How to get around in Kenya
How to get around in Kenya : The choice is yours whether you choose to drive or take a plane between Kenya’s many parks and reserves. Most wilderness areas have very rocky and challenging roads, so unless you have extensive off-road expertise and are an exceptionally skilled and daring map reader, we do not advise self-driving. The best way to have a easy movement in kenya is by planning or having a scheduled Kenya safari. Depending on the on the amount of time and the budget you want to spend, you can either choose to fly or be driven between locations. There are other public transportation systems in Kenya which include buses, matatus (minibuses), taxis, and, in certain areas, bicycles or tuk-tuk taxis. Additionally, all of the country’s municipalities are connected by a constant flow of buses.
Travel By plane
The easiest and most convenient way to travel throughout Kenya, if finances allow, is by air. There are several domestic airlines that connect the most visited safari in kenya destinations and also fly to various towns along the coast. Several upscale safari lodges utilise their own airstrips and hire out light aircraft from private air charter businesses to transport their visitors from Mombasa or Nairobi. Flights into Nairobi depart from Wilson Airport, which is located off the Langata Road 6.4 km (4 miles) from the city centre. Other companies operate out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Regular flights are operated by Kenya Airways connecting Nairobi, Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu on the coast, and Kisumu in Western Kenya.
Plane is the fastest and most pleasant way to navigate around Kenya, if you can afford it. The most popular kenya safari destinations are connected by a few domestic airlines. Private air charter firms fly small planes to transport visitors from Nairobi or Mombasa to some of the more upscale safari lodges, which have their own airstrips. While Wilson Airport is just 6.4 km (4 miles) from Nairobi’s city centre and accessible via the Langata Road, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serves most flights to and from Nairobi. Kenya Airways operates regular flights between Nairobi, Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu on the coast, and Kisumu in Western Kenya,
They also run a helpful service that travels from Nairobi to Tanzania’s Zanzibar. Flying from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, connects the more well-known safari destinations. They fly to Amboseli and Samburu, Lewa, Nanyuki, and Meru, the last three providing access to the game ranches on the Laikipia Plateau, as well as various airstrips in the Masai Mara. Moreover, they fly from Nairobi to the coastal cities of Lamu, Malindi, and Mombasa. In addition, they provide flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar because they code share with Regional Air of Tanzania. Amboseli and the Masai Mara are connected to the coastal resorts by Mombasa Air Safari set up on the coast. Based at Wilson Airport as well, Safarilink connects the parks and departs from Nairobi with stops in Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Parks, Lewa Downs (for the Laikipia Plateau), Samburu, and Lamu along the coast. Kenya’s newest “no frills” airline, Fly 540 operates flights from Nairobi to Eldoret, Kitale, Kisumu, Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa, and the lodges in the Masai Mara; it also travels to Entebbe, Uganda, and Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar in Tanzania.
Boskovic Air Charters is the ideal charter airline if you’re going to less-frequented parks or just want to fly when you want. However, certain lodges and safari operators may have their own favoured charter provider. Renting an aircraft is pricey, and it’s definitely only worth it if you can fit your whole family or group of friends inside. You can store extra luggage at Nairobi hotels for a small price, but on some small aircraft flights, the maximum amount of luggage allowed per passenger is 15 kilogrammes (33 lbs). In the unlikely event that internal flights are cancelled or delayed, avoid booking any domestic travel too soon after your departure from Kenya.
Travel Kenya by Train
The night time train safari from Nairobi to Mombasa was one of the most well-known and enjoyable rail safari experiences in the world for many years. Furthermore, a large portion of the rolling stock requires replacement or maintenance. Even yet, the 530 km (330 mile) night time trip—which is supposed to take 13 hours—often takes much longer. In the worst cases, locals have been known to get off the train and board a bus to complete their journey. Nevertheless, the service is still in operation. If you can tolerate the inconvenience, you should consider first class, which costs around $65 per person and has two-bed compartments with breakfast and dinner in the restaurant car. Tickets can be purchased at the Mombasa and Nairobi train stations, or they can be reserved through neighbourhood travel agents. The remaining railroads in the nation are only used for freight.
Travel by Buses
Bus travel is the most economical and convenient option if you’re on a tight budget. The main towns are connected by big buses and matatus that travel throughout the nation. Extended links connect Nairobi and Mombasa to neighbouring Tanzanian and Ugandan cities. Although some of the cars are rather old and can be driven quite carelessly, new laws have reduced crowding, made sure that all seats have seatbelts, and imposed speed limits on the vehicles. Though petty theft might be an issue, be cautious around bus stations as the vehicles are reasonably efficient and comfortable. Scandinavian Express, a Tanzanian firm, is the best bus company to employ on lengthy travels.
Taxis, Tuk tuk and Boda Boda
You may easily get regular cabs outside hotels and on the street. In the seaside resorts along the coast, tuk-tuks are three-wheeled vehicles with a back seat that can accommodate three passengers and are used for short trips. Boda-bodas, which translate to “border-border,” are bicycle taxis with one seat positioned over the back tyre that were once used to transport people across no-man’s land in the border cities of East Africa. For short distances, these are inexpensive and entertaining, but you have to hold on tight. Before leaving, rates for all of these should be discussed.
Travelling by Car
We advise against driving in Kenya unless you are well-versed in African driving customs, possess a strong sense of intuition when it comes to driving, have a keen sense of map reading, and can navigate nearly instinctively. In the rainy seasons, when these roads frequently become impassable, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is important because many of the roads in rural areas, parks, and reserves are not paved. Apart from the bone-rattling thrill of speeding over dirt paths in varying levels of repair and potholed roadways, you need be cautious when driving in Kenya. Both traffic fatalities and accidents happen often. Being on the road can be rather frightening because overtaking is incredibly dangerous.
