Bus/matatu from Nairobi to Eldoret
Replies: 7 - Last Post: Jun 17, 2012 12:07 PM Last Post By: mzungu
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Bus/matatu from Nairobi to Eldoret
Hi all,Myself and my wife will be arriving in Nairobi in a few weeks and intend travelling onwards to Eldoret the same day (we arrive quite early in the morning). It will be our first time in Nairobi, and indeed in Africa, so we're a bit unsure as to how easy or otherwise it will be to do this by public transport. From what I can gather we need to get a taxi from the airport to a particular matatu station and ask around for matatus heading to Eldoret. There doesn't seem to be a fixed schedule so we'll have to be prepared to hang around for a while till the matatu fill up. I've looked at a few bus companies online too but either the timetables don't suit or the websites are out of date so I'm guessing matatu is the best option.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, the more idiot-proof the better, as we'll most likely be somewhat frazzled after our flight.
1
We did that same thing when we were in Kenya where we arrived around 6am and took a taxi from Nairobi airport to the Matutu station in downtown Nairobi then we were directed toward the specific Matutu going to Eldorett. But the only thing my husband is Kenyan so he knew the language so it was easier for us. And yes, they try and fill as many people as possible into those Matutu buses before leaving. There is 1 stop on the Matutu bus to Eldorett where they let you have a bathroom break and eat then back on the bus. The ride was about 3-4 hours total.2
Usually,it is not easy to find vehicles with fixed itineraries going to Eldoret. What I would suggest is that you get in touch with a taxi company in advance,then inform them that you are going to Eldoret. That way,the taxi can take you directly to the Eldoret bus stop and the driver will ensure that you are in the vehicle before you leave.It is true that the matatu has to fill up before it leaves,but there are is an option of taking a shuttle (but at a higher price) which is a 10 seater,instead of the 14seaters which take longer to fill up.
3
I aggree with vesliz; take a shuttle. No need to book anything since the taxidriver at the airport knows from where they leave (most likely Accra Road if I remember correctly) and they leave often in the morning--something like every 15 minutes.Have fun /Jesper
5
Yes, it is Accra Road. It is off Tom Mboya St., a short walk from the Ambassadeur Hotel. You can also take a big bus if you are put off by the minivans. Ask any of the "touts" to take you to the right section as there are hundreds of buses on that street.6
At 6.00am your only option should be to (1) Wait at the airport until it is properly daylight (2) Get a taxi - and give the driver express instructions to take you to the Eldoret Matatu Terminus. If the terminus is deserted or dark, wait in the taxi.I (personally) would not alight at Ambassadeur Hotel - or any other location - and try to walk to the matatu terminus... not for a million bucks, at that time of day.
While the airport is safe at all times, the matatu terminus on Accra road is not. Did you know that Mombasa buses that travel to Nairobi overnight allow their passengers to remain on board until it is daylight/ safe? Their stop is also on Accra Road.
Kind Regards
Mwenyeji
7
There are tons of vehicles with direct service to eldoret. They are 10 seat Nissan vans that depart near the Kenya railways station. Good service and a lovely drive. Last time i did the trip was about 700ksh.
