Wide Wild Africa Travel Information --- Buses

Kenya Busses

The main form of transport for most Kenyan's is the public bus service and local mini buses known as “Matatus”. The Matatus are everywhere in Mombasa and are widely used by the locals. A ride in a “Matatu” can be quite a fascinating experience, and although regulated by the Ministry of Transport, don't expect the same level of comfort cleanliness and safety as a European bus.

Mombasa's buses and other forms of public mass transport are generally cheap and reliable. We don't recommend that you take buses unless you are a seasoned traveler and know your way around the area, not because there is any problem with the public bus service or the Matatus, purely because the bus system in Kenya can be confusing, busy and slower than you would normally expect.

If you do want to try them out then, information about bus schedules and fares should be available from hotels or let us know and we will try to provide you with some details of pickup points even tickets.

Matatu Travel Tips

Destinations

The destination will normally be found in the windscreen or the sides of the Matatu`s, when at a pick up point you will hear the Conductor shouting the destination, and waving his paddle with the bus number on it.

Fares

Fares are low, but may alter during the day, this is normal, prices are normally higher during the peak travel periods. Try to pay exactly with coin, change is normally not offered, but if you keep you palm out flat you will get it.

Pick up and Drop Off Points

Matatu stop anywhere to pick up and drop passengers. They have fixed routes and operate from about 5am to around 9pm.

In urban regions ask for the Matatu station. People will guide you to it (tip them). You need to know your destination and can buy your ticket directly on the Matatu from the conductor. Be warned though that Matatus may not leave the Matatu station until full so if you are pressed for time take the one with the most people on.

Outside cities just wave clearly to a passing by Matatu, if they have space, not necessarily empty seats (the plank of wood is normally good) available they will stop, let you in, you can buy your ticket during the ride.

Finally

We would highly recommend that you travel with a guide for your first few trips, it's best to know the fare before you travel ask someone at your Hotel or your Guide.