Distances in Kenya are pretty long and if you are planning to travel on public transport to certain places, you should be prepared for somewhat long journeys.

There is an array of options to choose from if you want to get around the country. If you want to go on a safari so as to mingle with new people, then public transport is the way to go. Public transport in Kenya is much frequent and reasonably efficient in every town. However, deciding to take a flight at least once maybe worthwhile for the time it saves.

Buses

There are a good number of buses that cover almost the entire country traversing long distances; Mombasa to Western Kenya and to the Northern side of the country. Most of these companies have designated points in major towns where one is able to make reservations in person or via phone (booking and payment). This is a safe method of travel as the Kenyan government has been championing safety of every passenger making it a priority by ensuring the vehicles are fitted with speed governors and random alcohol checks along the highways. 

We also have buses that cover short distances within the city as a more secure alternative to matatus at a comparable cost accommodating between 25 and 50 passengers. Kenya Bus Service (KBS), a government-run company, runs official city buses; and private companies like Citi Hoppa, Double M and Super Metro also traverse the same routes as the matatus.

Matatu

By far the most common mode of public transport in Kenya, matatus are a convenience when travelling within shorter distances. A matatu (shared minibus taxi) is permitted to carry up to 14 passengers at a time. This you might observe however is not always the case especially during “rush hour” when you might find every nook and cranny occupied with some passengers crept up in uncomfortable positions along the journey hoping to occupy a seat whenever someone alights. Given the convenience of short distance travel, its good to note that these PSVs do have some cons to them. Matatus are not always well maintained and some drivers tend to disregard speed limits and other traffic laws which can result in a congested and uncomfortable environment. Competition in the matatu industry is also massive and passengers have to be extra careful with their goods lest they lose them amidst the commotion to fill up the matatu. Due to the risk of pickpockets and the crowded nature of matatus, tourists are frequently discouraged from using them.

The Following are some things to bear in mind if you decide to travel by matatu.

• The minibuses, which adhere to predetermined routes and compete with one another for passengers, connect the majority of locations in and around Nairobi.

• Matatus typically runs as an express service with a single pick-up and drop-off location during peak hours. Other times, they frequently stop several times along the way. You can board at any designated stop and pay the conductor in cash as you do so.

• Prices vary depending on the driver, the environment, and the flow of traffic; costs significantly rise during inclement weather or rush hour.

Flights

Kenya offers access to regular domestic flights mostly run by local airlines and also has feeder services in several smaller airports. The frequency to some feeder airports is seasonal depending on the number of tourists. Some of the areas in Kenya that can easily be accessed via flight include Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kilifi, Kitale, Kisumu, Maasai Mara, Tsavo, Amboseli, Lamu and Malindi. Chartered flights are also available. Some of the finest charter companies are Tropic Air, stationed at Nanyuki airfield, and Boskovic Air Charters centered at Wilson Airport in Nairobi.

Train

Train travel in the country run by Rift Valley Railways Company offers a unique and scenic way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and connect to major cities. We currently have two railway systems in Kenya; the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Meter Gauge Railway (MGR), provide a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation for both locals and tourists.

Get to experience the commuter trains that mostly operate within Nairobi city, or take an adventure with the express or safari trains that traverse between Mombasa and Kisumu. The commuter trains within the city have routes to Eastlands, Kahawa, Kikuyu and Kibera. They are the most affordable, faster and convenient way to be beat the traffic jam during the morning and evening hours. The SGR system offers a choice between two trains between Nairobi and Mombasa i.e the Madaraka Express Train and the Inter-county Train. There is also an SGR link train that transports passengers between Nairobi Central Railway station and Nairobi Terminus.

Other train adventures you should consider taking include;

1. Nanyuki Safari Train: Passenger service train between Nairobi and Nanyuki.

2. Kisumu Safari Train: Passenger service train between Nairobi and Kisumu.

3. Suswa SGR Train: Standard Guage Railway (SGR) trains between Nairobi and Suswa.

Cycling

Kenya is not big on cycling but in the western part of Kenya, where they call them boda boda, it is one of the biggest means of transport among the Luhya community who are dominant in the area. This form of transport is however a challenge to them as a result of the rough terrain, poor road network and weather. The region is always rainy and because of the thick loam soil, boda boda riders find it hard to navigate.

Traditional Taxi

Due to their comfort and privacy, taxis are one of the most popular ways for tourists to travel around Nairobi. Nairobi’s authorized taxis are identified by a yellow stripe. The majority of the city’s street corners are where you can find them, but they also frequently wait outside well-known tourist destinations and upscale hotels. The only option after dark is to take a taxi (or ride-share) and they frequently gather in front of eateries, bars, and nightclubs. Be aware that, despite being more convenient than buses and safer than matatus, taxis can be expensive and poorly maintained. Few have functional meters, so be sure to negotiate a fare before boarding the vehicle. Privately run taxis, like those run by Kenatco, are typically in better shape than individually owned ones and can be reserved online for added convenience.

