Getting Around Kenya

Domestic flights, private charters, and what to know about arriving in Nairobi — so you can move around Kenya with confidence.

Ferry & water transport

Kenya's coastline, lakes, and island destinations are served by ferries, water taxis, and traditional dhows — from the utilitarian Likoni Ferry to the atmospheric dhow crossings of the Lamu Archipelago.

Likoni Ferry — Mombasa

Mombasa Island to South Coast

Free for pedestrians
Crossing Time ~10 minutes
Frequency Continuous, 24 hours
Vehicle Fee Small charge for cars

Essential for reaching Diani from Mombasa. Long vehicle queues Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Manda Airport → Lamu Island

Motorboat across Lamu Channel

Included with most transfers
Crossing Time ~10 minutes
Boats Motorised dhows and speedboats
Available On demand, day and evening

All arrivals cross to Lamu by boat. Accommodation arranges this. One of Kenya's great arrival moments.

Dhow Travel — Lamu Archipelago

Lamu, Shela, Manda & Pate islands

Prices vary
Type Traditional wooden sailing dhow
Best For Island hopping, sunset, day trips
Price Negotiate with captain

Traditional dhows are the primary transport in the Lamu Archipelago.

Lake Victoria Ferries

Kisumu to Mbita, Rusinga Island

Prices vary
Main Hub Kisumu Port
Routes Kisumu → Mbita, Rusinga Island
Experience Local lake life & fishing communities

Affordable window into western Kenya's lake culture.

Shimoni → Wasini Island

Southern Coast — near Tanzania border

Prices vary
Crossing Time ~10–15 minutes
Best For Whale shark snorkelling, Wasini village
Season October – March for whale sharks

Typically combined with a whale shark snorkelling trip in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park.

Kilifi Creek Crossing

Kilifi town — cable pontoon ferry

Free for pedestrians
Crossing Time ~5 minutes
Frequency Regular, daytime hours
Vehicle Fee Small charge for cars

Cable pontoon on the coastal road north of Mombasa. Free for pedestrians.

Ferry & water tips
  • Lamu boat transfers usually included in accommodation rate — confirm when booking
  • Likoni Ferry vehicle queues worst Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons
  • For dhow hire in Lamu, negotiate price before departure
  • Always wear a life jacket on open water — reputable operators provide them
Book your water transfers

Likoni, Lamu boats, and coastal crossings — we sort the details

Likoni Ferry crossings, Lamu boat transfers, dhow hire, and coastal water connections — share your route and we'll arrange the right crossing.

Get a quote →