From the airport to the city centre Kenya
Nairobi's Jomo-Kenyatta International Airport is located 15 kilometers from the city center. If you have the means to travel within Kenya, flying is the ideal solution. Indeed, between a six-hour chaotic and dusty drive and a one-hour flight, the choice is quickly made. From Wilson Airport, located near the Karen district, about 3 km south of the city center, Air Kenya offers several daily flights to Diani, Malindi, Nanyuki, Lamu, as well as the parks and reserves of Samburu, Maasai Mara and Amboseli. There are also charter companies that fly to all the parks in the country in small twin-engine planes. If there are several of you, the prices are low. They are also based at Wilson Airport. Safarilink serves several cities and all the major national parks. Other companies, classified as low cost, offer daily flights to all cities in the country
In Nairobi, to get to the city center from Jomo-Kenyatta International Airport, allow between 20 minutes and one hour by car, depending on traffic. The easiest way is to take one of the many cabs waiting outside the terminals. The fares are relatively high; you can reach the city center during the day for 1,500-1800 Ksh, and between 2,000 and 2,500 Ksh for the outlying areas. Another cheap and convenient option is the KBS (Kenya Bus Service) shuttle bus (bus number 34), which stops in front of the Ambassador Hotel on Moi Avenue. By cab, from Wilson Airport, the price will be between 1,000 and 1,500 Ksh. Uber fares will be lower.
Arrival by train Kenya
Kenya's railway network dates back to colonial times, and has never really been maintained since independence, so the lines are generally abandoned, when they are not reserved for the rare transport of goods. With the exception of the new train line linking Nairobi to Mombasa, inaugurated in May 2017, which now replaces the railway line built by the British over 100 years ago. The "Madaraka Express" is the successor to the "Lunatic express". The journey between the two cities is now done in 5 hours (instead of 15 hours before), the morning train stops at all stations, those of the afternoon and evening are direct. This new train is the first step in a vast railway project that will link Uganda and Rwanda, and eventually Ethiopia and South Sudan
Public transport Kenya
This is the cheapest way to travel. All major cities in the country are connected by various bus companies and a multitude of matatus (minibuses). Bus trips are generally a little longer than matatu trips, but are known to be safer. In both cases, you will have to be courageous, because some of the buses can go at very high speeds. Some bus companies have set a speed limit of 80 km/h to reduce the risk of accidents and to preserve their reputation. To use a bus or matatu, simply go to the bus station in each city and get on the vehicle corresponding to your destination. The destination is usually displayed on a sign on the roof of the matatu. Departure times, and especially arrival times, vary greatly. The matatus leave when they are full (14 passengers)
Bike, scooters & co Kenya
Don't rely on bicycles or scooters to get around town. Instead, boda-boda or piki-piki, Kenya's motorcycle cabs, have invaded the country. In the city, as in the countryside, this means of transport competes with the matatus. It is very practical if you want to avoid traffic jams and for short distances. The drivers are generally careful and can even drive you across the tracks, but it is not compulsory to wear a helmet, so it is better not to be too careful about safety. Some travelers who go to Kenya for a long stay invest in a motorcycle upon arrival (US$1,000 for a basic Honda) and sell it upon departure. This is an attractive option for lovers of absolute freedom, provided that they skip the national parks and are experienced drivers, used to African driving and well insured. For cyclists, there is the Karura Forest in Nairobi, the Limuru area with its incredible views of the tea plantations, Diani, Malindi and Watamu, a good way to explore the coast, and Naivasha, where many lodges offer mountain bike rentals to explore the Hells Gate National Park. Cyclists can even consider a multi-day mountain bike safari; some local agencies offer eco-safaris on foot, bike or horseback, another way to discover Kenya, off the beaten track, in total freedom and taking time to discover and meet people.
With a driver Kenya
Convenient for driving in and around the big cities. Prices are quite high, but drivers are generally honest and do not try to rip you off. There are no meters in the vehicles, so agree on the fare before you get in. There are several cab companies. The safest, most comfortable and most expensive, of course, are the cabs you will find right in front of the big hotels. You will certainly be solicited by many unofficial cabs that are much cheaper, so don't be fussy about the condition of the vehicle, be sure of your destination, and be sure to set the fare before you get in. Uber has also entered the Kenyan market, and in Nairobi it works very well! For this, it is essential to have a phone with a local chip
By car Kenya
A car is the most convenient and enjoyable way to see Kenya, but also the most expensive. You have a lot of freedom of movement, which is absolutely not the case when you travel in a group. However, if you opt for this solution, you must expect certain constraints and fulfill some conditions. If you meet them, you can go on your own and you won't regret it. However, if all this scares you, but you still want to visit Kenya alone, you have the option of renting a vehicle with a driver. All rental companies offer this solution. Of course, you will not be alone in the middle of the savannah, but your driver will generally know the main routes of the country well and, in case of a mechanical problem, you will be happy to have him at your side. Moreover, the state of the roads and the way Kenyans drive require a certain sense of anticipation and good reflexes, not to mention the gigantic traffic jams in Nairobi, which are a joy for street vendors, but less so for drivers whose minds can be put to the test when they are not used to it.
