How to visit Kenya, the land of Masai Mara and Mount Kenya? Come on guys, we are going to Kenya to visit the Safari country of East Africa that shares its coastline to the Indian Ocean. The Republic of Kenya is named after Mount Kenya. It is the 29th populous and 48th largest country by area. It shares its borders with South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda. Nairobi is Kenya’s largest city and capital. Mombasa and Kisumu are their other prominent cities. Along with Masai Mara, it has a reach to the great Lake Victoria. Besides, Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park, and Lake Nakuru are the other prominent tourist attractions in Kenya.
While Kenya is a safe destination to visit and thousands of travelers go on safari in this country every month. Besides, there is an increasing trend of tourists in Kenya. However, you have to be very careful and vigilant when you are in the CBD area of Capital Nairobi. Unfortunately, bag snatching and pickpocketing are common crimes in the crowded areas of Nairobi. Importantly, all Nairobi is very crowded and you can stuck into people especially at the time of the afternoon.
However, other than the CBD area, you can really be safe. Although, you can use your common sense to locate and avoid a potential threat.
Kenya hasn’t any government-owned public transport system. So, here you can find privately-owned transport options. While these options are limited to matatus ( minibusses, vans), Buses, motorcycles (Boda Bodas), Taxis, and bicycles. Whereas, in some areas, you can find tricycles too. Furthermore, you can take a rail ride from Nairobi to Mombasa while your visit to Kenya.
Nairobi Jomo Kenyata Airport is the main departure and arrival point of Kenya. It is about 15km from the south of the city center. It has two international terminals and one domestic terminal. You can go to the city center by taxi that costs you from 2000/3000 KES. On the other hand, you can take Uber to do this tour for 1000-1200 KES. You can also take Bus34 to reach to city. For any air-related issue, you can consult with the Kenyan Airport Authority Website.
Matatus are used within cities as well as to intercity transportations. Nairobi is a huge city, and driving across town can take over two/three hours. To get the right Mutatu is a tough thing to search for. Most of the Mutatus leave from the CBD area near and around Acacia Road. For intercity traveling, I entirely used this option to go for Naivasha and Masai Mara.
There are many bus services that operate within the country and even cross-border destinations. Out of all these Easy Coach and Mashpoa are more famous and offer more destinations in their destination list. I went to Jinja(Uganda) from Nairobi on Mash Poa Bus service for 3700KES. Right now, it is the only company that operates on this route. Previously Easy coach also had operations on this route but from the previous year, they have suspended their operations. So, nowadays they are operating till Busia, the border town on Kenya/Uganda border. Most buses operate from River red Area
Taxi is a convenient way but it comes at a cost. However, Uber is fully operational within Nairobi and you can get a ride at an economical rate. Furthermore, you have to pay the same amount which appears on your mobile screen while booking your ride.
It is the most economical and convenient way to go around in Kenya. You can get a Boda Boda for 200 to 400KES within the city. Boda Bodas can also be booked by Uber too. You can even find a Boda Bodas on your way to Airport too.
There are very few hostels with dormitory beds with them. However, wherever applicable the bed starts from 10~25$. Alternatively, you can get a budget hostel in the range of 20~30$ and midrange from 40~80$.
I have stayed at different properties throughout my stay in Kenya. While booking, I always make a combination of cost, location, and review scores.
In Nairobi, I stayed in Mercy-Philips Apartments. It was a nice clean and tidy apartment run by a lady. In addition, I stayed a couple of nights in Wildebeest Eco Camp. Although it was slightly outside of the city center even though its location was the matter that I booked it.
In Masai Mara, I booked my stay at Semadep Mara camp. I got a good rate with a full board package.
In lake Naivasha and Hell’s gate side. I stayed in Camp Carnelley’s. It was a budget option with nice lake views. I couldn’t find its listing on famous booking sites. Another campsite which I have visited was Fisherman’s camp. So, if you want to stay there, then you have to book from their website.
Most of my bookings were from Booking.com or directly booked at the property. However, When you’re looking for a stay, do your research first. Finally, read the reviews to get a feel for the place and then book somewhere that suits you.
Likewise other East African Countries, Kenya has the same type of food in its cuisine. A few dishes (Mostly Vegetarian) that I have tried in Kenya were
Suggested daily budget – For Backpacking a suggested budget is around 70$. As, it includes a bed in a dorm (10~25$), a portion of basic food(10~15$), public transport within the city(10$). Furthermore, you can add a separate pocket(25~30$/day) for sightseeing which is a bit costly particularly in Africa and especially in Kenya.
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Read moreKenya is a country of stunning natural beauty, with 22 National Parks and 28 National Reserves. Hell’s Gate is a rather small park that covers an area of 68.25 square kilometers in Kenya. This National Park is approximately 10 kilometers away from Lake Naivasha. Hells Gate is an inexpensive national...
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