Is it safe to travel to Kenya right now? Kenya is not without problems related to crime and political unrest but you are unlikely to encounter any such issues if you stay away from certain areas. For instance, it is not a good idea to venture close to the borders of Somalia or South Sudan or to attend any kind of planned protest. As with anywhere else in the world, it’s also not a good idea to walk the city streets after dark or venture into neighborhoods that you know absolutely nothing about.
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Is Kenya a Safe Country to Travel in 2024?
More than two million visitors arrived in Kenya last year. Some of these tourists climbed Mount Kenya but many more went on safari in Maasai Mara National Park. Tourism is therefore a big deal for the nations income and something the Kenyan Government goes to every length to protect. Many shopping malls in towns and cities have private security and are located inside fenced compounds. Police presence is high and always courteous to visiting tourists. While you should probably stay away from townships or certain areas in city centers, it is very unlikely you will run into any trouble with locals on your trip to Kenya. If you decide to join an organized tour, you can have even more peace of mind because in all of my years working as a tour leader in Africa, there has not been a single guest that reported any crime or harassment related issue to the police.
But what kind of diseases are prevalent in Kenya?
What Diseases Do You Need to Know About?
Most visitors to Kenya are recommened to get certain vaccines. You should visit your local doctor or travel clinic for advice on this matter. Vaccines for the following are most common:
Yellow fever
Hepatitis A
Poliomyelitis
Tetanus
Diphtheria
You might also consider vaccines for rabies, typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis B.
But what about malaria? I hear you!
Most tour companies in Africa require you to show proof of personal travel insurance for your trip. I suggest you get a quote to see how much it might cost. I always use World Nomads for my trips in Africa and it takes just a few seconds to get a quote on the link below…
Can You Get Malaria in Kenya?
Yes, you can definitely pick up malaria in Kenya. This is especially true in regions with warmer climates and lower altitudes and coastal areas. Malaria is common near Lake Victoria and parts of western Kenya. The risk is lower in Nairobi and highland areas but I would exercise more caution wherever you happen across a large body of water. Just so you know, malaria is transmitted by the Anopheles species of mosquito. It’s important to take preventive measures if you’re traveling to malaria-prone areas. This might involve using insect repellent, sleeping under mosquito nets, and taking antimalarial medication. Your local doctor or travel clinic can advise you on which type of medication will be most suitable for you to take for your trip to Kenya.
Tips for How to Stay Safe in Kenya
You should exercise caution wherever you go in the world. I actually find most countries in Africa to feel more safe than parts of Europe or the United States. This might seem like an exaggerated claim but this is just an opinion based on my experience working as a tour leader in Africa. That said, I am always asked for tips and advice that might keep one more safe on a trip to Kenya:
Stick to Pre-Arranged Transport
Try to stick with pre-arranged transport in Kenya. This means having a taxi organised to pick you up at the airport and perhaps staying away from the large local buses around town. You might also ask your hotel reception to organise any other taxi requirments during your stay and I always recommend joining an overland tour which will remove the hassle associated with logistics.
Pick a Trusted Tour Operator
You might notice on my website that I always recommend the same tour operators. This is because I have first hand experience of watching these companies in action. They are also the best reviewed and considered the most trusted tour companies in Africa. It’s worth noting the best tour operators will ensure the transport for every aspect of your trip is pre-arranged on your behalf.
Don’t Be Flashy
Try not to wear any flash clothing or jewellery on your trip to Africa. I would even advise you avoid wearing any typical safari shorts and waistecoats as this is the quickest way to spot someone arriving in Africa for the first time. If you have cameras, don’t take them out in town and perhaps use your phone for taking snaps in such places. Laptops, ipads and expensive gadgets should not be left out in the open and the same goes for your wallet – keep it concealed at all times.
Plan Ahead and Know Where You are Going
If you walk with purpose, you are far less likely to be bothered on the street. If you keep stopping every few minutes to check your phone or map, you are communicating that you are not familiar with the situation. The latter is exactly what will attract the unsavory characters in a busy city and someone who might lead you astray from where you actually need to go. My advise is to plan your route before leaving the hotel and walk quickly or at least with a sense of conviction that says ‘I’ve been here before and I know exactly where I’m going’.
Don’t Skip on Travel Insurance for Africa
You’ll need a specialized type of insurance. Many of my guests have needed to claim on their travel insurance as a result of medical or health issues. However, I also find this bring huge peace of mind on trip because there are so many ways in which things can go wrong on a trip to Africa. My advise is to factor the cost of this insurance into your trip and get a quote to know exactly what this will be. I always use World Nomads and it takes just a few seconds to get a quote on the link below…
Thank you for reading and make sure to check out my blogposts about overland tours. I personally believe they offer the safest way to travel and the best value in terms of what you get to see.
