After exploring Kenya’s magnificent wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant coastal regions in our previous articles, it’s time to address the practical aspects that will make your Kenyan adventure smooth and enjoyable. At Wazimba Travel, we believe that understanding the nuts and bolts of Kenyan travel enhances your experience, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories rather than worrying about logistics.
Getting Around Kenya: Your Transportation Options
Kenya offers diverse transportation options to suit different travel styles, budgets, and itineraries. Here’s our insider’s guide to navigating this beautiful country:
Domestic and Charter Flights: The Time-Saver’s Choice
For travelers with limited time or those wishing to maximize their safari and beach experiences, Kenya’s extensive domestic flight network proves invaluable. Airlines like Kenya Airways, Safarilink, AirKenya, and Jambojet connect major destinations with regular scheduled services.
From Nairobi, you can reach most safari destinations in under two hours, allowing you to wake up in the city and enjoy lunch overlooking the Masai Mara! Similarly, coastal airports in Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, and Ukunda (for Diani Beach) make beach extensions effortless.
For the ultimate convenience, Wazimba Travel also arranges private charter flights directly to airstrips not serviced by regular domestic flights. These charters allow you to reach remote locations without stopovers, maximizing your time in Kenya’s most spectacular wilderness areas. While more expensive than scheduled flights, charters offer unmatched flexibility for families or small groups wanting to customize their travel schedule or avoid connection waits.
Wazimba Travel Tip: Book domestic flights well in advance, particularly during high season (July-September and December-January), as these small aircraft have limited seating. Our team handles all these arrangements, ensuring seamless connections between destinations.
The aerial perspective also provides breathtaking views of Kenya’s landscapes—keep your camera handy for shots of snowcapped Mt. Kenya, the Great Rift Valley, or the patchwork of savannah dotted with wildlife. These “sky safaris” become part of the adventure rather than mere transportation.
The Madaraka Express: Kenya’s Railway Renaissance
The Standard Gauge Railway between Nairobi and Mombasa, known as the Madaraka Express, has revolutionized travel between Kenya’s capital and coast. This comfortable, modern train service covers the journey in approximately 4.5 hours—significantly faster than road travel.
First-class cabins offer comfortable seating and panoramic windows perfect for watching the landscape transform from the central highlands through Tsavo National Park (keep your eyes peeled for elephants!) to the coastal plains. The economy class provides exceptional value without sacrificing comfort.
A major advantage of the train service is the strategic location of stations serving major national parks. You can disembark at:
- Emali station for quick access to Amboseli National Park
- Mtito Andei station for Tsavo West National Park
- Voi station for Tsavo East National Park and Salt Lick Lodge
This allows for creative itineraries that reduce road time while maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities. Wazimba Travel coordinates private transfers from these stations directly to your accommodations, creating seamless connections.
Wazimba Travel Tip: We recommend the morning service departing Nairobi at 8:00 AM, which arrives in Mombasa by early afternoon, giving you time to reach your beach accommodation before sunset. The train includes a dining car serving simple meals, though we can also arrange a packed breakfast for early departures.
Road Journeys: The Authentic Experience
While flights save time, road journeys through Kenya offer unmatched opportunities to witness everyday life, visit smaller communities, and make spontaneous stops at viewpoints or markets. Our Wazimba Travel vehicles are comfortable, well-maintained 4x4s with pop-up roofs perfect for wildlife viewing and photography.
For shorter distances between nearby parks (like Amboseli to Tsavo, or Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara), road travel creates meaningful connections with the landscape. Your dedicated Wazimba driver-guide provides fascinating commentary on local culture, wildlife, and geography throughout these journeys.
Popular road routes include:
- The approximately 5-hour journey from Nairobi to Masai Mara, which takes you through the scenic Great Rift Valley with spectacular viewpoints
- The 4-hour drive from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park, offering glimpses of rural Kenyan life and traditional Maasai communities
- The coastal road connecting Mombasa, Diani, Watamu, and Malindi, which winds through small fishing villages and coconut plantations
Wazimba Travel Tip: For any road journey over 3 hours, we build in comfort stops at interesting locations rather than standard rest areas. These might include visits to women’s cooperatives, viewpoints, or small conservation projects, transforming necessary breaks into meaningful experiences.
Getting Around Cities: Urban Transportation
Within Kenya’s cities and towns, several options make exploration easy:
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber operates in Nairobi and Mombasa, providing convenient, fixed-price transportation. Traditional taxis are available throughout Kenya—your Wazimba representative can arrange these for you or recommend trusted drivers.
Private Vehicle Hire: For maximum convenience and flexibility, Wazimba Travel offers private vehicles with professional drivers for city exploration. This option allows you to create your own schedule, avoid waiting for taxis, and enjoy the security of a trusted Wazimba driver familiar with local conditions and attractions.
