None of this is essential. You will have a wonderful trip without reading a word of it. But these are the small things that make the first few days easier — the ones our clients ask about once they land, and the ones we would have liked to know ourselves the first time around.
Getting around
Get a local eSIM
Safaricom is your friend. Data makes everything easier: Uber, WhatsApp, maps, bookings. Basically, your holiday survival kit.
Bolt and Uber, not a random taxi
Bolt as your first reflex, Uber second — rather than hopping into the first taxi you see. On Uber: ChapChap if you're counting, UberX for the sweet spot, Comfort when you've got luggage. Both apps also do motorbikes, which is worth knowing.
Nairobi traffic has its own personality
A 10 km journey does not necessarily mean 10 minutes. Plan your day by neighbourhood rather than by the minute, and leave some room: here, a schedule is sometimes more of a suggestion.
The Expressway from the airport
A toll road links the airport to Westlands, running above Mombasa Road — over the jam rather than through it. At rush hour the difference is considerable. The toll is paid in cash, by card or by M-Pesa, and your driver handles it. Just ask for it, especially if you land late in the day.
The boda boda, when it's gridlocked
The motorbike taxi slips through where cars stop: on a short trip at rush hour, nothing is faster. Book it on Bolt or Uber like any other ride rather than at a street corner, so the price is set in advance. Two of you on one bike is often fine if the rider agrees, for a small surcharge. Helmets, though, are frequently missing — in theory they carry one, so ask. Avoid it with luggage, in the rain, and at night.
Paying for things
Cash is useful. Cashless is also a thing.
Cards work in many places, but keep some Kenyan shillings on you. And you'll see M-Pesa everywhere: Kenya runs on mobile money more than you might expect.
Tipping is appreciated, not a tax
Around 10% in restaurants, when it feels right, is a good rule of thumb. Guides and safari drivers are commonly tipped for good service. But no, you don't need to tip every person who says \u201cJambo\u201d.
On the ground
Keep your phone relatively undercover
You don't need to walk around terrified, but Nairobi is a big city. Don't stand on a busy street with your eyes locked on the screen while you work out where you are. Check, navigate, then pocket.
Learn a little Swahili
You don't need to take a whole language course. Start with Asante (thank you), Karibu (welcome) and Sawa (okay). You'll get plenty of smiles in return.
Bring layers
Nairobi can be surprisingly cool, especially in the mornings and evenings. Then you're off to safari and Diani, where the weather is a whole different story. Pack for the different climates.
Go with the flow
Things will sometimes be slower, more spontaneous, or simply done differently. Don't fight it — get into the rhythm. Kenya has its own way of making things work, and that's part of the adventure.
Anything here you'd like to ask about before you travel? Message us. We answer these questions all day, and we'd rather you arrive knowing than wondering.