Nairobi

Getting In and Around

Passports/Visas: No additional visa is required if you are traveling to Nairobi from within Kenya. If traveling from outside the country, see Africa.com’s page on Kenya [LINK] for details on the proper documentation needed for visiting Kenya.

Transportation: Nairobi has two main airports, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport. If you are flying into or out of Kenya, you will most likely use Jomo Kenyatta. Wilson Airport is primarily used for domestic travel, but a limited number of flights around the African continent fly in and out of Wilson.

Kenya Railways and the Kenya Bus Service (as well as numerous privately-owned bus lines) all operate out of Nairobi, making it easy to travel to and from the city.

When exploring the city center, you are better off walking than experiencing a traffic jam from within a vehicle. The streets are well marked, and people are generally very helpful about giving directions. We highly recommend that you only walk in Nairobi during the daytime. Taking a taxi after dark is definitely advisable.

The most convenient way to get around Nairobi is with taxis. This is especially true at night, as Nairobi is not the safest place to walk around after dark. Most taxis are distinguished by a yellow line painted on the side of the car, and can be found throughout the city, especially in places where there are many tourists. Be sure to negotiate a price before you get into the car to avoid price gauging.

Public transportation is available throughout the city. The Kenya Bus Service operates many bus routes, however the most popular public transport are the privately-owned mini buses called matatus. While matatus are definitely the cheapest way to get around, they are also the most congested, as drivers will squeeze in as many passengers as possible, plus a few more. So hop on board if you are feeling brave.

Mobile Phones: If your mobile phone uses the GSM 900 system (standard with European mobiles, but most American and Canadian phones run on the 850/1900 system), then you will be able to use it in Kenya. However, be prepared to spend large amounts of money on phone calls.

Your best bet is to buy a SIM card from one of the two main companies in Kenya, Safaricom, and Zain. SIM cards and reload credits are sold all over the country. Keep in mind that text messages are significantly cheaper than phone calls and are free to receive.

Safety and Security

Nairobi is a city where you need to be cognizant of your surroundings. Using common sense about dressing modestly and maintaining control of your belongings will go a long way in helping you avoid any uncomfortable situations. It is always a good idea to ask your hotel staff about the nearest police stations, as well as medical centers.

The U.S. Department of State’s consular website has a great deal of information about safety and security in Kenya. It can’t be repeated enough: be sensible when you travel. Crime rates vary between cities and townships in Kenya. Be alert and aware about your surroundings.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has created a security ratings system called the Ibrahim Index, wherein scores are based on each country’s quality of government. Before traveling to Kenya or anywhere on the continent, check the index and do your research.

The Top 5: Local Advice

1. Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and largest city. Mount Kenya sits to the northeast, Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen in the south, and the Great Rift Valley is just west of the city.

2. Nairobi is sunny all year, but since it has an elevation of nearly a mile, it does not get too hot. There are two rainy seasons, March through May and November through December, and the driest months are June through October.

3. Kenya has a number of newspapers that are based out of Nairobi. The Daily Nation and the Standard are two of the better-known publications.

4. The main languages spoken in Nairobi are English and Swahili.

5. In Kenya, a smoking ban prohibits lighting up in any public area, including streets, parks, bars, markets, theaters, and restaurants. The ban also prohibits smoking in private homes and cars. However, some hotels and bars have designated smoking areas.