Getting There

By Plane

Nairobi is a hub in East Africa and many major airlines fly there. Mombasa too is a popular destination for charter flights for European visitors on package holidays. American airlines are the exception, however, and only fly to Kenya through partnerships with European airlines; this means you have to stop over in London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or another European city if you're coming from the States. Among others, the following airlines fly from Europe to Kenya: British Airways (www.britishairways.com), Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com), Emirates (www.emirates.com), and KLM (www.klm.com).

A round-trip coach ticket from New York to Nairobi will generally cost between $1,300 and $1,700. To keep your trip affordable, it is strongly recommended that you look into package deals, which can combine airfares with 1 to 2 weeks of accommodations and safari activities.

Getting into Town from the Airport -- The best way to get from the airport to your hotel in Nairobi is by taxi. Once you exit the terminal, you'll find crowds of taxi drivers offering to take you into town, but remember the price is always negotiable. Expect to pay in Kenyan shillings the equivalent of $12 to $15. Some of the larger hotels provide a shuttle bus from the airport, which should be arranged when booking your accommodations. There is a public bus, number 34, from the airport into the city, but it should be avoided if you have a lot of luggage or are carrying valuables as it can become crowded and there is the danger of petty theft.

If you arrive at Mombasa Airport, taxis are available to take you the short distance into town, but most visitors arrive on package beach holidays and are met by coaches to take them to the resorts.

On an Escorted or Package Tour

Before you start your search for the lowest airfare, you may want to consider booking your flight as part of a package, such as an escorted tour or tailor-made itinerary. Escorted tours are structured group tours with a guide, and the price usually includes everything from airfare to hotels, meals, safaris, admission costs, and local transportation. If group travel is not your thing, then tailor-made itineraries can be a smart way to go. By using a reputable tour operator that specializes in Kenya, you can put your trip in the hands of someone who will help you plan the best vacation that matches your interests, and can organize a personalized itinerary that includes flights, accommodations, and safaris. Remember that since all tour prices are based on double occupancy, the single traveler is usually penalized.

Companies specializing in high-end safaris throughout East Africa are Abercrombie & Kent (www.abercrombiekent.com) and Ker & Downey (www.kerdowney.com). For more moderate budgets, U.S.-based African Mecca Safaris (www.africanmeccasafaris.com), Africa Adventure Company (www.africa-adventure.com), and Wild Trek Safaris (www.wildtreksafaris.com) offer a full range of escorted and tailor-made tours. A recommended local East African company with offices in London and Tanzania is Hoopoe Safaris (www.hoopoe.com). With most operators, expect to pay in the region of $2,500 to $5,000 for a 10- to 15-day safari, excluding airfare; there is the option of extending your vacation by adding a beach break.