| Kenya Air Transport
Kenya has a good network of domestic flights, with carriers including Kenya Airways (020 32074747); Air Kenya (020 601727); Mombassa Air Safari (041 433061) and Safarilink(020 600777). Regular flights connect the major cites and in many cases fly direct to the lodges in the national parks. A flight to Masai Mara for example is not just one stop and may involve many as the plane drops passengers off at different lodges.
Chartering your own aircraft is easy and an option to avoid long drives. Most charter companies will charge a set rate for a journey, regardless of the number of passengers. The main domestic airport for charters and transfer to game parks is Wilson Airport (501943) located on Langata Road. Luggage on local flights out of Wilson airport is restricted by weight due to the small planes used.
The main air charter companies are:
African Sky Charters (020 601468)
Air Adventures (020 884258)
East African Air Charters (020
603858)
Lamu Air Charters (042 633475)
Mombassa Air Safari (041 433061)
Safarilink Aviation (020 600039)
Tropic Air Helicopters (062 32890)
Phoenix Aviation (020 606425)
Kenya Buses
Within Nairobi and Mombassa buses operate on set routes and schedules throughout the city and suburban streets. Buses can be boarded at any stop and tickets purchased on board. Buses also regularly run between most cities and towns. There are several bus companies with extensive inter-country networks. Buses also run into Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Buses are an inexpensive way to travel the country, but carry some risk due to overcrowding and speeding. Most of the Kenya Bus offices are found at River Road. Akamba (020 222027) has the most extensive network and reasonable safety record. The alternative KBS (020 229707) is owned by the Government tends to be cheaper but buses are older.
Kenya Cycling
Long distance cycling is done in Kenya but the roads are hazardous. Off road mountain biking is possible. Hell's Gate National Park in Naivasha is a popular place to cycle and bikes can be hired locally to use in the park. Kenya Driving
Hiring a car is easy and all you need is an international drivers license or for most countries your national licence. UK drivers should bring both their licence and the paper counterfoil. Driving is on the left and kilometres are used for distance marking. Driving at night is not recommended due to the high risk of accident or potential road crimes. The maximum speed on open roads is 110 kph and 50 kph in urban areas. Seatbelts must be worn by all persons and driving licence carried. The police enforce traffic laws and are active on the highways. Kenya Matatus and shared taxis
The most popular form of public transport in Kenya is the Matatu, which is a minibus. Matatus operate on set routes and passengers board and alight whenever and wherever they choose. Matatus are cheap but potentially dangerous due to speeding and poor driving. The Government is enforcing speed and passenger numbers to increase safety but accidents do occur too often for comfort. Matatus for up country depart from Accra River.
A faster alternative to the matatu for travelling around are the Peugeot shared taxis which operate on a number of routes and cost more than the matatu. One of the larger companies is Crossland Services (020 245377) that operate from the Accra River area.
Kenya Taxis
Taxis are a safe and convenient method to travel around Nairobi. Only use a licensed taxi, distinguished by the yellow band on each side. Taxis do not use meters so do fix the price before you start. In Nairobi and Mombassa several taxi companies can be called by telephone (Kenataco 225123; Jatco 4444714; ). In Kisumu cycle rickshaws are found.
 Geff Cabs |
geffkiromo@yahoo.com |
A small specialist taxi company offering good value airport transfers, taxi service and excursions in Nairobi. Mobile 0722 520 836. PO Box 76050-0058, Nairobi . |
Kenya Safari Tours
Most tourists will travel in safari vehicles which is either a minibus with a roof that lifts up or adapted 4WD vehicles. In the parks the open 4WD drive vehicles offer good viewing experiences.
Kenya Trains
A passenger rail service operates between Nairobi and Mombassa . The overnight train from Nairobi to Mombassa leaves on Monday,Wednesday and Friday at 7pm and from Mombassa to Nairobi on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday also at 7pm.and arrives between about 8am and 10am.
A luxury train that takes two days is run by East African Steam Safaris and uses the the original Beyer Garrat train and has accommodation for just 48 passengers. The railway was completed in 1903 and had a troubled construction earning it the nickname "the lunatic line". Mombassa Railway Station (312220); Nairobi Railway Station (221211)
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