Ordinary buses cover the entire country. Main routes include those between Nairobi and Mombasa, and from Nairobi heading west. Vehicles are reasonably fast, comfortable and run more or less on time. Tickets should be reserved a day in advance and most companies have offices adjacent to the main station in the River Road district.

Akamaba on Lagos Road (tel: (020) 222 027) is the largest company in the country and has the best safety record. Coastline on Accra Road (tel: (020) 217 592) and Scandinavian Express on River Road (tel: (020) 242 523) are also well regarded.

In order to drive in Kenya you require a valid driving licence from your home country, or better an international driving licence. Kenyans drive on the left, although vehicles usually choose whichever bit of road is least pot-holed until they have to pass one another. Beware of unexpected obstacles, wildlife and people in the road. A car indicating right does not want you to overtake, whilst a car signalling left is suggesting that it is safe to do so. Do not take this for granted though. Be aware that car-jacking does occur in Nairobi, but tourists and hired cars aren't usually targeted.

Hiring a car is a good way of exploring the country and hire cars are welcome in game parks and reserves. To rent a car you must be at least 23-25 years old, depending on the agency. Vehicles are cheaper to rent by the week than the day if you plan to cover a lot of miles. Agencies include Avis on University Way (tel: (020) 244 977; website: www.avis.com), Budget on Mombasa Road (tel: (020) 652 144 and at the airport; website: www.budget.com), Central Rent-a-car at the 680 Hotel, Muindi Mbingu Street (tel: (020) 222 8880) and Hertz at the Stanley Hotel, Standard Street (tel: (020) 311 143; website: www.hertz.com).

Vehicle repairs can be done at Kwik Fit Tyres and Auto Repair on the Ring Road (tel: (020) 374 0215).