakes, Nanyuki or the long drive towards the Mara.
- Business travellers who need a 4x4 with presence but will be parking in Westlands and Upper Hill every day.
- First-time renters in Kenya who want the reassurance of four-wheel drive in the rainy season.
If you need the most space and prestige, look at the Land Cruiser V8. If your trip is all tarmac in and around Nairobi, the seven-seat Mazda CX-8 is quieter and costs less.
Seats and luggage
The Prado seats up to seven in most versions, with a third row that suits children or shorter trips for adults; layouts vary, so ask us about the one for your dates. With the third row folded, the boot takes the big suitcases of a family of four or five flying home. With seven on board, plan on soft bags. Tell us how many people and suitcases are coming and we will tell you whether it fits.
Handed over at JKIA
Add your flight number when you book and we track your flight. The evening before you land we send your driver's name and number on WhatsApp, and your driver meets you in the arrivals hall at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) with a sign bearing your name. We load your bags into the Prado, film a walk-round video together, show you the fuel level, spare wheel and jack, and you drive away. No Kenyan SIM yet? Use the airport Wi-Fi and WhatsApp. Delivery to JKIA is KES 1,000, the same as anywhere in Nairobi. Read our airport promise.
On the road
In Nairobi traffic the Prado is easy to live with: a high seat to see over the matatus, light steering and a size that still fits most mall car parks. Out of town, its four-wheel drive and ground clearance make wet tarmac and rough patches of paved road far less stressful. It stays on paved roads in Kenya; tell us your route when you book and we confirm it. For game drives, hire our Land Cruiser Safari or use your lodge's vehicles. Fuel is extra and you return the car with the same level you collected it with.
With a chauffeur
Would you rather rest after a long flight? Add a chauffeur for KES 4,000 a day within Nairobi or KES 5,000 a day outside, plus your driver's food and overnight accommodation away from Nairobi. With our chauffeur driving there is no security deposit.
What a Prado trip costs
The table below works out 3, 7 and 14 days all in from today's daily rate, with delivery and collection, the cleaning and service fee and VAT. Families home for the holidays often take the Prado for two weeks or more; the 14-day figure is the one to plan with.
Compare with
- Land Cruiser V8: larger, more powerful and more prestigious.
- Mazda CX-8: a quieter, more economical seven-seater for good roads.
- Land Cruiser Safari: the one car we allow on game drives.
- Guides: Land Cruiser V8 vs Prado and 7-seater car hire in Nairobi.
What the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado costs for a real trip
All in, self-drive: the daily rate, delivery and collection in Nairobi (JKIA included), the cleaning and service fee, and VAT at 16%. Fuel is extra, and you return the car with the same fuel level.
| Hire | Total, VAT included |
|---|---|
| 3 days | KES 52,200 ≈ $402 USD / £304 GBP / €360 EUR |
| 7 days | KES 117,160 ≈ $903 USD / £682 GBP / €807 EUR |
| 14 days | KES 230,840 ≈ $1,780 USD / £1,344 GBP / €1,590 EUR |
The refundable security deposit is on top, and is refunded immediately after the return handover inspection.
With every Urban Escape car
A 2019 model or newer, serviced and cleaned before each hire, with comprehensive insurance, unlimited mileage, GPS tracking, 24/7 help and a replacement car if the car has a manufacturer (mechanical) issue. Add a vetted chauffeur for KES 4,000 a day in Nairobi or KES 5,000 outside. Cars stay in Kenya and on paved roads; only our Land Cruiser Safari goes on game drives. Pay a refundable reservation deposit within 2 hours of booking (we send a card payment link, or M-Pesa details by WhatsApp, phone or email), then the balance when you see the car, by M-Pesa, bank transfer, credit card or cash. Free cancellation until the car is handed over.
Why clients choose the Land Cruiser Prado
- Four-wheel drive
- Up to seven seats
- Lower running costs than the V8
- Comfortable on long upcountry drives
Ideal for
- Family trips upcountry
- Road trips to the lakes and the Mara
- Diaspora visits home
- Business travel
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado hire: questions
How much is Prado hire in Nairobi?
The daily self-drive rate is at the top of this page, before 16% VAT, with unlimited mileage and comprehensive insurance included. The table above works out 3, 7 and 14 days all in.
How many seats does the Toyota Prado have?
Up to seven in most versions, with a third row for children or shorter trips. Layouts vary, so ask us about the Prado for your dates.
Is the Prado good for trips upcountry?
Yes. Its four-wheel drive, high seat and smooth ride make long drives comfortable in dry or rainy season. It stays on paved roads, and we confirm your route when you book.
Can I take the Prado on a game drive?
No. The Prado stays on paved roads. Our Land Cruiser Safari is the only car in our fleet allowed on game drives.
Should I choose the Prado or the Land Cruiser V8?
The Prado for a capable 4x4 that is lighter on fuel and easier to park; the V8 when you want more power, space and presence. Our V8 vs Prado guide compares them.
Prado or Mazda CX-8 for a family?
The CX-8 for a quiet, economical seven-seater in Nairobi and on good roads; the Prado for four-wheel drive and ground clearance on long trips, especially in the rains.
Can you deliver the Prado to JKIA?
Yes, for KES 1,000. We track your flight and your driver meets you in arrivals with a sign bearing your name.
Deposit: when your money comes back
You see the exact security deposit for your car in your quote before you book, and again on your booking page. It is fully refundable and due with your remaining balance by handover. It is not an extra charge: it is returned when the car is returned. Your security deposit is refunded immediately after the return handover inspection. It comes back the same way you paid it: by M-Pesa to the number it came from, to the bank account you paid from, back to your card, or in cash. We check the car together and film it, just as we did at handover, and you get a written return receipt. If nothing is owed, you get it all back.
Only these can be taken off:
- fuel below the level you received, at the pump price
- traffic and speed camera fines, parking and tolls, at cost
- a late return, after the 1-hour grace period
- new damage shown on the handover and return videos, up to your Excess Fee for Damage
Anything taken off is on a written list, with the video or a receipt to show it, and there are no admin or processing fees.
Booking with a chauffeur? With one of our chauffeurs driving there is no security deposit and no Excess Fee for Damage. Read our fair damage promise, the rental terms in plain words, every car's price and deposit, and how JKIA airport handover works.