Is Kenya Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Solo Travel in Kenya

Kenya as a travel destination has diverse experiences to offer and is generally welcoming. However, cautiousness should be maintained, especially in crowded markets and urban centres against petty crimes like pickpocketing. It's always advisable to avoid walking alone at night, taking only licensed taxis, and avoiding remote areas. Moreover, due to sporadic instances of political unrest and terrorism, staying updated about the local news will keep you more aware and safer.

Safety rating

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How safe is Kenya?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

Kenya, like many places can have safety concerns particularly during late hours, and general advice would recommend avoiding walking alone at night. This is especially true in isolated areas, although busy well-lit areas can be relatively safer. It's always important to listen to the advice of locals and stay knowledgeable about your surroundings.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Kenya, including buses and matatus (minibuses or vans), is often crowded and can be less regulated. It's advised to remain vigilant due to instances of pickpocketing, particularly in larger cities like Nairobi. Also, road safety can be an issue, as traffic regulations are not always adhered to. However, the introduction of more regulated services like Uber and Bolt has helped increase the safety standards. Make sure to use reliable and accredited services whenever applicable and avoid traveling during late hours if possible.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

While Kenya is generally welcoming, some experiences of verbal harassment are reported, particularly in urban settings or busier tourist areas. It is often unaggressive and usually in the form of unsolicited comments or compliments. Responding calmly or ignoring can often stop the behavior. Dressing modestly also helps, particularly in the more traditional areas. As always, trust your instincts, be aware of your surroundings and stick to well-populated areas as much as possible.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Kenya has instances of petty crimes such as bag snatching, pickpocketing, and theft from hotel rooms. Typically these crimes are more prevalent in crowded places such as markets and public transportation, especially in larger cities like Nairobi. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and always monitor their belongings.

Is Kenya worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 9 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5
Dafquez

Dafquez

Canada

Kenya, Solo travel

I booked with Pathway Safaris, and felt well cared for and safe. I even cried a little when they saw me off at the airport, because I felt like they became family! I really appreciated getting to know local communities.

Posted: July 24, 2024Experienced: April, 2023
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Barb

Barb

United States

Kenya, Couple travel

For anyone that loves adventure and animals, Kenya is an incredible destination. I’m not really a beach person, but the Indian Ocean is the only ocean I will actually go in, since it is warm and crystal clear. As far as safety, I was able to walk alone and had no fear. However, you do need to be able to tell the beach boys you’re not interested in long discussions with them. Down in the south is Wasini island. There you can swim with the dolphins and whale sharks. A little to the north is the South Coast region, and there you find Simba Hills which has a coastal forest safari and you can see the rare sable antelopes. As you head further inland there are national parks such as Ambosili, Tsavo East and Tsavo West. From there you can see spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is actually located in Tanzania. There is also no shortage of wild animals and I have seen all animals except rhinos in these parks. I recommend a visit to the Masa Mari where you can see rhinos and the big herds, but it’s especially interesting during migration season.

Posted: April 29, 2024
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Mombasa, Solo travel

Everyone I met was so so welcoming and friendly. Prices were expensive in the supermarket and food choice was limited if you are vegetarian. But the local markets had amazing fresh produce for cheap, don't be afraid to haggle!

Posted: March 13, 2024Experienced: March, 2018
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Kenya, Group travel

I travelled to Nairobi, Tsavo and Diani Beach. I loved the elephant sanctuary and giraffe centre in Nairobi. Tsavo Safari was incredible and Diani Beach has my heart 💓 Kenya was so beautiful and affordable. We rented land cruisers to travel around.

Posted: February 15, 2024
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Kenya, Solo travel

Kenya was surprisingly good as I was expecting to feel less safe going there alone. People are awesome and so welcoming and kind. I cherished their honesty. It was refreshing. One of my best solo trips ever.

Posted: January 25, 2024
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Kathy

Kathy

Norway

Diani Beach, Solo travel

Lovely place! Best Beach in the world. I felt safe, lots of friendly people and the food was great if you’re adventurous! In the evening I explored the night life, and i found some Nice Clubs around. 😊

Posted: November 24, 2023
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Kenya, Group travel

I was traveling with a friend, without a travel agency. We organized everything ourselves. It was amazing, a journey through almost all of Kenya. We felt safe, but of course, we did not go out after dark. A lot of traveling by car, minibuses, and trains through Kenya. I highly recommend it.

Posted: August 29, 2023
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Kenya, Solo travel

I spent 8 days alone in Kenya last September and had a fantastic time. I never felt unsafe. I spent 3 days on a safari in the Masai Mara Reserve, visited the Elephant Orphanage, the Giraffe Center, the Nairobi Museum, and did some shopping in downtown. Throughout the whole time, I had an amazing private guide.

Posted: August 2, 2023
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Kenya, Solo travel

I spent a wonderful time alone in Nairobi, Mara, and Mombasa. I never felt uncomfortable or uneasy. I simply followed the usual tips to be aware of my surroundings and tried not to stand out more than necessary. I had a great time and enjoyed the beautiful country and wonderful people of Kenya.

Posted: July 31, 2023
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Kenya, Solo travel

I went to Kenya for 2 weeks. The first week I joined a group safari tour to visit Maasai Mara, Nakuru, and Naivasha. Then, in the second week, I continued my journey alone to Mombasa, Diani Beach, and Kilifi. I felt safe there, however, I was advised not to wander alone at night. The hostel where I stayed at Diani Beach insisted that someone accompany me across the street to the restaurant for dinner.

Posted: June 14, 2023
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Is Kenya safe for women?

Safety index

3.3 /5

Based on 6 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 6 local experiences

Westlands

Generally very safe. Because of the high number of nightclubs, malls and restaurants, it's very vibrant and well lit in the evenings. A lot of multi-national corporations have offices in Westlands so again it's pretty safe.

Posted: September 19, 2024
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Nairobi

Nairobi is like most big cities, you feel comfortable because of the people around always but you want to be careful since there’s a lot of idle men on the roads. You can find easy information on the map and what bus to take, you can also ask the people for directions and stuff, the people are generally nice and helpful.

Posted: August 24, 2024
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Is Kenya safe right now?

Before your visit to Kenya, it's essential to check travel advisories for Kenya, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises exercising increased caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas exhibit increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 31, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

*The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Kenya due to the threat of terrorism and a high crime rate.* Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 24, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises to **exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya overall** due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime. **Higher levels apply in some areas.** Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 16, 2024

Meet locals in Kenya

brenda

brenda

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Am Brenda living in malindi, and I am open to making new friends

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Tabitha

Tabitha

About Me

I am 35 year d mother of one and a wife, currently an MBA student at USIU. I love playing golf, travelling, meeting new people, swimming and reading.

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Stay with locals in Kenya

Tabitha

Tabitha

Nairobi

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I am 35 year d mother of one and a wife, currently an MBA student at USIU. I love playing golf, travelling, meeting new people, swimming and reading.

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brenda

brenda

Malindi

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Am Brenda living in malindi, and I am open to making new friends

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Safety in Kenya