2. Getting There and Getting Around

International Flights

Nearly all International flights into Kenya arrive into Nairobi (NBO). Unless you're flying in business class, you can expect a long, sometimes chaotic line to get through passport control and on to your baggage.

You'll need to put your bags through another security screening as you depart the airport (use the restroom beforehand if needed, as there's nothing on the other side). As you exit the airport, you'll be met by a large, but well-behaved crowd of people holding signs with names of people arriving. If you've arranged a transfer, this is where you'll be met. Take your time looking, and if you can't find your driver, others will assist you. They then will call the car over, as they have to park a ways away. Then you're on your way.

One other thing to note is that Kenya does not allow single use plastic bags into the country. Some airlines announce this when you land; some don't. So if you have any, they recommend you leave them on the plane so you don't incur a fine. I've never been asked or screened for that, but play it safe.

Once in Kenya, most of the domestic flights - and some international, as well - fly out of Wilson airport, a small airport on the other side of town. Wilson has various terminals to fly out of, depending on the airline you are taking. I always have a driver take me here because to me, it's somewhat confusing.

If you are driving to your first location, I'd again advise having a driver, rather than getting there yourself there. Nairobi is a big city, the streets are incredibly chaotic, and I just wouldn't want to do it, personally.

Baggage Restrictions

Domestic Kenya flights have strict limits on baggage weight allowances. Unless you purchase extra freight, you will be limited to 33 lbs. And they do weigh your bags, often with any backpack you may have, as well. So be advised to weigh your bags before leaving home, and offload items you can do without.

Another consideration when flying to one of the safari areas is to always use soft-sided bags. Personally, I use a rolling duffel bag, but a normal soft-sided bag is ok. I have seen people using hard-sided luggage, but I can only imagine that they were scowled at when checking bags. The reason behind the requirement is that the planes are small, and it's a bit of playing tetris to get everyone's bags in the hold.

Now, that said, I do carry my camera gear in a separate rolling bag that I bring on the plane with a "fragile" sticker on it, so they don't insist on putting it in the underbelly. I often have to let them know that it's camera gear, and they are usually fine with it. In fact, many of the small planes have a small hold at the back of the plane for just such items, including backpacks. Realize that there is typically no room on the floor under the seat in front of you, so you either leave items at the back or hold them in your lap.