the viewing deck: Crossborder Shuttle Bus Travel between Kenya and Tanzania (Namanga)

6-days Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route Solo Climb in Tanzania
July 14 to July 21, 2014

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route Planning & Hike Preparation

Namanga is a border town between Kenya and Tanzania, 180 km from Nairobi and 120km from Arusha. The town lies mostly in Kenya. Crossing the Namanga border can be hectic (it’s often busy) but the process is fairly easy. This crossing is busiest when the intertown and shuttle buses are passing, typically 9:30-11:00 and 15:30 to 16:30. The process that usually happens on this border; police checkpoint (90% likely in Kenya, 10% in Tanzania – you may just be waved through), outgoing immigration for all passengers, out-going customs for passengers / vehicle – baggage + departure form for vehicle if you’re driving and incoming visa applications (entry/exit). Immigration officials may ‘forget’ to give you a receipt for your visa – make sure you get one. This is particularly common on the Kenyan side, but becoming less of an issue. BE CAREFUL OF THE FIXERS.

SHUTTLE BUS TRAVEL FROM NAIROBI CITY, KENYA TO ARUSHA, TANZANIA

Nairobi to Arusha bus travel time took approximately 6 hours including the stop-overs, crossborder checkpoints and arrival/departure visas. Shuttles depart from the Silver Spring hotel (Impala Shuttle) or from the centre of town near the Parkside Hotel, on Muindu Mbingu street opposite Jeevanjee gardens (Riverside and other shuttles). Report to the bus at least 15 minutes before departure especially if you have bulky luggage. Some shuttle companies will pick you up at a central hotel if you are staying there. Road conditions are excellent.

0700H    Breakfast
0800H    ETD Central Nairobi, Kenya
1200H    Namanga Border (Kenya departure stamp / Tanzania arrival stamp)
1400H    ETA Arusha town, Tanzania

Crossborder shuttle bus travel from Kenya to Tanzania via Namanga (visa forms)

Crossborder shuttle bus travel from Kenya to Tanzania via Namanga (the ride)

Crossborder shuttle bus travel from Kenya to Tanzania via Namanga (stop-over)

SHUTTLE BUS TRAVEL FROM ARUSHA, TANZANIA TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Arusha to Nairobi Airport shuttle bus travel time took approximately 5 hours including the stop-overs, crossborder checkpoints and arrival/departure visas. Shuttles depart from the Impala Hotel and the Bella Luna car park (up from the Impala). Some companies will pick you up at a hotel. Road conditions are excellent.

0700H    Breakfast
0800H    ETD Arusha
0950H    Namanga Border (Tanzania departure stamp / Kenya re-arrival stamp)
1300H    ETA Nairobi Airport

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT KENYA SINGLE ENTRY VISA CROSSING TO TANZANIA

If you plan to fly to Kenya and cross into Tanzania from there, you can return to Kenya using the same single-entry Kenyan visa ($50) you arrived with providing your visit to Tanzania lasted for less than two weeks (14 days), and that your Kenyan visa has not expired. This was what I did on my departure flight (21st-July-2014). Apparently, this can be done only once (i.e. it acts as a double-entry visa, not a multiple-entry one). Otherwise, you will need to buy a multiple-entry visa, which typically costs double the single-entry. When I was in Namanga border to have my re-entry stamp, the Immigration Officer asked me for another payment. I did not pay and I insisted the rule of single entry per above. The IO did not argue anymore and in a matter of less than a minute I have my passport already with re-entry stamp. Be vigilant to insist the rule above as obviously this serves as source of dishonest act, abuse of tourist's innocence and fraudulent conduct.