Hi there,
If you are planning to come to Kenya, here are some tips to getting around
I'll let you know on what to expect when you're here and ways to make the most of every minute of your visit to Kenya.
1.Transport :
-Taxis:
Taxis are very expensive here, but the good thing about it is that you get dropped at the exact place you want to be and are much safer in terms of abiding to speed limits.
They don't use taximeters here so they give you the most expensive price based on how you look, if you seem clueless about where you are going even if its close they charge you a lot and can circle around the place before they drop you just to give you the idea that its far. Yeah they can be that sneaky.
*Use Google maps to find the place and how far it is.
-Public transport:
In Nairobi it's either the "matatu" (minibus) or the local city bus, both are good but the city buses are much cleaner, more organized and have particular bus stops. As for matatus, they are more likely to be used for commuting through shorter distances.
They stop and pick up passengers anywhere but they do have impatient drivers so you'll need to to be really quick when getting on and off. Although they take the exact amount of seats it's way too cramped on account of the fact that the seats are way too small.
Although, the inexpensive price will make up for these inconveniences.
*Traffic jams are very common in Nairobi, make sure to avoid getting caught up in them, they usually happen between 5-7 pm.
-Tuktuk/Rickshaw:
Tuktuks, better known as rickshaws are available everywhere around Mombasa and can take you anywhere. They are a lot cheaper than the taxi
* They cost 50/km (about 0.5 US $).
2.Internet:
If you are staying for a month or 2 you might have to consider using a 3G modem.
There are 3 mobile companies that offer unlimited 3G internet access for 3000 Shillings (33.24 US $) plus 1000 Shillings to buy the USB modem.
I recommend Orange or Airtel,these two companies has the best coverage but to make sure you could ask customer services if the place you live in receives good 3G coverage from their company.
* There is of course, the WiFi available in many coffee shops,r estaurants and hotels that you're staying.
3.Money:
Ok if you have a visa card that’s great, most supermarkets and restaurants accept it. But you would probably want to carry some pocket money for daily usage for taxis and small purchases or meals at street restaurant.
To be safe from pick pockets and stealing is to carry your cash money inside your phone. It's service provided by Safaricom mobile company (m-pesa) and Airtel mobile company (airtel money) to allow you transfer,deposit and withdraw money and even pay bills with your mobile device from m-pesa agent vendors which are located everywhere around, basically you can't walk a mile without finding one or two.You will be amazed how easy and convenient the process is.
4.Food:
Don't miss your chance to try the Kenyan cuisine, as it consists of a wide range of foods which are not only traditionally Kenyan but also of Indian and Arabic origin. Delicious exotic oriental spices and recipes interlaced with the fresh earth African meats,fruits and vegetables.
You can choose either the fancy places to eat or you can have a nice meal at an ordinary diner. Other options are the street vendors, you can just sit there and enjoy local dishes for very fair prices.
5.Safety:
Things aren't as that bad as the media portraits, just make sure you have a contact with your embassy to get informed when a certain place is to be avoided.
There's actually nothing to worried about, observe the regular safety precautions that you'd usually take in your home country and you'll be fine.
*The only thing that you should worry about the occasional pick pocket and that's easy to avoid.
6.Weather:
The weather is pleasant in Kenya.
We don't actually have four seasons it's ether rainy or dry and the usual heat. Dont forget to carry your sunglasses and sunscreen and an umbrella just in case it rains
*The weather varies in each city but you should expect a lot of heat and sunshine as you head out to the coastal areas even on the rainy season.
Well,that's all I can think of, I hope I covered every aspect that might concern you when you want to come here.
.
Just one last word, don't just stay in your hotel, visit the places recommended by your tour company, walk around, discover the real Kenya and its people
Indulge yourself in the cultural experiences by observing their daily routines. Be sure to interact with the locals to learn from them and exchange your thoughts and ideas on their country and the world outside it. You don't have to know Swahili to get that, there are many diverse cultures and languages spoken out here and everyone gets along perfectly.
Daily Tips:
(i) Having internet packages on your phone for google maps will help you get back to your hotel or you could just call your hotel and have them send a taxi to pick you up.
(ii) Always be aware of your phone and wallet. If you're are a girl make sure to grab a friend or two when you're going out.
(iii) Having a proffesional tour guide will help you get around the place you're at, learn about the different cultures, finding the tourist attractions and destinations. It'll also be easier to get accustomed to the locals.
(iv) Keep your phone in the pocket and enjoy what's around you, there's a lot of great things you might miss out on if you dont.
Oh and don't forget to take the required vaccines and Malaria Medicine before you leave your country.
Be Healthy, be safe and enjoy Kenya.
Meanwhile enjoy those Instagram photos that I took in Nairobi and Mombasa:
Thank you
:)
