Travelling In Kenya

Travelling in Kenya is simple. On this site, we are privilefed to show you all the best means of transport in Kenya.

Most international visitors will arrive through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi (NBO).

If you are already in Nairobi and need to get to the airport, please make sure that you plan at least two hours to get there as the main road to the airport has heavy traffic jams, and security checks are tedious.

Kenya Airways (KQ) offers the most scheduled connections from JKIA and regular daily flights to the following destinations: Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu and Kisumu. A return flight from Nairobi to Mombasa will cost about Ksh 11,000.

Online booking is available. Check in is 45 minutes before departure for local flights and two hours for international. Pay attention to the announcements while in Unit 3 of JKIA as passengers on different flights are put in the same waiting area.

If you are flying from another destination to Nairobi and using Kenya Airways in the tourist high season (July-September, December-February), note that KQ flights are frequently delayed and preference is given to international connecting passengers, platinum frequent-flyer card holders, and first-class passengers.

A low-cost, no-frills airline Fly540 also flies from JKIA and offers scheduled connections to Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, Kisumu and Masaai Mara. Plans are to extend the service to the East African region. A return flight to Mombasa from Nairobi will cost about $99 (without tax) Online booking is possible.

Another airline Airkenya flies from Wilson Airport Nairobi to Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, Amboseli, Maasai Mara, Meru, Nanyuki and Samburu. The lounge features a Dormans cafe. Check in can be done up to 15 minutes before departure.

Wilson Airport was once the busiest airport in Africa outside South Africa and still remains a major hub for local flights to the nature reserves in Kenya and to cities in neighboring countries. Anyone using Air Kenya is advised to lock their checked-in bags. Things have been known to go missing from luggage while in the care of Air Kenya.

The East African Safari Air also flies from Nairobi to Malindi, Kisumu and Lokichogio.

Most charter tourists fly directly to either of the coastal airports of Mombasa or Malindi.

Driving in Kenya

Visitors to Kenya can drive using an international drivers license. Driving is on the left hand side and drivers should give way to traffic on their right. Distances are measured and signposted in kilometres and petrol / diesel sold by the litre.

Road conditions are variable and can be very poor in remote areas. Ensure that your vehicle is suitable for handling rough roads before embarking on a journey.

Driving at night in most areas is not advisable. Hire Cars are widely available in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other large towns. Before hiring a car, all legalities should be thoroughly checked and appropriate contracts and waivers signed. Most car hire companies charge a set per kilometre or unlimited rate.

Cycling

Long distance cycling is possible in Kenya, but cyclists should be prepared to be very alert and wary of traffic on the major roads. There is plenty of scope for off road and mountain biking in Kenya. Anyone seriously considering cycle travel in Kenya should come fully prepared and equipped with a repair kit and some spare parts. This will make repairs on the road much easier. Competent bicycle “fundis” (mechanics) are usually found in most towns.

In many tourist areas, bicycle are available for hire for a day or half day. This is a good way to explore some areas. Hell’s Gate National Park is a very popular destination with cyclists.

Bikes can be hired locally and there are roads and tracks through the park, giving the visitor the opportunity to cycle through herds of wild game.

Taxi

In Nairobi, Mombasa and other large Kenyan towns, taxis are widely available, and convenient. Taxis are often parked in the street around hotels and tourist areas.

Hotels and restaurants can order taxis if necessary. Nairobi Taxis are usually marked with a yellow line along each side.

Taxis are not metered, and a price should be agreed with the driver before departure. Ask for local advice or at your hotel for correct rates.

In Nairobi and Mombasa there are several companies operating Dial Taxi services with phone bookings, modern vehicles, competent drivers and reasonable rates.

Several Taxi companies have airport booking offices. In Kisumu, Cycle Rickshaws and Bicycle Taxis are popular. They are locally known as 'Border-Borders' as they were a popular means of accessing the nearby Ugandan border.

Other Related Pages

Air Travel in Kenya | What to Carry to Kenya | Filming in Kenya | How to stay health in Kenya | The Kenya Currency | Kenya Drinks | Kenya Geography | Kenya Health Matters | Kenya Media and Communication | Kenya Photographic Guide | Is Kenya Safe for Visitors | Kenya Health Travel Info | Kenya Travel Insurance | Kenya Travel Parking and Packaging | Kenya Travel Visa Info | Kenya Visa Guide | Learn Kiswahili in Kenya | Prohibited Immigrants to Kenya | Who Require a visa to Kenya | Scuba Diving in Kenya | Travel to Kenya by Bus | Self Drive to Kenya | Travel to Kenya by Plane | Travel to Kenya by Train | Travel to Kenya by Water | Travel to Kenya documents required | Travel in Kenya by Bus | Travel in Kenya by Jeep | Travel in Kenya by Matatu | Travel in Kenya by Self Drive | Travel in Kenya Train | Travelling in Kenya | Type of Visas in Kenya | What to Buy in Kenya | What to see in Kenya | When to go to Kenya | Work in Kenya | Walk in Kenya | Kakamega Town | Attractions | Hospitals and Medical Services Industries and Factories | Locations and How to Travel | People and Culture | Property and Real Estate | Schools and Colleges | Entertainment and Nightlife | Shopping Guide | Hotels and Lodges | Restaurants and Dining |

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