Is Kenya Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

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

4.5 /5

based on 21 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5
Hellene

Hellene

Kenya

Amboseli National Park, Solo travel

I arrived in Amboseli with no plan—just a backpack, a camera, and a vague list of temples I never ended up seeing. Instead, I wandered side streets lined with wooden houses, stumbled into a tiny tea shop . and spent the next hour sipping coffee in complete silence, surrounded by the soft clink of ceramic cups and the rustle of wind through paper walls.

Posted: April 11, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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Kenya, Solo travel

Generally, as a solo female traveller, I felt safe although I was being harassed a few times at some local markets and bus stations. Do note that most Kenyans are trying to survive, hence, they will grab whoever they can into their martatu or mini buses. Now, Masai Maara Reserves is absolutely a wow 🤩! The vast grassland that sometimes you able to see a herd or two elephants 🐘; baboons; lions 🦁; leopards 🐆 and wilder beast etc. Then of course you don’t want to miss the big fives! I didn’t see the migration though but seen enough by spending 3 Days 2 Nights with a decent tent 🏕️. Well, I ain’t a foodie person album I’ve tried some local ugali, spinach. It’s kinda high standard living in Kenya compared to Malaysia. From accommodations, to foods and transportation. I still had good experience for a month. Love 💚

Posted: March 30, 2025Experienced: July, 2024
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Mombasa, Solo travel

I stayed in Nyali area. This is a tourist friendly part of the city. It was safe to walk around the streets alone, even in the evening when its already dark outside. When going to the beach there will be a lot of locals trying to sell you coconuts, boat tours or crafts. They will walk with you on the beach and it might be hard to get rid of them. A good place to go for dinner is Mama Siti Cafe. They have a cheap menu and the local food is amazing. For transport i recommend to use the app BOLT. You can book a taxi, tuktuk or motortaxi and its not expensive at all.

Posted: February 27, 2025
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María

María

Spain

Turkana County, Solo travel

I stay there 5 months This region of Kenya is not for tourists, it doesn't have fancy restaurants or hotels. It's a semidesert with only local people, with local food (goat, rice and some greens). But they have an incredible culture. I went there for a volunteer like a nurse and I fell in love with the place, the people, the dancing and everything. It's not easy to live there. It's a very poor place, there is not much water and they have a tribe conflict there, so depending on how is the conflict, is not a very secure place. Even if you are solo traveling, don't go alone, alone, contact someone there.

Posted: January 9, 2025Experienced: December, 2023
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Nairobi, Solo travel

I felt very safe in Nairobi, unlike what people say. I could go out by myself, and it was easy to get around using Bolt. I visited the giraffe nursery, which was a nice experience, and you can get very close to the giraffes while feeding them.

Posted: December 31, 2024
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Mombasa, Solo travel

Yes I was safe in Mombasa I get to experience the breeze of sea , tried sea food and other amazing street food which I find it more delicious than the other common food in Kenya, mombasa is the best place for relaxing

Posted: December 24, 2024
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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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Is Kenya safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 27 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 27 local experiences

Hanni

Hanni

Nairobi

Nairobi is a vibrant and lively city, but like many major cities, safety can vary a lot depending on where you are, what time it is, and how aware you are of your surroundings. Generally safe for: Daytime travel in areas like Westlands, Karen, Kilimani, or CBD. Uber, Bolt, and Little Cab (especially for short trips). Visiting malls (like Two Rivers, The Hub, Sarit Centre) and tourist sites (like Giraffe Centre or Nairobi National Park). Be cautious with: Walking alone at night, especially in the CBD or less busy streets. Showing valuables (phones, jewelry) openly in crowded places. Using unregistered taxis or unfamiliar matatus (public minibuses). Pickpocketing in places like downtown Nairobi, bus stations, or markets like Gikomba. Tips to stay safe: Stick to known neighborhoods and well-reviewed accommodations. Always use a trusted ride app or hotel transport. Keep a copy of your ID or passport (not the original .

Posted: April 13, 2025
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Nairobi

Nairobi is quite segregated city with mostly gated communities so that makes you secure in housing, gated parks but not the safest on the streets. Crowded places can be safer but stealing is popular too so one must be careful. Walking at night is not at all recommended

Posted: March 14, 2025
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Meet locals in Kenya

Hellene

Hellene

About Me

My name is hellene Aluoch am social to all kinds of human,full of life and advatures,I love cooking, watching movies and traveling,a mother to all and a good listener to every situation.

Speaking

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Nella

Nella

About Me

I am an adventurous and passionate Kenyan living in Nairobi. I would like to meet new people and socialize. I enjoy outdoor activities,beach vibes, long drives,Safaris etc. I would like to show you around and host.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Kenya

Hellene

Hellene

Ruaka

Can host for:

7 days

About me

My name is hellene Aluoch am social to all kinds of human,full of life and advatures,I love cooking, watching movies and traveling,a mother to all and a good listener to every situation.

Speaking

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Nella

Nella

Nairobi

Can host for:

5 days

About me

I am an adventurous and passionate Kenyan living in Nairobi. I would like to meet new people and socialize. I enjoy outdoor activities,beach vibes, long drives,Safaris etc. I would like to show you around and host.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Kenya

Kelly

Kelly

About Me

I am a world wander and I’ve been in over 70 countries and still going, still hitchhiking, still connecting deeply, and 65 years young in mind and heart. I live in the Himalayas of northern India where I have been volunteering and teaching young Buddhist monks and nuns for the last 11 years.. I travel solo and a maximum of 7 kg. Most recently I went from the Himalayas to Argentina, Uruguay, the Falklands, South Georgia Islands, Antarctica, hitchhiking from Argentina through Chile and north. Three months in Colombia. Presently an Iceland. Heading to Zanzibar for housesitting for two months.. The world is my home.

Speaking

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Birgit

Birgit

About Me

Dancing, diving, vegan, love to travel, see the world, get to know new people, perspectives and cultures, learning foreign languages

Speaking

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Safety in Kenya