From distant nationwide parks and spectacular hikes to balmy coastal cities and the energetic buzz of Nairobi, you may wish to expertise all the things on a visit to Kenya. Whether or not you depend on inner or chartered flights or taxis for longer distances, or hop right into a matatu (minivan) or Uber, Kenya is a comparatively straightforward place to get round as soon as you recognize your choices.
For some journeys, it’s attainable to journey slower and extra sustainably. Crusing on a conventional dhow alongside the Kenyan coast or taking the practice from Nairobi to Mombasa are nice examples, and also you’ll see a lot extra of Kenya on the best way.
Listed below are our suggestions for getting round Kenya, from the seashores to Mt Kenya and the Masai Mara.
Take the airplane if time’s a problem
Flying isn’t essentially the most sustainable possibility, however a number of home airways present helpful connections between Nairobi, Mombasa, different coastal cities equivalent to Malindi and the Lamu Archipelago, and smaller airports near nationwide parks. Almost a dozen airways join these locations, together with Kenya Airways, and a few fly to only three or 4 standard nationwide parks, such because the Masai Mara, from Nairobi.
The relative affordability of home air journey makes it interesting and sometimes unavoidable – present safety guidance to Kenya from the UK authorities, for instance, advises that individuals journey to the Lamu Archipelago by air. Taking the bus or practice or driving is a greater various for some journeys, however a few of the extra distant lodges are solely accessible through a chartered airplane, which comes at a worth.
Buses join virtually each city in Kenya
Kenya has an intensive bus community connecting bigger and smaller cities, particularly in western Kenya, with frequent hyperlinks to the capital and coast. You’ll discover providers are much less frequent as you head into northern Kenya. A number of personal firms function bus providers across the nation, and for essentially the most half, these long-haul buses are snug, inexpensive, comparatively quick and protected. The newer long-haul buses typically have recliner seats, and a few have wi-fi.
It is best to take bus journeys in daytime due to issues over crime, so purpose for morning departures for lengthy journeys. Corporations equivalent to Modern, Dreamline, Coast Bus and The Guardian Coach are dependable, however the record of bus firms is exhaustive, so ask round when making a selected journey, as the corporate you select will typically depend upon the route you’re after.
Journey sluggish and take the practice for lengthy journeys in Kenya
Should you’ve bought the time and also you’re heading to Mombasa from Nairobi or vice versa, take the train. The Madaraka Express passenger practice at the moment operates 3 times a day, together with a continuous evening practice, with journey occasions of between 5 and 6 hours. The present service began in 2017 and it follows the identical route because the previous Mombasa practice.
Within the days of colonial rule, this was a sleeper practice that took 15 hours, broadly often called the “Lunatic Specific” due to the tough situations employees endured constructing it, from harmful animals to tropical illnesses. It’s a fabulously scenic journey, as you journey from the town via the Tsavo East and Tsavo West nationwide parks, and get a glimpse of Kilimanjaro as you head in the direction of the coast (or again to the capital).
You can even journey to Nanyuki from Nairobi by practice. The journey takes seven hours, touring through Thika, but it surely’s a scenic option to journey to the gateway city for journeys to Mt Kenya Nationwide Park. A weekly Kisumu Safari Train on Fridays at 6am goes from Nairobi to the city of Kisumu on the shores of Lake Victoria, returning on Sundays at 6am.
Hop right into a matatu (shared minibus)
It received’t be everybody’s first selection of transport, however matatus (shared minibuses) are essentially the most used type of public transport in Kenya for locals, particularly in Nairobi, though they’re slowly being phased out in favor of extra regulated, larger-capacity buses.
These privately-owned minibuses depart when full – which frequently means full to the purpose of discomfort – however in the event you get fortunate with a less-packed car, it’s a enjoyable option to journey brief distances, equivalent to throughout the downtown space and suburbs of Nairobi. Fares are fastened, and also you pay on board to the motive force or conductor.
