Kenya is well connected with Europe, the Middle East, Africa and an increasing number of direct flights from Asia. Most visitors will arrive at Nairobi and some at Mombassa.
Jomo Kenya Airport (NBO) is about 17 kilometres south east of Nairobi city centre. Moi International Airport (MBA) is about 12 kilometres from Mombassa city centre. It is advisable to have pre booked your transport into the city, but if not taxis are available at both airports.
Getting around Kenya
Air
Kenya has a good network of domestic flights, with carriers including Kenya Airways, Air Kenya and British Airways. Regular flights connect the major cites and in many cases fly direct to the lodges in the national parks. 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).
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.
Matatu
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.
Rail
Kenya has a railway connection between Nairobi- Mombassa and Nairobi-Kisumu. Railway Stations, Mombassa Railway Station (312220), Nairobi Railway Station (221211). Th overnight train between Nairobi and Mombassa is a popular way to travel to the coast and the trains leave at 7pm each night in either direction..
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.
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.
Airline Offices
Air India
31 33 00
Air Kenya
60 57 45
Air Seychelles
22 93 59
British Airways
27 70 00
Egypt Air
22 68 21
El Al Israel Airlines
82 21 98
Emirates
21 19 00
Ethiopian Airlines
21 75 58
Gulf Air
21 44 41
Kenya Airlines
82 20 00
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
07 47 47
South African Airlines
22 96 63
Swiss International Airlines
74 40 45
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