Don't take any pictures of buildings nor people in uniforms at the border - you could have your camera confiscated or be arrested.
If a hawker offers you any curios as a gift, you will still be expected to pay for it.
Departure Taxes apply to airports and harbours, not land borders and are usually incorporated in the price of your ticket.
Luggage generally the allowance two pieces of luggage and a carry on bag. You may be expected to pay for extra luggage. |
THE TRIP
Shuttles leave from both Arusha and Nairobi at 08h00 hours and 14h00 hours each day. The time spent at Namanga can depend on the number of people on the bus and how strict customs and immigration officials are on the day. The whole trip can take about five to six hours. |
THE BUS
There are several companies, Impala, Riverside, Bobbies and Devanu are the beat and most convenient they all leave from the Parkside hotel in Nairobi and the Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha; [with the Impala Shuttle based at the Impala Hotel Arusha] usually 25 seater Coaster buses are used. They will drop passengers off at main hotels in the city centers but it is always best to make these arrangements with the driver before you set off. It is important the driver knows of any arrangements you have made with the person who paid for your ticket. If special arrangements have been made ask the person you have made arraignments with to tell the driver whilst you are present. |
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. If there has been rain then the green lush african bush is interesting to watch, if it is dry everything tends to be a bit brown and beige. If you see any young men dressed in black and maybe wearing a black feather headdress - these are young Maasai men about to enter into manhood by circumcision. |
THE BORDER
You cross between Kenya and Tanzania at the Namanga Border. Remember you are in a foreign country and be polite and relax and enjoy the experience. Do not expect anything to move quickly, so relax and enjoy, smile and be polite and respectful. As is the custom with Government Officials worldwide they are not always the politest people if this happens do not take offence; to be polite and firm is the best option. However, I must say I have never had a bad experience with Immigration at the Namanga border and in fact always found them to be helpful on both sides of the border.
The driver will explain what to do and where to go; he will wait for you; just follow the others on the bus who will have done the crossing many times. |
IMMIGRATION
Three month Visa: - Visa are obtainable at the border crossing and airports. Remember to have the correct money ready in US Dollars (cash!).
Transit Visa: - If you arrive in Kenya to travel to Tanzania only a Transit Visa for a couple of days can be issued at a price of US$20 per transit.
Check you visa stamps to ensure the correct dates are entered.
Always get receipts for anything you are required to pay i.e. visas.
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. |
