Namanga border

Namanga border
Namanga is a town found in between the Kenya and Tanzania boarder. In Kenya it’s situated in Kajiado county while in Tanzania it’s located in Longido district. Namanga is predominantly Masai land area but a lot of other tribes have settled in the area in the recent years.
Namanga boarder offers some good views of mount Meru on a clear day and some beautiful views of mount Kilimanjaro Africa’s highest mountain found in Tanzania.
With a lot of migrants settling in Namanga for business opportunities, the town has greatly grown and the population has also kept on increasing rapidly. Tourists also often traveling between Tanzania and Kenya by road use Namanga as an entry and exit point.
Generally, Namanga is safe for tourists to cross and travel from but all travelers should be very cautious especially with money changers around the boarder who will convince you to change some money and offer insurance services, sometimes of them offer fake money.
Tourists traveling within Tanzania and Kenya can return back to the other country without having to get a return visa but can also get a single entry visa whereas East African citizens traveling at Namanga border will need a passport or an alternative travel documents with their national identity cards. All visas must be up to date and passports valid at least for the next 6 months from the day of visiting.
Tourists visiting Kenya or Tanzania through Namanga border will need a Visa. A visa can be obtained right away at the border or alternatively you can apply for an electronic visa online then wait for approval and once approved you print out the visa form and this is what you will show at the border in order to able to cross.
Incase your self driving to Kenya or Tanzania with a different number car number plate in another country, you will be required to fill in a form at the boarder then you will be given a period of 7 days free driving after which you will have to pay $20 per month after the 7 days elapse. The receipt of payment will show that you can temporarily drive within the country.
Some east African countries that is; Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda came up with an agreement where their citizens can move freely in order to promote trade. This has been improved with the introduction of One stop border post . Documentation can be done in one of all the countries.
Travelers using public means will fill in exit and entry forms at the border. Yellow fever documentation is needed for all travelers, east African citizens traveling with their cars will have to provide a log book, insurance and a valid driving permit. If the car is not yours, you will be required to show a valid power of attorney document from the car owner.
While driving with different number plates, make sure the fire extinguisher is not expired, two cable reflectors and a first aid kit to avoid being troubled by police along the way who usually have a tendency of over stopping foreign number plate vehicles.
All travelers are required to provide a negative valid covid 19 certificate not more than 14 days old.
Kenya and Tanzania are considered very safe for visitation but all travelers must watch out while in a different country especially in crowded places or towns. Keep your valuables well and avoid moving alone at night.
If you’re planning to sleep in Namanga then you can book a hotel from the many budget friendly accommodations in both sides of Kenya and Tanzania. Some of the activities you can do while in Namanga include the following;
Explore the town
While at Namanga, you can visit the town stalls that sell a lot of art and crafts which you can buy as souvenirs to take back home for remembrance or for loved ones, you can visit local markets it alternatively you can try out local African food.
Visit the Masai
The Masai are nomad pastoralists that live in Kenya and Tanzania. They have distinctive culture and way of dressing with their own traditions. The Masai often boarder national parks in both countries that has made them to be recognized internationally. You can visit Masai villages and learn more about their way of life and culture.
Oldonyio Orok mountains
Oldonyio Orok mountains also known as Namanga hills straddle across Kenya and Tanzania in triangular shape. The highest peak is 2,548 meters above sea level. The Oldonyio Orok forest reserve is a gazetted wildlife area covering 117 kilometers squared. The reserve is home to some plant species, primates, birds and other animals.
The prayer cave
There is a prayer cave within Namanga hills that individuals or groups usually go in to pray from for overnights or at day time. The cave walls are filled with scriptures, this is an interesting site to visit if you’re a religious person.