What to Know Before Traveling to Kenya
❃ Other Helpful Information ❃
Currency
100 Kenyan shilling is equal to $1. Banks are widely available in all towns. You can withdrawal shillings at local ATM's for a minimal fee. You’ll find that Kenya seems to be a bit more expensive than other countries in Africa.
Transportation
Matatus- The matatus in Kenya are unlike any other. Pimped out in designs and logo’s that will make you say #thisisafrica. Most have flat screen tv's inside and blaring music. They usually follow the rule of 14 passengers, but once you get outside city limits the conductors may pile more people in.
Buses- Widely available and are used to travel to the major cities. Very affordable. A bus from Mombasa to Dar is only $15.
Motorbikes- very common and cheaper than tuk-tuks but not as safe
Tuk-tuk- more expensive form of transport because it's private
Roads- Surprisingly the roads in Kenya aren’t too bad compared to Uganda! I found that there were a few paved main roads, so transportation to popular cities was more comfortable. Don’t worry, all drivers still drive like bats out of hell!
Accommodation
Usually $10-$20 for basic accommodation. Be prepared for water shortages and power outages. I think majority of my two months in Kenya I had to shower out of a bucket.
Language
Most people speak Swahili with the exception of English. I didn’t find it hard to communicate with people, as most knew basic English. Swahili is a very easy language to learn and I encourage travelers to learn basic phrases.
Other things to Note
