Transport within the Country

🚐 Matatus — Kenya's Craziest Buses

Matatus are brightly painted minibuses that serve as the backbone of Kenyan public transport. They run fixed routes but have no fixed schedule — they leave when full. The decoration ranges from Tupac portraits to Marvel motifs, and the sound system rivals any club. For short distances in and around cities, they are the cheapest means of transport (0.30–1€).

Attention: Matatus are notorious for risky driving. For long distances, it is better to opt for regular buses or the SGR train.

🚌 Long-Distance Buses

For long distances (e.g., Nairobi–Mombasa, Nairobi–Kisumu), there are comfortable bus companies:

• Modern Coast — The most comfortable option, air-conditioned, Wi-Fi, onboard toilet
• Easy Coach — Good value for money, reliable
• Tahmeed — Popular for the Nairobi–Mombasa route

Nairobi–Mombasa by bus: approx. 8 hours, 10–20€.

🚂 Madaraka Express (SGR)

Kenya's flagship project: The modern express train connects Nairobi and Mombasa in 5 hours. Air-conditioned, punctual, safe. First class approx. 30 USD, second class approx. 10 USD. The route passes through Tsavo National Park — wildlife included through the train window!

🚙 Safari Vehicles

In the national parks, you need a four-wheel-drive safari vehicle — mostly Toyota Land Cruiser or Land Rover with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing. These are always rented with a guide/driver. Self-drive safaris are possible, but only recommended with 4×4 and experience on unpaved tracks.

🚗 Rental Cars

Driving yourself in Kenya is doable but challenging: left-hand traffic, aggressive driving by other road users, partly unpaved roads. It works well for the coast and Nairobi–Naivasha–Nakuru. For the parks: better with a guide.

• Rental cars from ~40 USD/day (small car), 4×4 from ~80 USD/day
• International driving license recommended
• Left-hand traffic!