Around Kenya
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Although most matatus ply their trade along set routes, it is often possible outside of major towns to charter a matatu on the spot as a taxi to your your desired destination. Make sure you have categorically confirmed your negotiated price and exact destination before the vehicle goes anywhere, or you may find yourself in the shadier areas of Nairobi at night at the mercy of an indignant matatu driver. Matatus provide a very cheap and quick method of transport in all the major towns and many rural areas. The name matatu hails from the Kiswahili word for the number three — tatu — because some time ago the standard fare was three ten-cent coins.
The train is extremely slow and usually delayed. The speed of the train is due to the old narrow gauge track installed by the colonial authorities which hasn't been improved in 50 years of independence. Currently the train only travels the Nairobi-Mombasa route three times a week. You can hire a jeep and drive through Kenya, although you need to be careful, since there are few signs along the roads and you can easily get lost. Also, bandits may stop your travel and take your belongings. Most worldwide rental agencies have offices in Nairobi and Mombasa, and these offer expensive but reliable cars with a full back-up network.
One can also rent cheaper cars from local distributors who are mostly reliable. Getting around in Kenya, especially for roads out of the city, is difficult. Though Kenya does have a lovely countryside,the roads are often in a dilapidated state due to neglect. A good map is essential, and if you are self driving to game parks and the like a GPS would be very useful - sign posts are rare and you are never quite sure if you are on the correct road, leading to many wrong turnings and backtracking.
Consider renting your car from major brands like or renown local companies.
Options for getting around Kenya include airlines, trains, car hires and taxis, public transport like 'matatus' and buses for that authentic Kenya travel experience. Fares These start at around KSh40 and may reach KSh for longer routes in Nairobi. On Lake Victoria, there's a ferry from Mbita to Luanda Kotieno (handy for onward travel to Kisumu). The highest concentration is in Malindi, but they’re also in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Machakos.
Kenya has some of the world's best game reserves where you can see some of the finest African flora and fauna. The parks are famous for lions, giraffes, elephants and huge herds of zebras, wildebeests and buffaloes.
It's wise to shop around for tour operators before picking one, to see what's currently on offer, who you vibe with, and to get a competitive price. The annual wildebeest migration from Maasai Mara to the Serengeti is an awesome sight and best experienced in a balloon safari. Bookings to watch the migration are best done months in advance due to the high demand and limited lodging available in the Mara. Migration is during August and September. Kenya also is a great destination for beach holidays, with several located along the coastal regions and the city of Mombasa.
Kenya is also becoming a golf holiday destination, with an abundance of beautiful courses around the major urban areas. The Northern parts of Kenya are home to some spectacular tribes living very traditional lifestyles - you can start to encounter these remarkable societies near to and around the main road North into Ethiopia the A2 which runs through Marsabit and into Moyale at the Ethopian border , as well as West of this in places such as Wamba, Maralal, Baragoi, Korr, Kargi, South Horr, etc.
Kenya travel by train
Watch a wildlife migration. Go for a game drive in many parks and reserves found in the country. If you are on a tight schedule take a game drive in the Nairobi National Park found less than 20 minutes drive from the Cental Business District. Major attractions, big cats including lions and leopards, buffaloes, a variety of antelope species, baboons, monkeys amongst others.
Many travellers choose to spend some of their trip volunteering with the local community. English and Swahili are the two official languages. Generally, You can get by with English in the larger cities and when dealing with those connected to the tourism industry as well as middle to upper class Kenyans, but, outside of that, Swahili is nearly indispensable as most Kenyans have a nearly fluent comprehension of the language.
Tribal languages, such as Maa spoken by the Maasai, are commonplace in more remote areas. You will still usually be able to find a local who can speak Swahili — although in such areas a guide will be indispensable. Sheng a slang of English, Kiswahili and local languages is spoken mostly by urban youths. The currency is the Kenyan shilling KES , which can be divided into cents. Most retailers, both large and small, accept mobile payments via M-Pesa. In fact it is not uncommon for people to pay for goods and services from clothes to curios and even hospital bills using their phones.
To get registered, visit any Safaricom store countrywide.
Kenya is famous for many handicrafts, which are often the signature of a particular tribe or region. Look for Kisii stone soap stone carvings, Maasai jewellery, Mkonde wood carvings, Lamu chairs and batiks. The largest selection of handicrafts can probably be found at the Maasai Market which rotates and can be found at different locations within Nairobi, which include Masai items such as beaded jewellery, decorated gourds and the distinctive red-checked blankets worn by all Masai men make good souvenirs.