Matatus are sometimes colorfully painted, generally with slogans or portraits of well-known folks, and lots of have music blaring out. Some even have free wi-fi and films or pop movies enjoying. Issues of safety generally is a concern: there are guidelines about seat belts for instance, however they’re not at all times adopted, and the standard of driving is variable.
For security causes, it’s finest to take a matatu with different vacationers you recognize, and to solely use them within the daytime for city journey. At all times lock your baggage and hold valuables with you. Keep away from the entrance seat subsequent to the motive force due to the chance of collisions.
For sooner city hops, take a shared taxi, aka Peugeot
A substitute for matatus is the shared taxi or “Peugeot.” These station wagons take round seven to 9 passengers, and like matatus, they depart once they’re full. The upside is that they’re not often over-crowded, and so they don’t cease between the beginning and finish factors. You’ll typically discover shared taxis working on fastened routes in north and west Kenya.
Use ride-hailing apps to get from A to B
Uber and Bolt have had big success in Kenya, particularly in city facilities equivalent to Nairobi. Be sure to obtain and arrange an account on the app in the event you don’t already use it, and if attainable, add a fee card that doesn’t cost further for abroad transactions (fares can be calculated in Kenyan shillings).
With so many drivers out there, the apps make discovering a carry extremely straightforward, plus you possibly can share your journey info in order for you associates or household to have the ability to monitor your journey. Uber has additionally launched UberASSIST for passengers with disabilities, highlighting drivers who can provide further assist and whose automobiles are geared up for wheelchairs.
Take a conventional taxi
Taxis are in plentiful provide in main cities and cities. You’ll be able to often discover them at taxi ranks round vacationer sights, bus stations and different key areas. They’re not at all times metered although, so make sure you agree on the fare upfront. The place attainable, get an concept of what a journey from X to Y ought to roughly value – for instance by asking at your lodging or quizzing your information.
Taxis are nice for longer-distance journeys as an alternative choice to flights; in the event you’re in Mombasa and wish to rise up to Kilifi or Malindi or right down to Diani Seashore, it is the best possibility. When break up between just a few folks, they are often extremely good worth, with the bonus you could decide your departure time and cease when you must. At evening, it’s advisable to take a taxi in cities if you’re heading again to your lodge if it is any distance away.
Highway journey with your personal wheels to achieve distant areas and nationwide parks
Driving in Kenya is a good selection in order for you the final word freedom to discover, cease off and be spontaneous. However if you wish to tackle Kenya’s roads beneath your personal steam, being ready is essential. It’s essential to have a world driving license in addition to your nationwide one, and also you often must be no less than 23 years previous, although some automobile rent firms have a minimal age of 25. It helps to know the car (4WDs are finest for nationwide park journeys) and know the best way to change a tire, as a result of breakdown help will be sluggish in the event you’re not on a predominant stretch of highway.
All predominant roads out of Nairobi are paved, and surfaced single-lane highways are frequent. Being a assured driver will assist as a result of the foundations of the highway are typically “every to their very own.” For security, solely drive in the course of the day in areas you’re not accustomed to, or which are identified to be unsafe due to carjacking and different crimes, although perceptions of the chance are sometimes greater than the truth of the scenario on the bottom. Even be cautious of poor lighting and highway situations, equivalent to potholes and unpaved roads in some areas.
Test up-to-date steerage out of your authorities or with native guides or different contacts, for instance, at your lodging, on areas to keep away from. Be very cautious when parking in a single day – by no means depart something useful in your car and search out safe, guarded parking.
Safari operators can organize transfers to your subsequent vacation spot
Should you’re reserving an organized safari, it’s value figuring out that some firms can deal with transport between your begin and finish level, relying on the route and distances. For instance, in the event you’re beginning your journey in Nairobi, operators can decide you up for a switch to Tsavo Nationwide Park, then take you on to Mombasa for the seaside part of your trip on the finish of your safari. It’s time-saving for one factor, and it may possibly additionally save on prices for organizing separate taxis, flights or car transfers.