Ride-Hailing Apps

Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt have quickly established themselves as one of the best ways for tourists to get around the city. They typically charge less than traditional taxis and give tourists greater peace of mind. First of all, ride-share drivers are subject to background checks and are required to keep their cars in a certain condition. Drivers are further motivated to maintain vehicles in good working order, abide by traffic laws, and treat passengers with courtesy and respect because customers review their service. Another aspect of safety for your experience is the capability to update friends and family on your whereabouts and advancement. Finally, rather than having to flag down a cab on the street, you can order a ride at the convenience of your smartphone.

Rent a Car

Another practical choice is to rent a car if you intend to stay in Nairobi for more than a day or two and feel at ease navigating the city’s congested streets. A number of reputable international car rental companies (such as Europcar and Avis) operate from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Drivers must be between the ages of 23 and 25 and possess a valid credit card in their own name, depending on the rental agency. Consider getting a GPS to help you navigate the city since there aren’t many road signs there, and keep in mind that Kenyans drive on the left.

Boda Boda (Motorcycle)

Traversing the path less trodden? A Boda boda will surely come in handy! These two-wheeled taxis fill a gap addressing the problem of poor transport infrastructure helping people reach areas with impassable road networks with ease in both urban and rural areas. Boda bodas also come in handy when in a rush and need to weave through traffic to get to your destination on time.

The sector however faces backlash as it has operated without decorum and decency for a long time. Drivers are not trained in road safety with most not even having a driving license. They are a law unto themselves. This has bred criminal gangs where impunity reigns supreme, especially on the road. Some boda boda riders have been accused of actively participating in or abetting crime. One has to be extra cautious when hailing one. It is commonplace for most locals to maintain connections with one or two riders they can trust to transport them and run their errands so as to avoid engaging with unsuspecting criminals. To be safe, it is advisable to get a boda boda from on of the ride sharing apps if you are a tourist.

Ferry

Ferry services are available for passengers in Mombasa and Kisumu. In Mombasa, ferries serve the Likoni Channel connecting Mombasa Island and the mainland allowing people visit the beach resorts of Diani and Galu. Ferries in Kisumu serve passengers travelling from Migori, Homa Bay and Kisumu through Lake Victoria. Beware that ferries can get crowded and one needs to take care of their belongings. Operations are free for passengers and cyclists, with a small charge for motorists and motorcyclists.

Tuk Tuk

Tuk-tuks (autorickshaws) aren’t widespread in Kenya, but you’ll find them in abundance at the Kenyan Coast. These covered, open-sided three-wheeled vehicles are a great way to get around especially in the coastal heat. Be sure to negotiate the fare with the driver if the tuk tuk you are using wasn’t hailed from an app. You may also find tuk-tuks in other parts of Kenya like Nairobi and Nakuru.

Boat

The beautiful island of Lamu has not only preserved the authentic culture and architecture of days gone by but still to this day has maintained old modes of transport. One needs a short boat ride to access the Island. Transfers can be arranged via your hotel, or you can organize them when you arrive, as there are usually touts and boats on standby at the jetty.

Movement within the town is primarily on foot. The streets of Lamu are nowhere more than eight feet wide and there’s hardly enough room for 2 people to walk next to each other in some of the little alleyways. There are also the estimated 5000 donkeys providing transport for humans and goods, and you’ll often see them being dragged into the shallows for a cool down and a wash. Handcarts are also used for transportation of goods.

Tips For Getting Around Seamlessly

1. Since major cities’ public transportation options are all road based, peak traffic times are a major factor. In order to not get stuck in traffic for several hours, try to avoid traveling during the morning or evening commute.
2. Make sure to bring small bills with you if you decide to take a bus or matatu. If you don’t have the correct fare, you risk paying more than necessary because change is frequently unavailable.
3. Be mindful of your possessions at all times when taking a matatu or bus to prevent pickpockets and thieves.
4. It is frequently less expensive to hire a driver for the day than to pay for each trip separately if you choose to take a taxi and want to make several trips in one day. This should be something that your hotel can set up for you.
5. If you decide to rent a car, be sure to keep your doors locked and your windows down while driving through the city, especially at night. Also, never leave valuables on display when you park.
6. Stick to the main streets and avoid carrying bulky cameras or wearing flashy jewelry if you decide to explore the city on foot. In Nairobi, we advise against taking a nighttime solo stroll. Taking a guided tour that includes transfers to and from your hotel is an alternative to using any of the above-mentioned modes of transportation to visit attractions.