For example, on Sundays, they are at Yaya Centre near hurlingham, and, on Saturdays, they can be found at the Central business district near the law courts parking space. Buying souvenirs without overpaying Almost all the prices in the roadside curio shops are inflated. While negotiating is expected, even the negotiated price is normally significantly higher than the prices quoted for similar souvenirs in the duty free section of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Khanga, kitenge and kikoi cloths are ideal to use as sarongs common in East Africa for both men and women.
The city and town centres usually have markets that sell curios such as African drums, old brass and copper, batiks, soapstone knick-knacks, carved chess sets, and large wooden carvings of animals or salad bowls carved from a single piece of teak, mninga or ebony. Gigiri, just like Yaya Centre, is a plush suburb, so vendors price their goods accordingly. There is also a fine selection of stores selling craft goods in Mombasa, where the atmosphere is somewhat more relaxed.
However, the best prices can be found by buying direct from the artisans in their villages in the countryside. Apart from the typical souvenirs such as wood carvings, it may be a good idea to buy one of the large books with photos of wildlife, nature, or culture. Do listen to and buy some local Kenyan music.
Reggae is also quite a frequent feature of matatu journeys. For a more traditional shopping experience, there are many shopping malls in the country, many being in the capital Nairobi. There are also local and international supermarket brands that stock many international and local goods, these include Shoprite, Choppies, Tuskys, Naivas, GAME part of wallmart, Chandarana and Carrefour. Kenya has some of the finest eating establishments in Africa. Many different cuisines and types of restaurants are available, from Thai to Chinese to Traditional Kenyan Fare, most people will find something to their liking.
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Most reputable restaurants, however, are in major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, with the majority being in Nairobi. There are many high end restaurants such as Caramel in Nairobi, some of them attached to Five star hotels,which are expensive but worth it unless you are looking to experience true Kenyan cuisine.
Street food is also definitely worth a try and usually safe to eat, however, do avoid most boiled food unless you are sure of the water source. Mandazi are sweet bread-like treats that are often sold on the street, maize grilled with a side of chili to add on is a wonderful snack and very cheap, samosas are awesome and don't be hesitant to try all the other yummy stuff they're selling!
Also, fruit stand are everywhere-the mangoes and avocados are to die for and can be bought for about KES Many restaurants can be found downtown and in the areas of Westlands and Hurlingham but these areas are filled with tourists while places like Ayani, Olympic, Kibera, have more authentic food but are less safe, both hygienically and security wise. Most fast food outlets do deliver within Nairobi and Mombasa.
How do I get to and around Kenya?
Coffee culture is alive and well; with many local establishments available, the most prevalent being Java House, which operates 29 branches in Nairobi and more in major towns and cities across the country. Other establishments include Artcaffe, Vida e Caffe and Dormans. These places are great for a daily fix of coffee, however, they do tend to be on the pricier side, so be prepared.
If you want an unforgettable experience then check out Carnivore Restaurant, which is famous for its exotic meats. You can sample crocodile, ostrich, camel etc. The meat is all-you-can-eat and comes with salad and a variety of dips. Not a great restaurant for vegetarians, although there is an option available. There is also the adjoining Simba Saloon for those who want a more standard restaurant menu.
Kenyan beer is decent. There is one major brewer whose flagship brand is Tusker Lager. Also try the Tusker Malt Lager.
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Another good lager beer is White Cap Lager. Imported beers are available in supermarkets and better hotels, but the prices are usually high.
Getting around
But imported Tanzanian beer like Kilimanjaro and Safari tend to be cheaper than even Tusker. In local bars, do not expect to pay more than around KES for a bottle; anything more is a tourist rip-off. Imported and local wines and spirits are widely available, and it is advisable to avoid local brews such as "changaa" and "busaa," which are illegal, un-hygenically brewed and whose consumption has led to deaths on many occasions.
It may be helpful to remember that "changaa" literally means "kill me quick" before deciding whether or not to drink a proffered glass of the beverage. There is an excellent selection of non-alcoholic drinks. Fresh fruit juices are ubiquitous, and generally "juice" means whole fruit blended with water and perhaps a little sugar. Pineapple, mango, watermelon, and passionfruit are commonly available. Sugarcane and ginger juice is a local specialty, as is Swahili tea, which is black tea with ginger.
