FLYING CHEAP IN KENYA
(Posted 14th August 2014)
Since the arrival earlier this year of Jambojet, Kenya Airways’ inhouse low cost carrier, has flying become affordable for many and certainly a lot cheaper for those booking well in advance. When the airline started off early booking fares, all taxes included, started at 2.850/- Kenya Shillings one way, regardless of the destination, for flights from Nairobi to Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu and vice versa.
Today the lowest fare is given at 2.950/ Kenya Shillings, reflecting the rise in airport taxes for domestic flights.
With the scenario now looming large that Fastjet will sooner or later commence operations too, the Tanzania based LCC has after their legal separation from erstwhile partners Fly540 applied for an air service licence from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, are these low fares however NOT the lowest one can get.
For regular flyers, especially those who can plan way ahead for their trips, there is always the added option of keeping a close eye on Jambojet’s website or subscribe to their mailing shots, as periodically special rebates become available. This week for instance those with a keen eye for such opportunities, wannabe travelers could claim a further 20 percent discount on the available fares, from the lowest to the ones charged a day or a few prior to departure, making the trip even more affordable.
At the destination then are Jambojet’s shuttle busses available and passengers, on production of their boarding pass, can take advantage of a trip into Kisumu, Eldoret or Mombasa get transport from between 200/- to 250/- Kenya Shillings, peanuts really compared to taxi fares, unless of course one books a hotel package – those too are now on offer from Fastjet – and the resort provides free transfers. Advertised resorts include the Mombasa Serena, the Pride Inns at Nyali and Diani as well as the Voyager Beach.
Combined with the generally low hotel and resort tariffs at coast resorts for Kenyans and Kenya residents, there should be no reason to hold back for an August holiday away from the Nairobi cold spell, or else of course fly to Eldoret or Kisumu to explore the highlands or the shores of Lake Victoria.
Flying made cheap and faster … the latter though with a grain of salt as sudden ramp ups of security checks, like last week, can well result in having to come to the airport up to 3 ½ hours prior to departure time to beat the jams and make the flight.
