How to Cross the Namanga Border Post

When crossing from Kenya to Tanzania or from Tanzania to Kenya the usual route is through the Namanga Border post.  Namanga is a small border town that sprawls across both sides of the border. 

To get from Nairobi to Arusha for your safari or to Moshi for your Kilimanjaro climb can be quite daunting.  That is if you have never done this before.  However it is quite easy and nothing to worry about if you take care.

By far the easiest way is by the shuttle bus.  These shuttle buses leave from outside the Parkside Hotel in Nairobi or Mount Meru in Tanzania.  The shuttle busses leave at 8 am in the morning and 2 pm in the afternoon.

The busses take about five hours to travel between the two cities.  The shuttles can pick up and drop off at Nairobi International airport en-route.  The main companies are Riverside shuttle, Devanu, Bobbies Shuttle and the Impala Shuttle.  It should cost about US$25 between Nairobi and Arusha, however depending on the season fairs can be negotiable. 

At the Namanga Border the shuttle bus driver will guide you through both sides of the border.  It is possible to get visas on arrival at the airports and at the border posts. 

Try not to exchange money at Namanga or with the shuttle drivers.  This is best done at the bureaus in town.  However, if you must try to change just a little money and do it at one of the shops.  I have known many tourists and locals alike that have been ripped off and even robbed at the border posts.

A cheaper way to get from Nairobi and into Arusha is by Peugeot 505 taxi.   This is not recommended as they are usually overcrowded and many are not road worthy.  I have done this several times the advantage is not just the cheapness of the fair but you are able to depart from town at any time that suits you.  A Peugeot is taken from Nairobi to Namanga.  Then you must walk across the border post from Kenya and into Tanzania.  Then another Peugeot is taken from Namanga into Arusha.  

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