Have a boda-boda expertise to zip via Kenyan visitors
You’ll additionally discover bike taxis known as boda-bodas in most cities and cities in Kenya, particularly the place there aren’t as many normal taxis. Boda-bodas are low cost, nice at weaving out and in of visitors, and plentiful, however poor security is a draw back. Helmets aren’t at all times provided, and regulation is sporadically enforced.
Boda-bodas are finest for individuals who are already snug on motorbikes; trip in the course of the day for each private security causes and due to the native highway situations. The vast majority of boda-boda drivers are accountable, however the nature of this type of transport means you must keep alert in the event you’re not an everyday rider.
Leap right into a tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks (autorickshaws) aren’t widespread in Kenya, however you’ll discover them in abundance in Malindi, north of Mombasa on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast. These coated, open-sided autos are an effective way to get round, however you must negotiate the fare with the motive force if there isn’t a meter. You might also discover tuk-tuks in Nairobi, Mombasa, Diani Seashore and Nakuru.
Sail alongside the coast by dhow for carbon-free journey
Whereas it’s probably not a type of public transport and extra of an expertise, nothing beats taking a dhow (conventional sailboat) to discover Kenya’s Indian Ocean shoreline. It’s a sluggish, quiet and weird option to respect life on the Kenyan coast and the offshore islands.
You’ll be able to guide dhow journeys from the seaside cities and resorts of Mombasa, Watamu and Diani Seashore, and from Lamu and Shela within the Lamu archipelago. For a cruise-like expertise, request a catered crusing or convey your personal drinks and snacks. Journeys can vary from a few hours at sundown to hiring a dhow for a full day to go to completely different seashores and bays.
Take the ferry to cross rivers and attain islands
To journey between Mombasa Island and the mainland to the southwest, the ferry is a scenic option to cross the Likoni Channel and revel in views of the Indian Ocean. It’s a well-liked selection for folks touring to the seaside resorts of Diani and Galu, south of Mombasa, and it’s a energetic expertise as properly, with the chance to speak with fellow passengers. Simply take care together with your belongings on the crowded ferries.
5 ferries are operational: MV Nyayo, MV Harambee, MV Kilindini, MV Likoni and MV Kwale, and plans are afoot to introduce extra boats. It’s free for passengers and cyclists, with a small cost for motorists and motorcyclists.
Accessible transportation in Kenya
Getting round by public transport in Kenya hasn’t at all times been straightforward for vacationers with disabilities due to a scarcity of funding, however issues are altering, albeit slowly. Some speedy transit bus providers have wheelchair areas and a ramp to get on, plus precedence seating for the aged, pregnant and different vacationers who want them.
Uber has rolled out UberASSIST in Nairobi, utilizing drivers who’ve been educated to assist individuals who need assistance moving into autos which have areas for folding wheelchairs and walkers. Relying in your wants, it’s the willingness of native folks to assist that may be the savior of a visit to Kenya.
It’s simpler for vacationers with disabilities to rearrange personal transport. At all times let the information, journey firm and driver know what you want, whether or not it’s bodily help, a ramp, further storage or security clamps to safe wheelchairs. For extra assets for accessible journey, see Lonely Planet’s Accessible Travel Resources.
Why the matatu is my favourite option to journey in Kenya
It was throughout a Nairobi metropolis tour that my information, Maureen, a younger music promoter displaying me the capital’s edgier, evolving cultural scene, determined to offer me my first matatu expertise. We had been heading to the neighborhood of Kibera to satisfy a clothier when Maureen flagged down a brightly coloured minibus blaring out the music of an up-and-coming Kenyan artist that she acknowledged. Matatus typically play new songs to draw prospects, and it clearly works.
As soon as inside, it was like a celebration bus, not raucously so, however there was a definite vitality. That’s to not say all matatu journeys are loud and chaotic, however some are, and whether or not that’s a plus or a minus is right down to you. The seats had been snug, there was wi-fi, and a music video performed on the drop-down display as we bopped in our seats. It was the right option to arrive into Kibera, energized and danced out.
