Nairobi, Kenya
MORE INFORMATION
Highlights
-Unforgettable matatu ride around town
-Behind the scenes look at how matatus are made
-Meet a graffiti artist
-Local lunch at a mall
Description
In Kenya, matatu or matatus (known as mathree in Sheng) are privately owned minibuses used as shared taxis. Often decorated, many matatu feature portraits of famous people or slogans and sayings. Likewise, the music they play is also aimed at quickly attracting riders. Over 70% of commuter trips are taken using matatu in cities like Nairobi.
They may ply set routes and run both inter and intra-city. They stop along said route to purchase or collect money from passengers. In addition to a driver, matatu may be staffed by a conductor, locally known as a makanga or manamba or donda.
As of 1999, they were the only form of public transport available in Nairobi, Kenya, although in from 2006 this was no longer the case. Over the years, stiff competition is being experienced from transport-sharing applications such as Uber and Bolt .
Who This Experience Is Good For
Everyone that enjoys immersing in new cultures and experiencing what locals live on an everyday basis.
What's Included
- Transport from Westlands to town and way back- Gratuity for the Artist
- Stage tour (Where people board matatus)
- Graffiti garage tour
- Matatu Fees
What's Not Included
- Meals (bring your own snack on board the matatu - optional)
- Refreshments
Know Before You Go
-Minimum Needed: 10 people - Maximum Capacity: 32 people
- Booking Deadline: 2 days in advance
- Weather Dependent: No
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Special Clothing Required: No
- Special Dietary Restrictions: Self catering
- Extra Cash: None
- Accommodation: N/A -
-Transportation: The matatu is a very local affair and can be loud. The seats are comfortable.
- Additional Information: n/a