Kenya is a spectacular travel destination, offering a rich blend of wildlife safaris, vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and pristine beaches. Whether you are exploring the vast savannahs of the Maasai Mara, climbing the slopes of Mount Kenya, or relaxing on the white sands of Diani Beach, choosing the best way to travel in Kenya is essential to make the most of your trip.
In this detailed guide, we will explore the various travel options available in Kenya, their advantages and challenges, and how to select the most efficient and enjoyable modes of transport for your journey. From road trips and domestic flights to public transport and boat rides, this article will help you plan your travels smartly, safely, and comfortably.
Kenya’s diverse geography and tourism infrastructure provide travelers with many ways to get around:
Road travel (private cars, car rentals, taxis, matatus)
Domestic flights connecting major safari and city destinations
Train travel on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line
Boat travel on lakes and the coast
Bicycle and motorcycle rides for adventurous travelers
Walking and hiking in national parks and nature reserves
Let’s explore each of these travel modes in detail to understand the best way to travel in Kenya depending on your itinerary, budget, and preferences.
Driving in Kenya is arguably the best way to travel in Kenya for those who want flexibility and independence. Renting a car or using a private vehicle lets you explore remote locations, stop where you want, and set your own schedule.
Advantages:
Freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations
Ability to carry luggage and supplies easily
Control over timing and pace of travel
Ideal for self-drive safaris and road trips
Considerations:
Kenya’s road conditions vary greatly; major highways are tarmacked and well maintained, but rural roads can be rough or muddy during rains
Driving is on the left-hand side
Defensive driving is essential due to erratic local traffic and road conditions
GPS or a local guide is recommended for unfamiliar routes
Many car rental companies offer 4×4 vehicles necessary for safari parks and rough terrains. For example, a 4×4 is essential for Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu visits.
Matatus are Kenya’s famous shared minibuses operating on almost every route between cities and towns. They are a budget-friendly option but not necessarily the best way to travel in Kenya for tourists seeking comfort and safety.
Advantages:
Inexpensive and widely available
Great for experiencing local life
Frequent departures on busy routes
Considerations:
Overcrowded and sometimes unsafe driving practices
Limited luggage space
Can be confusing for visitors due to informal stops and schedules
Not recommended for long-distance or safari travel
Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt operate in major cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa. They offer a convenient and safer alternative to matatus for city travel.
Advantages:
Easy to book via phone apps
Safer and more comfortable than matatus
Fixed fares and cashless payments
Considerations:
Limited to urban areas, not suitable for long-distance travel
Can be more expensive than other options
Kenya’s growing network of domestic flights is one of the best ways to travel in Kenya for visitors who want to maximize time on safari. Small aircraft connect Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to major national parks and private conservancies.
Advantages:
Saves long, tiring road journeys between parks
Access remote and exclusive reserves
Comfortable and scenic flights
Efficient for multi-park itineraries
Popular routes: Nairobi to Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lewa Conservancy
Considerations:
More expensive than road travel
Flight schedules can be affected by weather
Strict luggage limits (usually 15–20kg)
For many safari travelers, flying is the best way to travel in Kenya when moving between distant wildlife areas.
Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line runs from Nairobi to Mombasa, providing a modern and affordable travel option along the coast.
Advantages:
Comfortable and air-conditioned trains
Scenic views of the Kenyan countryside
Affordable fares with various classes
Good alternative to busy highway traffic
Considerations:
Limited routes mainly Nairobi–Mombasa and Nairobi–Naivasha
Not a replacement for safari travel
Less flexibility in schedule
Train travel is great if you plan to explore the coast after your safari or visit the Great Rift Valley via Naivasha.
Kenya’s beautiful lakes and coastline offer water travel options that can be part of the best way to travel in Kenya experience.
Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, offers boat tours and ferry rides connecting lakeside towns like Kisumu and islands.
Advantages:
Scenic and relaxing travel
Access fishing villages and island communities
Unique cultural experiences
Considerations:
Boat safety varies; choose reputable operators
Weather dependent
At the Kenyan coast, ferries operate between the mainland and islands like Lamu and Manda. Boat trips along the coast offer dolphin watching, snorkeling, and island hopping.
Advantages:
Experience Kenya’s Swahili culture and marine life
Great for beach and island holidays after safari
Considerations:
Season-dependent weather
Some boats can be crowded or basic
For travelers seeking an offbeat, adventurous way, cycling or motorbike travel can be a rewarding way to explore parts of Kenya.
Advantages:
Close connection to nature and local communities
Freedom to explore rural areas inaccessible by cars
Eco-friendly and budget-friendly
Considerations:
Requires good fitness and experience
Road safety can be challenging
Limited to certain areas and seasons
Adventure travelers often combine cycling or motorbiking with safaris or hiking.
Walking and hiking in Kenya offer the best way to experience natural beauty and wildlife up close.
Popular hiking destinations:
Mount Kenya
Aberdare Ranges
Hell’s Gate National Park
Ngong Hills
Advantages:
Intimate wildlife and landscape experience
Physical challenge and adventure
Explore areas inaccessible to vehicles
Considerations:
Requires physical fitness
Need for guides in some areas for safety
Not suitable for long-distance travel between cities or parks
If you want to cover multiple safari parks quickly, domestic flights are the best way to travel in Kenya between locations.
For coastal holidays, train and boat travel offer scenic alternatives.
For in-depth exploration of a single region, road travel or hiking may be best.
Road travel (self-drive or matatu) is usually cheaper than flying.
Domestic flights save time but cost more.
Train travel is affordable and comfortable.
Choose according to your comfort and budget priorities.
For adventure and immersion, cycling, hiking, and road trips offer a richer experience.
For convenience and time-saving, flying is superior.
For cultural exposure, matatus and boats connect you with locals.
Domestic flights and reputable car rentals are generally safe and reliable.
Matatus can be risky due to driving styles.
Night travel on roads is often discouraged.
Use local advice and guides to stay safe.
Plan your routes: Kenya’s infrastructure varies; pre-plan connections and transfers.
Pack smart: For flights, adhere to luggage limits; for road trips, carry essentials.
Use reputable operators: For flights, car rentals, and boat tours.
Stay flexible: Weather and road conditions may cause delays.
Respect local customs and traffic rules.
Kenya’s diverse landscape calls for a variety of travel options. The best way to travel in Kenya depends on your itinerary, budget, and desired experience. Road travel offers freedom and adventure, domestic flights save time and connect key safari parks, trains provide scenic coastal routes, and boats bring you closer to lakes and islands.
For most safari travelers, combining domestic flights with road transfers is ideal. For coastal explorers, trains and boats enhance the journey. Adventure seekers find cycling and hiking unmatched for immersing themselves in Kenya’s natural wonders.
By understanding the pros and cons of each mode, you can tailor your trip for maximum enjoyment and convenience. Whichever way you choose, Kenya promises unforgettable memories, breathtaking scenery, and incredible wildlife encounters. Book Now!
At East Africa Gorilla Safaris, under All In Africa Safaris, we specialize in unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences and diverse wildlife safaris.
Our expertly guided tours provide intimate encounters with gorillas and rich African wildlife, ensuring an unparalleled adventure in the heart of East Africa.
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