The world’s largest floating University, World Odyssey, docked at the Port of Mombasa on Friday, February 9, marking its third visit to the Coastal city.

Popular by its nickname, “Semester at Sea,” the World’s Odyssey, which operates an academic voyage for students, will spend six days on Kenya’s coastline.

Odyssey, which docked with 763 passengers on board, 585 of whom are students, MV World Odyssey charges Ksh6 million per semester. 

“The students will visit institutions of higher learning for educational tours, conduct excursions around the city, and visit various wildlife parks during their stay,” stated the Kenya Ports Authority while announcing its arrival.

Odyssey has a similar feel to a college or university and is designed to accommodate approximately 800 participants. It carries students around the world learning the histories of the countries they visit.

“The students are of mixed nationalities with one Kenyan student aboard. She sailed from India and will be visiting Mauritius as the next port of call,” KPA added.

Just like other institutions of higher learning, the ship has reception and administrative offices, where there is a welcoming reception desk area with around-the-clock crew presence as well as the Semester at Sea field program and administrative staff.

It has nine classrooms, each with state-of-the-art technology to support learning plus a fitness space including an indoor gym.

Outside features include a spacious sun deck for recreational activities, including a basketball and a volleyball court. It also has a pool where passengers can enjoy swimming.

According to KPA, the floating campus had an extensive visit to the country calling the port last year and in 2022.

“Port of Mombasa has recorded an increase in cruise vessel calls pointing to improved connectivity of the port and a hub for cruise tourism in Africa,” the ports authority stated.

“Last week, the Port once again hosted; MSC Poesia one of the biggest cruise vessels to have called the port.”

MV Norwegian Dawn, operated by the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), docked at the Port of Mombasa on Sunday with more than 2,200 passengers from 54 nationalities on board; the largest cruise ship to ever dock at the facility in the recent years.

Receiving the visitors on Sunday at the Kenya Ports Authority Cruise Terminal, county tourism executive Mohamed Osman said the vessel’s arrival marks a significant milestone for tourism in Mombasa County as it showcases its emergence as a premier destination in East Africa.

The MV Norwegian Dawn is the longest cruise liner of this season.

It boasts the largest suites at sea, spanning up to 6,693 square feet, the Garden Villas feature king or queen-size beds, separate living and dining areas, luxury baths and private balconies, all complemented by certified butler and concierge services.

Measuring 294 meters in length, it accommodates 2,340 guests and operates with a crew of 1,032 members.

The vessel was skillfully guided to berth number one by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Ruto.

The over 2,000 passengers who disembarked Sunday morning will enjoy a series of captivating excursions along the Kenyan coast, exploring pristine white sandy beaches and national parks.

Captain Ruto highlighted KPA’s commitment to fostering cruise tourism through strategic infrastructure investments, aimed at establishing the Port of Mombasa as a pivotal hub for cruise enthusiasts. He also confirmed that the anticipation is already building for the arrival of yet another cruise ship next month, solidifying Mombasa’s growing importance in the global cruise tourism landscape.

From supernatural stories to cultural legends, every UNESCO World Heritage Site has a tale to tell. As of September 2023, there are a total of 1,199 World Heritage Sites located across 168 countries, of which 933 are cultural, 227 are natural, and 39 are mixed properties.

The idea for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage list grew out of a project to rescue the monuments of Nubia, which include Abu Simbel, the site of two temples carved into a sandstone cliff in the Nubian Valley in Egypt in the 13th century B.C. In the 1950s, local engineers planned to build a dam along a portion of the Nile River to control flooding and generate electricity.

However, the dam would have flooded the valley and submerged hundreds of ancient monuments, so the Egyptian and Sudanese governments turned to UNESCO for help. The resulting project, during which Abu Simbel was moved, in pieces, up to a higher altitude, helped spark the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which set up the heritage list.

The list seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. Here are the 7 Must-See UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya to check off your bucket list.

Four (4) Cultural World Heritage Sites

Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests (2008)

The Mijikenda Kaya Forests consist of 10 separate forest sites spread over some 200 km along the coast containing the remains of numerous fortified villages, known as kayas, of the Mijikenda people. The kayas, created as of the 16th century but abandoned by the 1940s, are now regarded as the abodes of ancestors and are revered as sacred sites and, as such, are maintained as by councils of elders. The site is inscribed as bearing unique testimony to a cultural tradition and for its direct link to a living tradition.

