Getting Around Kenya

Rail & Bus

Rail is an option for getting around on your Kenya safari, but only for the more adventurous-minded and if you're on a flexible schedule as it can be unreliable. Passenger services run from Mombassa to Malaba via Voi, Nairobi, Nakuru and Eldoret. It is essential to book tickets two to three days in advance.

Kenya has a good network of buses, as well as matatus (minibuses) and share-taxis, but none are very safe as drivers tend to overload and speed, and horrific accidents occur regularly.

Private 18-seater buses offer shuttle services connecting Nairobi and Mombasa with Arusha and Moshi in Tanzania, which are more expensive, but more comfortable and safer.

Roads

There are 63,800 km of highways in Kenya, 8 863 km of which are paved. Roads are generally okay, but have deteriorated and some stretches are very unsafe.

High speed and unpredictable local driving habits are daily hazards on Kenyan roads. Roads in the north and northeast are predominantly dirt roads and in the rainy season are only navigable by four-wheel drive vehicles.

Your national driving license is accepted, with an English translation if necessary. Driving is on the left side of the road. As fuel shortages can occur, it is best to fill your tanks before leaving a major town.

Border Posts

The major crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania is at Namanga, which is open 24 hours a day. Other crossings include Lunga Lunga and Taveta. The Ethiopian border post of Moyale is becoming increasingly dangerous because of the regional conflict.The border was closed for a while but has now reopened.

For those with four-wheel drive vehicles, a more adventurous route to the west near Lake Turkana is quite popular. Ask the locals for advice before trying this route. There is no border post on either side of the border crossing so you'll have to get your visa stamped in Nairobi.

Malaba and Busimia are the main Ugandan border posts. At present there are no overland crossings with Somalia and Sudan as it is not safe to cross unless part of a refugee convoy.

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