TRANSPORT
GETTING TO KENYA
A number of airlines fly to Nairobi via a number of
different routes. Prices vary depending on airline,
number of stop-overs and directness of the flight.
We often fly via Singapore with Singapore and
Kenya airlines or via Qatar with Qatar airlines.
Airfares from Sydney to Nairobi cost between
AU$1800 and AUD$2500 depending on the time
of year. You can also fly Emirates via Dubai for a
similar price. It’s a good idea to shop around either
online or with a travel agent and avoid peak travel
times for the best prices.
You will need to obtain a visa before entering
Kenya. Depending on your nationality you can
purchase these at the immigration counter at
the Nairobi airport however we would advise
you to obtain your visa beforehand to avoid any
unexpected surprises. Either way a tourist visa
costs approximately US$50. You do not need to
obtain a business visa (these cost significantly
more in dollars and time).
GETTING AROUND IN NAIROBI
The best transport option while in Nairobi is a taxi.
To avoid scams, organise a private car or taxi with
your hotel before you depart - this should cost
approximately 2000-3000 Kenyan shillings.
It is a good idea to avoid the public buses in
Nairobi - pick-pockets and scammers run rife
12
on Nairobi matatus - so for your own safety hop
in a cab. You’ll find they are not very expensive
compared to Western prices and many a taxi driver
will relish the opportunity to talk to you about
topics as diverse as your home country or Kenyan
politics (a local favourite).
GETTING TO SHIKUNGA
Shikunga is approximately 375km North West of
Nairobi and we strongly recommend flying. There
are a few airlines which fly to Kisumu - a 60 minute
drive from Shikunga - but our personal favourite
for safety and cost is fly540. Flights from Nairobi to
Kisumu generally run twice a day in the morning
and evening and cost around AU$80 each way.
Expect delays - once you are in Kenya everything
from flights to buses to meetings run on
Kenyan time.
When you have booked your flights let Onesmus
and Kenya Aid know your flight numbers and times
so Nes can meet you at the airport in Kisumu. From
there you can take a private car to Shikunga - the
cost for fuel and transport is around AU$80.
A word of warning: you can take a public bus all
the way from Nairobi to Shikunga for less than $50
but with upwards of 3,000 people (considered an
extremely modest count by most experts) dying
on Kenyan roads each year it might be the biggest
cost of your life. Speed, unsafe roads and poorly
serviced vehicles make it a risk not worth taking.