Fort Jesus, Mombasa (2011)

Fort Jesus, undoubtedly Mombasa’s most popular tourist attraction, is a monumental piece of architecture built in the 16th century from 1593-1596 by the Portuguese. Sitting on the edge of a coral ridge overlooking the entrance to the old port of Mombasa, the Fortress which was built to protect the Portuguese trade route to India as well as their vested interests in East Africa is now turned Museum, declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2011 and one of the finest examples of 16th century Portuguese military architecture.

Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site (2018)

Located northwest of the town of Migori in the Lake Victoria region, this dry-stone fortified settlement was probably built in the 16th ^century  CE. The Ohinga,  (a form of settlement or enclosure), appears to have served to ensure the security of communities and livestock, but also defined social units and relationships associated with systems based on lineage. Thimlich Ohinga is the largest and best preserved traditional enclosure in existence. It is an exceptional example of this tradition of massive dry stone construction, characteristic of the first pastoral communities of the Lake Victoria basin, which continued from the 16th ^century  to the mid-20th ^century  .

Thimlich Ohinga includes the four largest Ohingni, all of which have extensions. The main Ohinga is known as Kochieng, while the others are called Kakuku, Koketch and Koluoch. The dry stone surrounding walls are built in three phases, the interior and exterior sections are built separately, the middle section ensuring their cohesion. The stones were arranged according to an interlocking system which improved the stability of the whole without the aid of mortar or cement. The walls are built with carefully arranged stones of different sizes and without mortar, with a height varying between 1.5 m and 4.5 m and an average thickness of 1 m.

The property today remains a community meeting place where community rituals take place, particularly in times of crisis. 

Lamu Old Town (2001)

The old town of Lamu, which is the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, retains its traditional functions. Built of coral rock and mangrove wood, the city is characterized by the simplicity of its structural forms, enriched by elements such as interior courtyards, verandas and carefully carved wooden doors. The site of major religious celebrations since the 19th ^century , Lamu has become an important center for the study of Islamic and Swahili cultures.

Three (3) World Heritage Sites

Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest (1997, 2013)

Culminating at 5,199 m, Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa. It is an ancient extinct volcano which, during its period of activity (3.1-2.6 million years ago), would have reached 6,500 m. About a dozen glaciers remain on the mountain, all rapidly retreating, and there are four secondary peaks at the heads of U-shaped glacial valleys. With its rugged, glacier-capped peaks and forested mid-slopes, Mount Kenya is one of the most impressive landscapes in East Africa. The evolution and ecology of the Afro-alpine flora of Mount Kenya provides an exceptional example of ecological and biological processes. With the Lewa Wildlife Conservatory and the Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve, the site includes deep, low-slope valleys and arid habitats rich in biodiversity, located in an ecological zone of transition between a mountainous ecosystem and semi-arid savannah grasslands. The place is also on the traditional migration route of African elephant populations.

Lake Turkana National Parks  (1997, 2001)

The saltiest of Africa’s great lakes, Turkana, is an exceptional laboratory for the study of plant and animal communities. The three national parks (Sibiloi National Park, the South Island and Central Island National Parks which cover a total area of ​​161,485 hectares) serve as stopovers for migratory waterbirds and are important breeding areas for the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus and various venomous snakes. The Koobi Fora fossil beds, where many remains of mammals, molluscs and other species are found, have contributed more to the understanding of paleoenvironments than any other site on this continent.

Kenya Lakes System in the Great Rift Valley (2011)

The Kenya Great Rift Valley Lakes System comprises three interconnected, shallow lakes (Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita) which lie in the Rift Valley province of Kenya. Its surface area is 32,034 hectares. The property is home to 13 globally threatened bird species and the diversity of bird species is one of the highest in the world. It is the most important feeding site on the planet for lesser flamingos and an important nesting and feeding site for white pelicans. There are also good-sized populations of mammals, including black rhino, Rothschild’s giraffe, greater kudu, lion, cheetah and wild dog. The site lends itself particularly well to studies of particularly important ecological processes.

Who maintains the World Heritage List?

The list is maintained by the World Heritage Centre, staffed by UNESCO in Paris. The committee which makes decisions about adding sites to the World Heritage List, is made up of representatives from 21 of the State Parties elected on a rotating basis from among the current 195countries that have signed and ratified The World Heritage Convention. The World Heritage Committee meets once a year. It is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties. It has the final say on whether a property is inscribed on the World Heritage List. It examines reports on the state of conservation of inscribed properties and asks States Parties to take action when properties are not being properly managed. It also decides on the inscription or deletion of properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria.

These criteria are explained in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention which, besides the text of the Convention, is the main working tool on World Heritage. The criteria are regularly revised by the Committee to reflect the evolution of the World Heritage concept itself.

Until the end of 2004, World Heritage sites were selected on the basis of six cultural and four natural criteria. With the adoption of the revised Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, only one set of ten criteria exists.