The Namanga Border
Namanga is a town divided by the Tanzania-Kenya border. It is in Longido District, Tanzania and Kajiado County, Kenya. It is around 110 kilometers from Arusha and 163 Kms from Nairobi. The town is surrounded by hills on both sides. Mount Kilimanjaro can be viewed from Namanga town which makes it a scenic place by tourists who lodge in Namanga on their way to either Tanzania or Amboseli. The nearby Ol Doinyo Orok mountain, also known as Namanga Hills is located Northwest of Namanga town.
In 2007, the African Development Bank provided financing of $108 million to Kenya and $77 million to Tanzania with the objective of easing the flow of people and goods across the East African frontier through road improvements and the construction of a OSBP. The OSBP facilitate ease of movement for goods and people between the two nations.
Namanga Border Shuttles
Impala Shuttles offers daily shuttles from Nairobi city to Namanga border. Our buses also do Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Namanga border, Arusha to Namanga border and Moshi to Namanga order. We also offer private transfers from Nairobi, Arusha and Moshi to Namanga border.
International travelers going from Kenya to Tanzania or vice versa can make the journey either by air or by land, crossing the border at a designated checkpoint. Many people cross the Kenya-Tanzania border each day, from Tanzania and Kenya citizens to backpackers touring around Africa.
Border Posts Between Kenya and Tanzania
There are a total of 5 Kenya-Tanzania border points where travelers may cross from one country into the other. These are as follows:
- Isebania border
- Namanga border
- Lunga lunga border
- Loitoktok border
- Taveta border
Crossing the Kenya-Tanzania border at Namanga
The Namanga border is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, It is the busiest border crossing between Kenya and Tanzania, but also the best way to get from Nairobi to Arusha and Moshi. It is by far the most convenient way to travel from Kenya to Tanzania and with tickets starting at 25 USD by Impala Shuttle, it offers one of the cheapest way to get to Tanzania.
Our buses and shuttles can be booked online or just some hours in advanced, border formalities are very straightforward and easy to follow and most people are very happy to help you if you are struggling.
Required documents to cross Namanga border
- Passport
- Visa (for non EAC citizens)
- Alternative travel documents for East Africans
- Other requirements for East Africans (Certificate of Identity / Inter-state Pass)
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination
- Full Covid-19 vaccination certificate (or valid Negative PCR Test)
As for money, you can change cash at the border point but with the help of our drivers. Avoid carrying lots of cash and confirm from your bank if the debit cards are working. Also important to note is that driving a car with foreign number plates attracts more attention from the Ugandan and Tanzanian police who are in most towns. Expect to be stopped at every checkpoint and ensure you have with you a fire extinguisher that is not expired, a first aid kit and two stable reflectors. The police are rather strict with these items and you better be safe to avoid inconveniences
Recommendations for Kenya-Tanzania Border Crossings
Buses are a good way to get from Kenya to Tanzania and can be a comfortable way to travel, especially by booking a with a reliable company. Prices start from $25. Travelers should double-check that they have brought all the necessary documentation, including their passport, visa, and yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without these, they may be turned away at the border.
When leaving the bus to cross the border, it is advisable to take all valuables and keep them on your person, rather than leave them on the bus.