Do you think that traveling to Nairobi, Kenya, is expensive? That doesn’t have to be the case. Here are six tips for getting cheap flights to Nairobi.
1. Book charter flights
Packages with a flight included are sometimes cheaper than a separate flight. So take a look at the charter companies’ package deals. Of course, you are not obliged to stay in your accommodation.
Some charters fly to Mombasa (on the coast) instead of Nairobi. Mombasa is much closer to the beach resorts and also close to major wildlife parks like Tsavo East and West. Several Kenyan airlines fly between Mombasa and Nairobi, and there is also a bus and an overnight train that takes about 9 hours.
2. Book separate flights
There are no direct flights from the US or Canada to Nairobi. So from North America you will always have to fly over Europe (usually Amsterdam, Brussels or London) or alternatively the Middle East. You can often save money by first buying a cheap ticket to Europe and then a separate ticket to Kenya.
3. Go with Flying Blue
Kenya Airways, Kenya’s leading airline, is a member of the Flying Blue program along with Northwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, Air France, KLM, Delta Airlines, Aeroméxico and Korean Air. If you travel with them, you earn Flying Blue points and, with enough points, you qualify for better ticket and hotel deals, free upgrades, etc. KLM (the main Dutch airline) has a joint venture with Kenya Airways and Amsterdam is a major hub for flights to Nairobi.
4. Schedule your trip
Tourist seasons in Kenya are December-January and July-August. Then prices rise, not only for plane tickets but also for accommodation. So traveling outside of these periods will give better deals.
Flying at inconvenient times (very early in the morning or late at night) will usually get you better prices. If you include a weekend day, the airlines assume you are a tourist rather than a business traveler. However, if you include a weekend, do not fly on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, as these are usually the days when most tourists travel.
5. Book a round the world ticket
If you want to go to Nairobi as part of a much longer trip, then a round the world (RTW) ticket may be good for you. Several airline alliances offer RTW tickets, all with different conditions. The Star Alliance, in which nineteen airlines participate, is one of the best known. Some are based on mileage, others on time period.
6. Compare prices
And as always…don’t book too early. Kenya’s tourism industry is quite competitive, and it pays to ask around, compare prizes, and not part with your hard-earned money too soon.
