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Shuttles
Buses between Nairobi Kenya to Arusha, Moshi Tanzania
THE
TRIP
Shuttles leave from both Arusha and Nairobi at 08.00 hours
and 14.00 hours each day. Though the trip on the Tanzania
side of the border is shorter at 110 kilometres, the poorer
state of the road makes travel time about the same as
the 150 kilometre
drive on the Kenya side. Generally it is about two hours
on each side of the border. The time spent at Namanga
can depend on the number of people on the bus and how
strict customs and immigration officials are. Also, if
a few fellow passenger are
without visas things might go slower. You will also stop
on the Kenya side, not too far from the border. This rest
stop gives you a chance to answer the call of nature,
buy a cool drink and look at some last minute (or first
minute) gifts.
THE
BUS
There are several companies, among them Riverside and
Pallsons Shuttle.Impala.Davanu. The bus may be anything
from a mini-van to a large coach. Most often, they are
twenty-five seat buses with a fold down seat in the aisle
to make four across seating.
WHAT
YOU PASS
The route between Arusha and Nairobi has some interesting
villages along the way. There is a possibility of seeing
some wild animals; even perhaps giraffe as you travel.
But... take a book as there are some places that may be
a bit lacking excitement.
THE
BORDER
You cross between Kenya and Tanzania at the Namanga Border.
This will certainly not be the most fun experience you
have on your trip. Some of the border officials can be
a bit self-important. Just smile and keep calm.
On
the Tanzania side, the customs and immigration building
is combined. Immigration is the door to the left and you
are required to enter in person. You may have received
an entry card or completed a roster on the bus; otherwise
a card will be made available at the counter. If cards
and roster are not available, you will be asked to sign
a book. If you are entering Tanzania, you will have to
complete the information concerning where you will stay.
In this case, write ‘On Safari’ in the P. O.
Box line and the name of your first hotel stop in the
physical address line.
If
you do not have a visa, you will have to apply at the
border. Remember that you need cash for this and the price
varies depending on the nation your passport is issued
from. It is best to carry U. S. Dollars in tens and twenties
cash as
travellers' cheques are not accepted for visas and change
may not be available. If time permits, you should obtain
visas in advance of travel. You may be required to present
passport size photographs if applying for a visa, so make
sure you keep
some with you. See Visa Pricing
Customs may ask that you take all of your things from
the bus and bring them inside for searching. In many cases,
they will only walk through the bus to see what is there.
Customs might inspect both arriving and departing visitors’
luggage. As
annoying as this might be, they have to right as at any
international border and cooperation and kindness usually
speed things along.
On
the Kenya Side, customs is far less inquisitive of tourists
and often will only make a cursory inspection of the bus.
They do have the authority to search bags, however; and
you should assist and be honest at all times.
Kenya
Immigrations is at the far end of the border, the last
building you reach if entering Kenya, the first if leaving.
It can be crowded and the queue system a bit confusing.
You will have to complete arrival or departure cards.
Your address whilst in Kenya should be the name of your
hotel. If departing the same day by air, write 'TRANSIT'.
If
you have not purchased a visa in advance, you will also
have to do this at the border. The fee varies. Note: If
you are flying out of Kenya or Tanzania (depending on
which country you are entering now) in the next two days,
you should qualify for
a transit visa that is cheaper.
WARNINGS PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY
It is unfortunate that some official and unofficial people
prey on tourists to con them out of money. Please note
the following carefully:
-
Always get receipts for anything you are required to
pay such as visas. (The same person you paid on entry
may demand to see it on departure and claim you entered
the country illegally.)
- Always
watch your passport being stamped and check the stamp
afterwards. (Some Immigration Officers ‘forget’
to stamp your passport on arrival and demand a ‘fine’
on departure for entering the country illegally.)
- Ensure
the number of days/weeks allowed to stay on your passport's
visa stamp agree with the time you expect to remain
in Tanzania or Kenya.
- Never
change money at the border. Years ago, visitors were
required to cash money into local currency on entering
Kenya or Tanzania. This is no longer the case, but some
people may try to tell you differently and then cheat
you on the
rate. Other may sell you counterfeit bills.
- AGAIN
- Never change money at the border with someone who
tells you they are giving you a good rate – even
if it is a great rate. THIS IS A SCAM! During
the transaction, a friend will claim to be an official
and that the transaction is
an offense. ‘You will be charged.’ To avoid
being charged, you surrender your evidence (the money)
and after you are gone, your money is split.
- Watch
your things at all times. Stuff in or on the bus should
be safe, as the driver will generally keep an eye on
it. Do not, however, leave anything near an unlocked
window. If you carry a bag, keep it close to you and
do not set it down.
- Watch
where you walk. This is a busy area and there are many
vehicles, large and small about. In the noise and confusion,
you might step in front of a moving vehicle.
- Don't
take any pictures of people in uniforms. It is actually
best not to take pictures because there is the opportunity
for someone to claim it is against the laws. (In the
days of mass paranoia, there were laws against taking
pictures at any government installation and you might
be accused of being a CIA or KGB operative. This comes
from reading too much Tom Clancey.)
- Don't
go anyplace with anybody except into one of the official
Customs or Immigrations buildings. No matter how official
someone looks, if he asks you to go with him to other
than the official building, refuse and ask to go into
the
official building to see his supervisor.
- When
the Maasai women tell you something is a gift, they
will expect something back, generally cash.
- A
WORD ABOUT BRIBES - Some visitors feel it
is cheaper and easier to bribe officials rather than
pay the proper visa fees. It may even add a little intrigue
or excitement to your trip. We strongly suggest against
this. Tourism
professionals have been working for years to end corruption
by border officials so that all visitors have a more
pleasant experience.
- Departure
Taxes. Don't let anybody tell you to pay a departure
tax at Namanga. Departure taxes only apply to airports
and harbours, not land borders.
MAKING
YOUR TRIP MORE COMFORTABLE
The trip can have its boring stretches and it is best
if you have a good book to pass the time. You should also
bring your water bottle and a snack. Remember, to buy
soft drinks, you have to have an empty bottle or drink
it there.
Temperatures
can start out chilly in either town, and can end cool
as well. Namanga, however, is often quite warm. You should
dress in layers to be able to reduce clothing as you get
warmer.
THE
PRICE OF THE TRIP
The
trip usually costs no more than US $25.00 each
way.
LUGGAGE
You
are generally allowed two pieces of luggage and a carry
on bag. Total luggage weight is often limited to 22 kilogrammes.
We suggest you print a copy of this page for frequent
reference.
Info from safari.cc
Pls
check your visa Guideline into Tanzania
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