Best transport options with small children

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Best transport options with small children

by Nicole Sidandi
(Dallas, TX)

After researching the different options listed on KA it appears that renting a car with a driver is the most convenient and maybe safest way to get around for our three week stay with our small children and all our luggage because we will be traveling to so many locations, but it's VERY cost prohibitive and I just don't see how we'd be able to rent a car for the entire three weeks. What are your suggestions for getting around that is safe and also more affordable? My husband is concerned that bus travel will be risky because items in our luggage may be stolen. We will need a 7 seater 4x4 or small van because of our luggage and I don't know if that's available in taxi or matatu form and if it is, how much it would cost. I'm trying to convince him to take the train from Nairobi to Mombasa but he's still not convinced. Any insight would be appreciated.

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Best transport options with small children

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Jul 28, 2010

Your Trip
by: Archie [Moderator]

Nicole,

I was re-reading your question and just wondered if you had departed for Kenya.

If in doubt about transport then just give Peris a call on 0720243102 and she will do her best to help you. She is based in Nakuru and can work miracles.

Please let us know your travel stories when you return

Kind Regards

Archie

Jul 16, 2010

Miami Airport Transportation
by: Brian Green

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Jul 14, 2010

Thank you
by: Nicole

Thank you all for your tips and suggestions. Our trip is to visit family so we will be staying with relatives at all our stops. I think I have my husband convinced to take the train to Mombasa. I think getting around Nairobi should be fairly easy. We will be visiting my husband's Mum in a rural village near Lake Victoria and getting there was my main concern. Now he is saying we will arrange for a car and driver to take us there once we land in Kenya and we know when and for how many days we will be there since we don't have a fixed itinerary.

Jul 14, 2010

Wealth of Advice
by: Archie [Moderator]

Nicole,

Thankyou for your mail and of course thanks to all the other contributors who have given you good advice. I just want to add my pennies worth and hope that you and family have a great trip to Kenya.

I guess by your mail you might be arriving in Nairobi and then off to Mombasa. If it was me with some youngsters then the train would be the best option, its an overnight train but it has its good moments. Tell your hubby to secure his valuables if he is concerned. I know that Irene and Cassandra would agree with me that children are high priority and respected in Kenyan society so you have no worries there. Small kids shout and smile at you from all angles....this is so good.

I have done the train but the other way and its ok. In fact its an experience that you will never forget and smile about for years to come. Irene is quite right to promote it and let me tell you you will come back here and tell all of us your story.

So before you leave USA then make sure you have a good contact in Mombasa and your next stop. Its not easy to advise you regarding car seats for the kids, I cannot envisage you carrying your own and you might have to be prepared to be without.
Most Kenyan mothers and kids seem to survive quite well.

I have phoned a few folk and their cost for a car which would be suitable for you is 6000ksh per day. I wish it was less but that seems to be the going rate. It might be better to take taxi or matatu [interesting] whenever your can.

Good and happy travels. [Take the train]

Archie

Jul 14, 2010

Best transport options with small children
by: Tropic Tours & Travel

Dear Nicole,

Thanks for wanting to visit our beautiful country. I would strongly suggest you take the option of an all inclusive package i.e transport, accommodations, transfers etc.

This would work out to be cheap for you and also feel safe since you will use one driver all through your travels of which you and your family will get used to him and he will also know what you like and what you don't like.

Please consider this option as it be a better deal for you.

Happy travels

Rgds

Peter.

Jul 13, 2010

traveling around
by: Irene O

Dear Nicole,

If you have already planned where to go and how long to stay maybe you can give more details about that.

If you travel from one city to the other city you are depended from public means like matatu's ( the vans which should carry about 12 persons but in Kenya often between 12 - 18 persons.. )or busses and taxi's.

There are busses going to Mombasa or the night train which is definetly worth at.
The train takes the whole night from 19.00 in the evening til morning hours to arrive. You can book a 4 pax compartment as a family of 4. Beddings and meals included.

Visiting the parks should be done organised. To travel to places there are other possibilities. To hire a van for three weeks is costly yes maybe you can travel for 2 weeks and the last week you spend at the coast in Mombasa. Absolutly recommended.. to relax after some weeks of intensive traveling.

If you want to know more you can visit my website and email me then I can assist you.

Regards
Irene
www.sharity-safaris.com

Jul 13, 2010

Getting Around
by: Cassandra Marie

Hello,
After reading your note I would agree that a car would be best but money is always something to think about. I had some thoughts but I also has some questions. Are you going to be staying in an area longer then others? Are you staying at a hotel or with locals?

If you are able to stay at a place longer then another you should be fine with just a taxi around town then. When you are traveling form place to place then you might want to rent a car. If you are able to stay with locals then ask them what is the best way, who is the best cost wise, and what would they do. Also if you can leave some of you stuff with your Kenyan friends(that is if you are staying with them) what will help you getting around on buses and not having to worry about your bags all the time.

If you have little little kids you may want to bring a car-seat. Most places to not have them and most Kenyans do not use them.

Please understand my next statement...you should only bringing things you are ok with losing or being stolen. You are traveling and that means you are in an unknown area and you just never know what could happen. I do not say this to scary you but to help you think before you pack. I lead groups every year and I tell them the same thing! The things you can't live without are not what you should be packing because you will be to stressed over your bags and not think about anything else. I hope this helps and gives you a direction to start planing in. Have a fun and safe trip.

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Best transport options with small children

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