Kenya / Nairobi Safety

Re: Kenya / Nairobi Safety

Hi Yvette,

I travelled around Kenya last month on an Overland tour and spent several days by myself in Nairobi.

I must admit that my first day in town I was a little freaked by the signs warning people not to stop at night if you get a flat tyre (Your life is worth more than your rims!), but aside from some overly persistent salesmen I didn't really have any problems.

It's just a matter of using commonsense; Nairobi isn't the safest place at night, so I made sure I was back in my hotel by dark, and I stuck to the main streets.
Don't carry around more than you need to, thieves are known to target people struggling with a lot of bags, and bulging moneybelts under tshirts are a dead giveaway (you'll see a few tourists who look like they're about to give birth to a wad of currency!).
It can be hard to blend in if you're a pale blonde like me , but I found I was left alone if I stuck to shopping in the areas the locals frequented rather than the tourist areas.
There is a Central market in Nairobi for souvenirs, but I'd avoid it. They're overpriced, extremely pushy (sometimes obnoxiously so), and didn't sell anything I didn't see at markets all around Kenya. I've heard the Masai market held every Tuesday is much better, but I didn't get a chance to go.

As to the rest of Kenya, I only went to two of the places on your tour - Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara. Both were fantastic for wildlife, and I had no problems at either.

Crime is a problem in some parts of Kenya, but I wouldn't let it stop you from going on what will be a fantastic trip.

Kathryn

Re: Kenya / Nairobi Safety

Thanks for your post Kathryn. I really appreciate your advice and feel much better about the journey. Can I ask a silly question: how did you carry a camera etc... without looking bulky and a bit of a target? When did you visit Kenya? I am going in a month and hope there will be lots of animals etc... to see?! Thanks again.

Re: Kenya / Nairobi Safety

[quote]Originally posted by :
[b] Hi,

I am interested in hearing about anyone's experiences with Im Traveller in Kenya. I intend to do the Kenya Highlights trip in Jan 06 and also travel around by myself. I have read some awful reports about safety, or rather the lack thereof, especially in Nairobi. I would really appreciate any advice or experiences. Thanks. [/b][/quote]

Re: Kenya / Nairobi Safety

Hi Yvette
I am also travelling on my own to Nairobi to join up with the Kenya Highlights tour starting on the 8th Jan and have a few days on my own beforehand. When do you arrive? If it coincides with when I am there do you want to catch up, as I know I would certainly feel a bit safer shopping/sightseeing with someone else!