Tuk-tuks: These three-wheeled vehicles are perfect for short distances in towns like Diani, Malindi, and parts of Mombasa. They’re fun, inexpensive, and able to navigate narrow streets. Just agree on the price before setting off!
Boda-bodas (Motorcycle Taxis): While popular with locals, we generally don’t recommend motorcycle taxis for visitors due to safety concerns. If you do choose to use them, insist on a helmet and only use them for very short distances on quiet roads.
Walking: Many destinations like Lamu Island, Diani Beach resort areas, and parts of Nairobi (like the Westlands neighborhood) are perfectly suited to exploration on foot. Your Wazimba representative will advise on areas where walking is recommended.
Accommodation: Where to Rest Your Head
Kenya offers lodgings for every preference and budget, from world-class luxury lodges to intimate tented camps and family-friendly resorts. Here’s our guide to finding your perfect home away from home:
Safari Accommodations
Luxury Lodges: These permanent structures offer the highest levels of comfort and amenities, including spacious rooms, swimming pools, spa services, and gourmet dining. They’re ideal for travelers seeking refinement alongside wilderness experiences. Our favorites include Angama Mara overlooking the Masai Mara and Elsa’s Kopje in Meru National Park.
Tented Camps: Don’t let the word “tent” fool you! Kenya’s tented camps range from comfortable to utterly luxurious, all while maintaining a closer connection to nature. Fall asleep to the sounds of the African night and wake to views impossible from conventional buildings. We particularly love the mobile camps that follow the Great Migration, positioning you perfectly for wildlife action.
Budget and Mid-Range Options: Quality safari experiences aren’t limited to luxury budgets. Wazimba Travel works with excellent mid-range lodgings and basic camps that focus resources on what truly matters—location, guides, and wildlife experiences—while providing clean, comfortable accommodations.
Wazimba Travel Tip: Consider splitting your safari stay between different types of accommodation. Perhaps splurge on a luxury lodge for your final two nights after experiencing the adventure of more authentic tented camps earlier in your journey.
Coastal Accommodations
Beach Resorts: From international chains to boutique properties, Kenya’s coast offers a wide range of full-service resorts, many with all-inclusive options that make budgeting simpler. These typically feature multiple restaurants, swimming pools, and organized activities.
Boutique Hotels: For travelers seeking more character and personalized service, Kenya’s coast boasts charming smaller hotels, often in historic buildings or set in lush tropical gardens. These properties typically offer more authentic experiences and opportunities to connect with local culture.
Private Villas and Apartments: Families or groups traveling together might prefer the space and flexibility of rented villas, particularly in Diani Beach and Watamu. Many come with staff to handle cooking and cleaning, creating a home-away-from-home experience.
Homestays: In places like Lamu Island, local family homestays provide unparalleled cultural immersion. While facilities may be simpler, the warmth of Kenyan hospitality and authentic insights into daily life more than compensate.
Wazimba Travel Tip: Coastal accommodation prices vary significantly by season. Consider traveling during “shoulder seasons” (May-June or November) when you’ll find excellent value and fewer crowds while still enjoying good weather most days.
Urban Accommodations
Nairobi offers the full spectrum of international hotels, boutique properties, and guesthouses. We particularly recommend:
Historic Hotels: Properties like Fairmont The Norfolk and Sarova Stanley connect you to Kenya’s colonial past while offering modern amenities.
Boutique Options: Places like Giraffe Manor (where giraffes join you for breakfast!) and Hemingways Nairobi provide unique experiences alongside luxury.
Karen and Langata Areas: These leafy suburbs house some of Nairobi’s most charming accommodations and are conveniently located for attractions like the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Karen Blixen Museum.
Wazimba Travel Tip: Even with limited time in Nairobi, we recommend staying in a property that offers something special rather than a generic international hotel. This sets the tone for your Kenyan adventure from the moment you arrive.
Communication: Staying Connected
Kenya boasts excellent mobile coverage and increasingly widespread internet access:
SIM Cards: Purchasing a local SIM card is simple and inexpensive. Providers like Safaricom offer tourist packages with data, local minutes, and international calling. Your Wazimba representative can assist with this on arrival.
Wi-Fi Access: Most hotels, lodges, and camps offer Wi-Fi, though connection speeds vary. Urban and coastal properties typically provide faster and more reliable connections than remote safari locations.
Offline Preparation: We recommend downloading maps, translation apps, and entertainment before reaching remote areas. Many safari lodges have intentionally limited connectivity to help guests disconnect from technology and connect with nature.
Power Supply: Kenya uses the UK-style three-pin socket (type G). While most accommodations provide adapters, bringing your own ensures you can charge devices from arrival. Portable power banks prove useful during game drives or for overnight stays in remote locations.
Wazimba Travel Tip: Consider a partial “digital detox” during your safari days. Many guests tell us that disconnecting from constant notifications enhances their wildlife experiences, allowing deeper appreciation of Kenya’s natural wonders.
