Hello all,
I have heard a lot about overnight busses in Kenya and that it is best to avoid them. I was just looking at busses from Nairobi to Kampala and I found a surprisingly big number of overnight busses for that route. I thought there was a ban on overnight busses in Kenya?
I'm wondering now if it is ok again to travel that route overnight?
I am looking at Mash Bus and Dreamline Express.
Many thanks in advance,
Laura
Mash is highly reputable on the Nairobi - Mombasa route; and I have used them severally. Based on that alone, I'd happily go along with them on the Kampala route.
On the issue of safety, the sheer numbers point to two things:
(1) It must be a pretty safe way to travel as it is well established and popular; and
(2) The chances of some thing happening to your vehicle (such as your vehicle being targeted are quite remote
Regards
MrGenius
The reason that people (includig me) say travelling at night should be avoided is the additional danger of not being able to see in the dark, and of having a tired driver. The general driving standard is pretty poor, and at night you have to contend with extra problems.
Your bus will be sharing the road with pedestrians (no pavements) animals (no lights or road sense) and other vehicles, often with no lights, both moving and parked. Your bus driver will almost certainly have been up all day, maybe he has chewed enough miraa to keep him awake all night too, but who knows.
I heard this years ago, and it's something to consider: if you see one light ahead, it may be a motorbike or it may be a big truck with only one light. If you see two lights, it may be a big truck, or 2 motorbikes carrying a wardrobe between them.
I would never take a night bus anywhere in Africa unless there was no other option, but it's your choice.
Hello.
We were in Uganda and Kenya last april may. Independent low-cost travellers.
We usually travel during the day, slowly, little by little. We don´t like long hours in a bus... and had time.
True, many overnight buses between Africa capitals. Many.
Nairobi-Kampala: tarred road, heavy traffic on it, many trucks, buses, cars, busy. It´s a long way that´s why night trips. It should be OK. Don´t worry too much.
Details of our trip on our blog.
Safe trip.
Quote: ...reason that people (includig me) say travelling at night should be avoided is the additional danger of not being able to see in the dark, and of having a tired driver. The general driving standard is pretty poor, and at night you have to contend with extra problems...End Quote
Very True. In a similar manner I never fly anywhere. Especially after the Malaysian plane crashes and the German one where it was found out the pilot was mentally unstable. I've long learnt that the best way to get around is strictly on foot.
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