Ginger is popular in sodas as well, with local ginger ale brands Stoney and Tangawizi. Finally, Krest bitter lemon sodas are refreshing and delicious. Many of them that are in cities that have airports do operate shuttle services while some in hard to reach game parks and reserves have airstrips. There are a number of other guesthouses that offer private rooms both with shared bathrooms and self-contained rooms for between KES1, and KES 4, per night.
As long as you don't mind basic accommodations, there is no need to spend more than USD per night on a hotel or hostel. In less touristy areas, lodging can be found for as cheap as USD5 per night. More luxury oriented travellers will not be disappointed as there are a wide array of luxury hotels in the country. From traditional international brands like Kempinski, Fairmont, Radisson, Intercontinental and Hilton to smaller local, but just as good chains, such as Serena and Hemingways. Homestays are increasingly gaining popularity.
Part of the reason is that one is able to experience Kenyan culture in a deeper and more meaningful way. Most homes charge about USD20 per night inclusive of meals. Some may include laundry on that price. To arrange privately rented accommodation, you'll need to ask around - cab drivers, shopkeepers, market traders, could all save you the estate agents' fees.
Getting around in Kenya - Kenya Forum - TripAdvisor
One may also consult Airbnb while in Kenya as there is a growing number of listings on the site, however, do take all the necessary precautions as one would when using airbnb in any city around the world. Choosing where to study for a degree in Kenya is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. The student resources are also available on the universities websites to help you make the right choice, particularly if you want to study abroad. You can rent a car in Kenya of course, as long as you bring a driver's license from your country.
In Kenya cars drive on the left hand side of the road. There are police checkpoints along the major routes and they will go over you and your vehicle carefully if you are driving alone that is. You may get demands for bribes. You have to accept that as an inconvenience of self driving in Kenya. If you really want to drive yourself through a park and your budget is limited, Kruger National Park in South Africa could be a better option for you. Car rental options are much better there.
Renting a car is possible. Having said that, Kenya is not the easiest country to drive around. In my opinion, matatus are not that easy to use when you are new in the country, or are familiar with the geography of the country. However, they are cheap. Driving can be quite challenging and as Christopher points out, police checkpoints are frequent.
Speed checkpoints are becoming increasingly frequent and the penalty for speeding is harsh If your vehicle looks in good condition, police will tend not to check it over for faults. They will check your licence and insurance, so ensure both are in order. If you hire a car, make sure that you go to a reputable company. You might do better to join an organised tour, or hire a car with a driver who knows the roads and how to cope with any problems, including a puncture! As for towns and cities, many of our vistors enjoy a visit to Kisumu and Lake Victoria.
Also Kakamega Forest and Kitale. The Mololine Express to Nakuru is a superb Shuttle!! Departs from outside Odeon Cinema in town. Getting around Kenya is easy once you know your options. Flying, getting a car hire, using the train system, taking a taxi or experiencing Kenya's popular public transport system are all viable options for your Kenya travel. Local train services to serve the main cities within a radius of 15KM is in progress starting with the launch of the modern commuter rail service between Nairobi city, Athi river, Kitengela and Syokimau, all complete with a "park and ride" option for drivers who wish to park their cars and commute to the city center by train.
For long distance travel, getting around Kenya by train is limited to specific routes. You can travel between Nairobi and Mombasa by train, normally on an overnight trip lasting 14 hours. Another route that is served by daily overnight trains is the Nairobi-Kisumu route, with additional service to Kampala in Uganda. The train cabins are compartmentalized into first, second and third class with the former two offering bed and breakfast service. If you are traveling to Mombasa by train, you will enjoy a fantastic view of the Tsavo National Park while enjoying your breakfast.
Train tickets can be booked at the railway station from which you will depart or through a local travel agent. If you can afford it, traveling by air with Kenyan airlines is the most practical way to get around long distances in Kenya. If you are visiting Kenya on a vacation tour, holiday or business trip, time is often very short and at a premium.
Kenya has a number of airlines that offer safe and efficient domestic flights between the major cities of Mombasa, Malindi, Kisumu and Eldoret, as well as charter planes that fly to smaller cities, game parks and northern Kenya. Kenya air travel is convenient and quick, and flight times between the major cities are an hour at the most. Some domestic Kenya flights can be booked online while others require local booking through travel agents.