Travelling Around Kenya – how to get around Kenya

Travelling around Kenya, what a dream, what a country! So beautiful, so many places to visit, so vast. So what’s the best way to travel Kenya?

There is a fairly comprehensive travel network within the country.  A local flight will make a long drive a quick hop and buses or taxis will complete the trip. If you are here on an all-inclusive safari tour, these details will be taken care of for you. If you are visiting Kenya independently, then here is my recommendation for the best transport companies for travelling around Kenya.

Blog post: Essential things to know before visiting Kenya 

Best websites for travelling around Kenya

Kenya airlines

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport operates international flights throughout out the world and Africa as well as internal flights. Jomo Kenyatta (JKIA) is a big airport with a lot of security checks. Because of this and its distance away from the city, I often recommend using the smaller Wilson airport.

Wilson Airport is considerably smaller and operates mostly local flights and private aircraft. Its very basic with one small cafe but has the benefit of short check-in times.

• Kenya Airways – flies from JKIA – Nairobi to Eldoret, Kisumu, Malindi & Mombasa
• Jambojet – flies from JKIA – Nairobi to Eldoret, Kisumu, Malindi & Ukunda
• Fly 540 – flies from Wilson – Nairobi to Eldoret, Kisumu, Malindi, Mombasa, Lamu & Lodwar
• Fly Sax – flies from Wilson – Nairobi to Eldoret, Kisumu, Malindi, Mombasa, Ukunda, Lamu, Nanyuki, Isolo, Wajir, Kitale, Homa Bay & Maasai Mara

You could also check out JetLink, East African Safari Air Express (EASAX), African Express Air, and Marsaland

Baggage allowance on Kenyan airlines is approx 15kg.

Fares on local Kenyan airlines

Fares change depending on the season and how far in advance you book. Travelstart is a local booking engine that will help you to find the cheapest flights. A broad guideline for the smaller (and cheaper) airlines is below. This is taken from high but not peak season (i.e. not Xmas and New Year)

• Nairobi–Maasai Mara $200 (one way)
• Nairobi–Lamu $80 (one-way)
• Nairobi–Diani Beach (Ukunda) $55 (one-way)
• Nairobi to Eldoret starts at $82 (one-way)
• Nairobi to Mombasa costs from only $55 (one-way)

 

Travelling around Kenya by Train: SGR 

The wonderful SGR train (Standard Gauge Railway) otherwise known as the Madaraka Express runs from Nairobi down to Mombasa. It’s clean, fast and cheap and a great way to travel. It stops at various towns between the city and the coast. 

It runs a slow train that stops at every stop on route and departs approx. 8am (please check the time beforehand) or a fast and direct train, which leaves at 14.30

Visit their website here to book online up to a month in advance.

Second class tickets are 1000 KSH adult and 500 KSH children and first class 3000 KSH adult and 1500 KSH children.

Travelling by Bus or Matatu

The public bus system covers the entire country, is cheap, and is the primary form of transport for Kenyan residents travelling around Kenya. 

Matatus are privately own minibuses (and road hell raisers) that operate the same routes as buses but to their own rules. Often gaudily painted, with music blaring they will operate a relaxed jump on and jump off system and a complete disregard for road safety.

The larger buses are safer and operate a more rigid schedule. With both buses and matatus, you pay on-board.

To travel Kenya long distance/ cross country services, it is better to book in advance at their booking offices located at major bus stations or online at Buupass 

Taxi/ Uber

Taxis and Uber are available in cities and are usually fairly cheap.

Uber can be unreliable, I have had drivers never turn up, turn up late or turn up with other passenger’s countless times.

Taxis (cars) or Boda Bodas (motorbikes) can be found cruising the streets or at street corners/ meeting points.   Prices vary, best to negotiate beforehand but expect at least 500 KSH an hour even if in traffic.

In some places, Tuk Tuks (3 wheeled motorcycles) are available and are cheaper than a conventional taxi.

Self-driving around Kenya

Car or motorbike rental is the easiest way to travel around Kenya, and there are many companies where you can hire a car, motorbike or scooter (called a Boda Boda in Kenya).

For a European or American travelling around Kenya is a lesson in keeping your wits about you and remaining calm in the face of whatever truck, matatu or cow is coming your way. The roads are generally of good quality within the cities and on major arteries connecting destinations. 

A car or 4×4’s are preferable for driving outside of Nairobi if you want to head on safari, but there are some great long stretches of road for the bike enthusiast.  Riding a motorbike to the Maasai Mara or along the quiet roads, the skirt the borders of Tanzania is a bikers dream come true. Similarly, hiring a scooter to putter along the coastal towns is a perfect answer to travel issues. 

Make sure you get insurance. Check the insurance details and always pay the daily collision damage waiver (CDW) premium. Theft protection waiver (TPW) should also be taken. Remember to check the excess fee.  Get a travel insurance quote here. Or compare motorbike insurance here for insurance tailored to motorbikes.  

Prices for hiring a car in Kenya

A medium sedan will be approx. 70 USD daily whereas a larger more capable 4 4×4 around 150 USD not including insurance.

Car rental companies in Keny

Rentalcars – is a reputable broker that leases out cars in Kenya.

Discovercars leases cars locally for travelling around Kenya 

You can rent bikes or scootesr in Nairobi and Kenya through I Ride Nairobi 

 

Tips for driving in Kenya

• Keep left, belt up and think in kilometres
• The speed limit on main highways and other major routes is 70km/hour
• You can use a driver’s license from your country or an international driver’s license
• Watch out for animals if driving along country roads
• Watch out for matatus they drive as though the rules don’t apply to them: wrong side of the road/up on the pavement/into oncoming traffic. It’s all just one big game of chicken.
• Kenya gas stations are not self-service. An attendant will fill the gas/petrol for you

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