Getting Around Kenya: Transportation Guide

By Air
Kenya Airways runs services to the main cities of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Malindi. It is advisable to book well ahead of your departure date—many sectors, like the Nairobi-Malindi-Mombasa one, are very popular. There are also smaller, private airlines that run services.

Rent a Car
This is definitely a more expensive way of seeing Kenya, but die-hard travelers swear by it. It gives one loads of maneuverability and access to more remote parts. In the main national parks, including Amboseli, Masai Mara and Tsavo, a two-wheel drive is enough to get around, except in the rainy season. Most companies insist on a returnable deposit and some amount of insurance—both Collision Damage Insurance (CDW) and Theft Protection Insurance (TPW). This can cost a pretty penny (anything up to US$700!!!), so be prepared.

If you are bringing in your own car, the best way to avoid time-consuming applications for permits such as the ‘authorisation permit for a foreign private vehicle’ is to get a carnet de passage before you get to Kenya. Please note that large vehicles with foreign number-plates are not permitted into Kenyan national parks/reserves.

By Bus
Buses have three advantages in most of Africa—they are cheaper than trains, they allow one to travel during the day and soak up some local scenery and atmosphere, and they have more flexible timings and routes.. The bus terminal in Nairobi is located at the end of River Rd. There is also the option, in Kenya, of taking a Matatu (a minibus), which can really mean journeys to hell, since they are involved in horrific road accidents. But the truism for traveling holds especially true for Matatus—nothing ventured, nothing gained. These minibuses are unfortunately the only alternative in many cases, and hence indispensable.

By Train
Kenya has an extensive railway system constructed at the turn of the 20th century by the Imperial government amidst intense controversy regarding its usefulness, with the London magazine Truth calling it the ‘lunatic line’. All doubts about its value have been laid to rest in modern-day Kenya—it is a widely used mode of travel. Kenyan trains are generally on time and have a choice of three classes. First class travel is recommended for long journeys, and if you are tired/irritable/travel weary. First and second-class travel needs to be booked.

The most popular routes run from Nairobi to Kisumu, Malaba on the Ugandan border and to Mombasa.

By Boat
Sailing by ‘dhow’ is an experience not to be missed when in Kenya. Don’t do it if you intend to get anywhere in a hurry. On the other hand, if you are looking for that lazy, drifting boat ride experience, with nothing above you except a blue sky or the stars at night, the message is loud and clear—"GO BY DHOW"! If you are lucky, you may even be treated to an impromptu meal of grilled fish on the dhow, but generally it is a good idea to take drinking water and some food with you. Dhows can be boarded from Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu.