Boda Boda: East Africa’s Motorcycle Taxis

Boda Boda..?

The name Boda Boda originates from "border to border." In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the small border town of Busia saw a growing demand for better transportation between Kenya and Uganda, as traders from both countries gathered there to do business. The first boda bodas were bicycle taxis, but over time, many drivers switched to motorcycles, as they provided a cheaper and faster way to transport goods across the border. To avoid confusion: in Kenya, the motorcycles used by boda drivers are called "Pikipikis." So, don’t be surprised if someone refers to their pikipiki instead! If you land in Nairobi, you'll see boda boda drivers in yellow helmets stationed at almost every street corner. If you land in Kampala, you'll see even more!

Six Boda tips

A motorbike ride is amazing – we at Charlie’s Travels are real motorheads – but unfortunately, it’s not entirely without risks. A Volkskrant correspondent recently wrote that he prefers not to take boda bodas anymore. Does this mean you should avoid motorbike taxis altogether? Definitely not! Especially if you check the following tips.

1. Always wear a helmet! Many drivers carry an extra helmet.
2. Make sure both side mirrors are intact. A responsible driver ensures they can see behind them.
3. Never get on a boda with a drunk driver! You can often see or smell if someone isn’t sober.
4. Want to be sure your driver hasn’t been drinking? Take an Uber at night instead.
5. Hold on tight to the driver!
6. Always stay relaxed! Pole pole, bwana – take it easy. Your driver is used to passengers holding on to them, so you don’t have to grip the back rack with sore arms.

Recommendation? Absolutely!!

If you ask us, a Boda boda ride is an absolute must during your trip through East Africa. If you want to play it safe, book your City Tour through Nairobi with us – we are partners with the reliable Savvy Riders! They carefully train their drivers and always provide quality helmets for both the driver and the customer. Plus, all these pros are trained in first aid, just in case something happens.