Overview
Kenya is a country in Africa according to softwareleverage. Kenya is a country of awe-inspiring beauty, reflected in the blue-green colors of the Indian Ocean that borders Kenya to the east, or in the enchanting flora of Mount Kenya. Kenya is a safari lover’s dream. The Kenyan wildlife parks of Amboseli, Masai Mara, Samburu and Tsavo are particularly famous, where countless animal species can be observed in the acacia-covered savannah. Kenya’s national parks and reserves cover a tenth of the country’s area and consist of desert, grasslands and dense mountain forests. The people of Kenya are also fascinating. Around 40 different tribes live here, including the Kikuyu, the Luo and the proud, red-clad Maasai, who are still semi-nomads today and herd cattle along the southern border. On the mild Swahili coast, African and Asian cultures mix, a result of centuries-old trade relations. Romantic dhows (sailing boats) can still be seen cruising the waters today.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Kenya’s national airline Kenya Airways (KQ) offers direct connections to Nairobi from Geneva and Paris and together with KLM (KL) flight connections via Amsterdam from Frankfurt/M., Vienna and Zurich. Lufthansa (LH) offers non-stop connections to Nairobi several times a week from Frankfurt/M. and Swiss (LX) from Zurich and Austrian Airlines (OS) in cooperation with Swiss (LX) from Vienna via Zurich. Condor (DE) flies from Frankfurt/M. non-stop to Mombasa.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Nairobi: 8 hrs; Zurich – Nairobi: 7 hours 45 minutes; Vienna – Nairobi: 9 hrs 35 mins (with stopover); Frankfurt/M. – Mombasa: 8 hrs 40 mins
airpasses
With the Kenya Airways (KQ) Flight Pass, flights can be purchased in advance at a low price and booked later at this price. With the exception of Europe, the Flight Pass is valid on all Kenya Airways flights worldwide.
Departure fee
None. The airport tax is included in the ticket price.
Arrival by car
Kenya can be reached by land from Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia. However, some streets should be avoided because of the uncertain political situation. It is best to inquire about the current situation at the consular representation before you travel. There is an all-weather road to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). The main border crossings from Tanzania are Namanga and Lunga Lunga; The Isebania and Taveta border crossings are slightly smaller. Bus: The Riverside Shuttle bus company runs regular services between Kenya and Tanzania. Toll: There are no toll roads. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license must be carried.
Arrival by ship
The most important port in Kenya and at the same time in all of East Africa is Mombasa. Cruise ships also dock here.
Cruise ships
The Phoenix shipping company also calls at Mombasa on its Africa cruises that start in Europe.
Transportation
warning
The Federal Foreign Office advises traveling in a car to the northern parts of Kenya and to the coastal region north of Malindi to travel in a guarded convoy. The safest way to travel to these areas is by plane.
Traveling by plane
Kenya Airways (KQ) offers scheduled flights from Nairobi to Kisumu (on Lake Victoria), Lamu and Malindi, among others. AirKenya (P2) flies regularly from Nairobi to Amboseli, Lamu, Malindi, Maasai-Mara North, Lewa Downs, Nanyuki, Meru, Samburu and Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), among others. Mombasa Air Safari connects Mombasa, Diani Beach and Malindi with Nairobi, Amboseli and Masai Mara, among others. Safarilink flies regularly between Nairobi and the popular safari destinations of Amboseli, Tsavo, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Lewa, Samburu, Lamu and Kilimanjaro. Fly540 (5H) offer regular services between Nairobi, Malindi and Kiwayu, among others. Round trips to the national parks and the coast are also offered. Airplanes can also be rented.
Traveling by car/bus
Kenya has a well-developed motorway network. The A104 runs from the Uganda border via Nairobi to the Tanzania border. The A109 connects Mombasa with Nairobi. The A2 runs north from Nairobi to the Ethiopian border and the A1 runs from the South Sudanese border through western Kenya to the Tanzanian border. Tolls: There are no toll roads in Kenya. Petrol stations are usually found on larger streets and are usually open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; some 24/7. On longer journeys and in rural areas, it is advisable to carry spare petrol cans. Tours and Safaris:
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
All main roads are paved, secondary roads are constantly being improved, especially in the northwest. In large parts of the north, the road network is not particularly good. Especially in April and May, during the main rainy season, you should only drive on side roads with four-wheel drive if possible.
Road classification
The road network in Kenya consists of the following road types, each identified by a letter and a number, where – international trunk roads begin with A; – national trunk roads with B; – primary roads with C; – secondary roads with D and – secondary roads with E.
Car rental
In Mombasa and Nairobi there are various car rental companies at the airport and in the city. Drivers must be at least 18 years old (may vary depending on vehicle category) and have held their driving license for at least one year. A young driver fee may be charged locally for drivers under the age of 25. Some car rental companies state a maximum age of 70 years. In larger cities, some travel agencies can also rent cars with or without a driver. The main thing to do here is compare the mileage allowances of the individual companies and only consider vehicles with four-wheel drive.
Taxi
In the cities, taxis are widely available. In addition, shared taxis, so-called Matatus; these are minibuses that operate on set routes and can carry up to 16 people.
Coach
Buses and minibuses (matatu) run by private companies run long and short distances, connecting most cities. The Nairobi-Mombasa route (journey time: 10-15 hours) is served by several lines, including Coast Bus. There are also good connections to western Kenya, such as Easy Coach to Kisumu on Lake Victoria.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – left-hand traffic; nevertheless, even in the roundabout “right before left” applies. – The dipped headlights must also be switched on during the day. – It is mandatory to take a second warning triangle with you. – Motorcyclists and passengers are required to wear helmets and high-visibility vests. – Alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 60 km/h; – on rural roads: 100 km/h; – on motorways: 120 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; for vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (89) 22 22 22, for illnesses: +49 (89) 76 76 76. The ADAC partner club is the Automobile Association of Kenya (AAK) in Nairobi, Tel. +254 (20) 261 23 00
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license must be carried.
Traveling in the city
Nairobi has a well-functioning bus network. Tickets are bought from the conductor. There are also minibuses (matatu) that are often very overloaded. Taxis are plentiful and can mainly be found in the streets around hotels and tourist areas. For example, Kenatco is a reliable taxi company. Kenyan taxis are not metered; the fare should therefore be negotiated in advance. The taxis are either identifiable by a yellow stripe or they are black. Taxis with drivers can also be hired, preferably on the recommendation of a hotel or travel company. Auto rickshaws or tuk-tuks are also available for hire for transportation.
Locally on the way by train
Kenya Railways is Kenya’s national railway company, operating the twice daily Madaraka Express Train between Nairobi and Mombasa (journey time: 5-6 hours). The only other Kenyan railway line is the Uganda Railway, which runs from Mombasa via Nairobi to Kampala (Uganda).
Traveling by ship
Ferry traffic exists, inter alia, between Mombasa and Likoni and between Mokowe and Lamu (overcrowded ferries). More details from local authorities and tour operators. You can also rent a traditional Kenyan sailing ship (dhow) in Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu. For this type of trip, you should take sufficient water and food supplies with you. There are anchorages at Mtwapa, Kilifi, Mnarani and Lamu, among others. River cruises on the Nile are more luxurious.