Safety Considerations and Common Scams
Kenya is generally a safe destination for travelers, particularly those on organized tours with reputable companies like Wazimba Travel. Nevertheless, awareness of potential issues helps ensure a trouble-free journey:
General Safety Tips
Urban Areas: Exercise the same caution you would in any major city worldwide. Keep valuables secure, avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics, and use hotel safes for passports and excess cash.
Wildlife Safety: Always follow guide instructions around wild animals. Maintain safe distances and remain inside vehicles during game drives unless your guide specifically indicates it’s safe to exit.
Health Precautions: Follow recommended vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis for your specific itinerary. Use insect repellent, particularly during dawn and dusk hours. Drink bottled or purified water.
Travel Insurance: We consider comprehensive travel insurance absolutely essential. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as quality healthcare may require transportation to Nairobi or even South Africa for serious conditions.
Avoiding Common Scams
While most Kenyans you’ll meet are genuinely friendly and helpful, visitors occasionally encounter scams in tourist areas:
“Free” Guides: Individuals offering unsolicited guiding services often expect payment later. Politely decline unless arranged through your accommodations or Wazimba Travel.
Overpriced Souvenirs: Research approximate prices before shopping and always negotiate good-naturedly. Start around 50% of the initial asking price and work toward a mutually acceptable figure.
Counterfeit Currency: Obtain Kenyan shillings from reputable sources like bank ATMs and official exchange offices. Check larger notes carefully, especially when receiving change.
Unofficial “Fees”: Any official payment should come with a proper receipt. If unsure about requested payments, contact your Wazimba representative before proceeding.
Wazimba Travel Tip: We provide 24/7 support through our local team. Save your representative’s contact information in your phone for immediate assistance with any concerns during your journey.
Responsible Tourism Practices
At Wazimba Travel, we believe in tourism that benefits both visitors and host communities while protecting Kenya’s natural heritage:
Environmental Responsibility:
- Use refillable water bottles (we provide these for all guests)
- Choose reef-safe sunscreens for marine activities
- Properly dispose of waste, including non-biodegradable items like wet wipes and packaging
- Minimize plastic use wherever possible
Cultural Respect:
- Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in rural communities
- Dress modestly when visiting villages or religious sites (we suggest covering shoulders and knees)
- Learn a few Swahili phrases—even simple greetings are greatly appreciated
- Participate in cultural activities with genuine interest and respect
Economic Impact:
- Purchase souvenirs directly from artisans where possible
- Support community tourism initiatives that return benefits to local residents
- Recognize that fair prices support sustainable livelihoods rather than seeking the absolute lowest cost
Wazimba Travel’s community partnerships ensure that your visit contributes positively to local development while providing you with more meaningful experiences.
Tipping Guidelines and Money Matters
Tipping can feel confusing in unfamiliar cultures. Here’s our straightforward guide for Kenya:
Safari Guides/Drivers: $10-15 per day per guest, given directly at journey’s end Camp/Lodge Staff: $5-10 per day per guest, usually placed in a communal tip box Porters/Luggage Handlers: $1-2 per bag Restaurant Service: 10% when service charge isn’t included Hotel Housekeeping: $1-2 per day
Rather than daily tipping, we suggest accumulating tips to present at the end of your stay at each property or at the conclusion of your time with each guide.
For spending money, Kenya operates primarily as a cash economy outside major establishments. Major currencies (particularly USD, EUR, and GBP) can be exchanged easily, though notes should be recent issues in good condition. ATMs are readily available in cities and larger towns. Credit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at most lodges, hotels, and upscale restaurants.
Wazimba Travel Tip: Keep small denominations of Kenyan shillings handy for incidental purchases like bottled water, small souvenirs, or market snacks. Having the right change facilitates smoother transactions and is appreciated by vendors.
The Wazimba Travel Difference
While this practical information applies throughout Kenya, travelers with Wazimba Travel enjoy additional advantages:
Pre-departure Briefings: Detailed information specific to your unique itinerary, including packing recommendations and any special preparations Airport Assistance: Representatives meeting you upon arrival to handle immigration formalities and transportation, with optional fast-track immigration service available for an additional fee to bypass queues 24/7 Support: Local staff available around the clock to address any concerns Thoughtful Extras: Amenities like mobile phone loans, wildlife checklists, and cultural guidebooks that enhance your experience
From your first inquiry to your departure from Kenyan soil, our team handles the practicalities so you can immerse yourself in the wonder of East Africa’s most diverse destination.
In our next article, we’ll bring everything together with sample itineraries designed to showcase the best of Kenya according to your available time and interests. Until then, pole pole (slowly, slowly) as we say in Kenya—the perfect reminder to savor every moment of your Kenyan journey.
Karibu Kenya—Welcome to Kenya from the Wazimba Travel family!
