Is it safe for a safari in Kenya? – Is it safe to go on safari in Kenya? – Is it safe to visit Kenya in 2022
Is it safe to safari in Kenya? – Nairobi city the capital of Kenya has a longstanding reputation as a crime hotspot, one that is largely justified, but unlikely to affect those who stay at a suburban hotel, since crime targeted at tourists is mostly associated with the city center. Kenya’s superb safari destinations are safe to visit and its warm, hospitable people will make your safari memorable for a lifetime.
All our Great Adventure Safaris Experts are permanently based in East Africa, are well-trained, and have extensive first-hand experience with the destinations they recommend. Being based in East Africa means we continuously have members of the team discovering new destinations and experiences to ensure they are safe and meet our clients’ expectations.
The triangle of streets between Moi Avenue and River Road should be avoided at all times unless you have a trusted local escort, and it is best to use a taxi if you leave your hotel after dark. Crime is also a problem on some parts of the coast but far less so in small upcountry towns and the game reserves and other rural areas.
Kenya’s authorities deal with the international terror threat in much the same way as other allies of the United States of America and Britain. You will find strict security at Airports and visible policing in public places like shopping malls and outdoor markets, ensuring it is safe to visit Kenya.
The country’s impressive military is active along the eastern border with Somalia. It is important to know that tourists do not visit eastern Kenya at all. You will explore the famous game reserves far away on the opposite side of the country, along Kenya’s western border with Tanzania. This area is so stable and peaceful that the national border separating Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is marked by simple stone cairns. You can see from the Masai Mara National Reserve into the Serengeti National Park and, of course, millions of wildebeest walk this way every year on their annual migration.
Kenya, like many other democracies across the globe, occasionally goes through short periods of political change. This is centered in Nairobi, far from the country’s sensational safari areas and National Park. In fact, in some instances you will fly out of Nairobi immediately after landing, heading to the Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli, Samburu, or Laikipia National Parks.
Many visitors have hassle-free holidays and so should you if you follow the common-sense dos and don’ts below:
Carry a scan or electronic version of all important travel documents, in case they are lost or stolen. You might also want to email all such backups to a webmail address you can access anywhere on the road.
Padlocking your luggage might not prevent a determined thief from slashing it open, but it is a strong deterrent to casual light fingers.
Never leave valuables (cash, mobile phones, electronic devices, etc) lying around openly in your hotel room; where possible, stow your passport and other important documents, as well as spare cash and cards, in a hotel safe.
Leave expensive jewelry at home.
Avoid exposing cameras, laptops, or large amounts of cash in urban areas.
Avoid walking around towns after dark. If you must, do so as part of a group and stick to busy and well-lit streets.
If you’re interested in a Kenya safari, contact us at Great Adventure Safaris and get in touch with one of our Safari Experts to help tailor-make an itinerary that fits your time, budget, and interests