Diani Beach Information, Hotels, Holidays, Villas, Recreation Diani Life »

Home / About Diani / Getting around Diani Beach-Matatu

Getting around Diani Beach-Matatu

1 Comment »Posted in About Diani
Public transport on Kenyan roads and Diani Beach is dominated by matatus which are basically 14 seater vans. The matatu title also serves for mini buses with 30 seater capacities.Taking a ride in a Kenyan matatu five years ago for a visitor was a nightmare but measures have been taken by the responsible authorities to regulate the prihttp://dianilife.comhttp://dianilife.comvately owned matatu operation.

The matatu culture in Kenya is an attraction by itself . Matatus have various characteristics depending on the region they serve and the route they ply. Normally, graffiti is used on the matatus body with special names inscribed on the wind shield in calligraphic fonts. Matatus in Diani Music systems and fancy seat designs are another addition to the décor, not forgetting lighting systems that make the minivans seem like mobile discos t night. Occasionally window tints are used on some matatus.

While at Diani Beach, you will find Matatus on the following routes.

Leisure -Ukunda (these take you to the left side of Diani Beach)
Pavillion-Ukunda (these take you to right side of Diani Beach)
Likoni- Ukunda(From the Likoni Ferry)
Shimoni-Ukunda-Likoni

Matatus offer fast and reliable transport for short range travels. For distances of over 300km will require the use of a bus for comfort. Matatus have irregular travel times and are normally available all day from dawn (6am) to night fall.They also stop almost anywhere.

In Diani Beach, Kenya, you can catch a matatu at designated stops which are the pick up points but also you can find them cruising around and a simple wave of the hand will bring them to a halt. Before boarding, it is advisable to confirm the ticket charges to your destination. However there is no cause for worry if a printed ticket is not issued. Payment can be made en route to your destination and it is therefore advisable to cash smaller denomination notes at banks or bureaus before embarking on journeys to avoid time wasted getting your due change.

Inside of a matatu

Fare charges in matatus depend on current market forces but local short travels within Diani Beach- Ukunda can cost between 20 to 40 Kenya shillings depending on the time. Those traveling to Likoni will pay between 40-60 shillings. Matatus come cheap too, as a taxi ride that would cost you 3000 shillings will be had for about 40 shillings in a matatu. As a first time visitor, ask fellow passengers in the matatu about the fare as the conductors tend to exaggerate the amount for foreigners.

Long range travel costs even on buses average two shillings per kilometer. Matatus are not suitable for leisure travels in Diani beach because of limitations on view due to tinted windows. Maneuvering along feeder roads within Diani is slow but on the main roads they can manage speeds of over 80km/h.

Traveling in a matatu simply provides a thrill that can almost be compared to a ride in a race car. If you are running late to your destination, a matatu is your best option on short distances for example from your hotel to Diani Shopping center. A matatu driver is very alert while at the wheel and they rarely cause accidents.

Once you board a matatu, it is advisable to know your destination and if you are not sure, inform the conductors who are usually donning maroon half jackets. That way you avoid missing your stop as the drivers are always in a rush against time.

Take a matatu ride while you are in Diani Beach Kenya and experience a transport culture with a difference.