Kenya : Safety by CityKenya is one of Africa’s most exciting travel destinations, attracting over two million visitors a year with its breathtaking landscapes, world-famous safaris, and rich cultural heritage.
Sitting on the east coast of Africa, right along the equator, it’s a country of dramatic contrasts—think sprawling savannahs, tropical beaches, towering mountains, and bustling cities all in one place.
For centuries, it was a major trade hub, with Arab and Persian merchants shaping the coastal cities.
In the late 19th century, it became a British colony, and the struggle for independence led to the Mau Mau Uprising in the 1950s.
Kenya finally gained independence in 1963, with Jomo Kenyatta as its first president.
Since then, the country has grown into East Africa’s economic powerhouse.
Most travelers come for the wildlife and for good reason.
The Maasai Mara is one of the best places on Earth to see lions, elephants, and the Great Migration when millions of wildebeest thunder across the plains.
But there’s more to Kenya than safaris—Nairobi is a vibrant, fast-paced capital, while Mombasa and Diani offer white-sand beaches and Swahili culture that blends African, Arab, and European influences.
At the same time, there are also more risks to the wildlife of Kenya.
Before planning a trip, you need to know the safety guidance and advisory levels to prepare for the best experience.
Warnings & Dangers in Kenya
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Kenya comes with some specific risks, but the overall risk level is medium. There's just too much to see here to cancel a trip because of safety concerns. We'll help you get prepared.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Public transport, like matatus (shared minibuses), is chaotic and often unsafe due to reckless driving. Stick to registered taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt in cities. If renting a car, be prepared for aggressive driving and unpredictable roads—self-driving isn’t for the faint of heart!
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
This is a medium risk. Busy markets, public transport, and city centers like Nairobi’s CBD or Mombasa’s Old Town are prime spots for pickpockets. Keep valuables out of sight, use a money belt or crossbody bag, and avoid flashy jewelry. If someone distracts you, stay alert—it might be a setup for theft.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Kenya isn’t prone to major natural disasters, but flooding can be an issue during the rainy seasons (March - May, October - December), especially in rural areas. Occasional droughts affect wildlife reserves, but they won’t impact most travelers. The summer heat can cause health issues.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Violent crimes in Kenya run the gamut, giving this country a medium risk for robberies. In this article, we'll go through the most dangerous areas, but keep your guard up no matter where you go.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
This is another medium risk. In fact, the list of places thought to be considering extremist targets is too long to put here (we'll include that later). Avoid large gatherings, holiday events, and crowds at sporting events.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
The risk of scam attempts is high in Kenya. Check the government advisories for a list of current scams, and always check with your embassy before a trip. Some scams are run-of-the-mill, while others are intricately elaborate.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Women should use extra caution and stay with tour groups. We know that sexual assault is common, but a lack of reporting prevents exact numbers from being known. Dress modestly to avoid extra attention, trust your instincts, and use ride-hailing apps instead of flagging taxis.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
Tap water isn’t reliably safe for drinking, even in cities. Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues. Many hotels provide filtered water, but if in doubt, boil or treat it. Even locals prefer treated water, so don’t take the risk—hydration shouldn’t come with a side of trouble!
Safest Places to Visit in Kenya
The most important website for planning a trip to Kenya is the Kenya Tourism Foundation (ktf.co.ke).
You can get information about every aspect of a journey from the group that oversees tourist safety.
KTF also oversees the official tourism website, which is magicalkenya.com.
For wildlife lovers, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is the top destination, famous for its Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and the Great Migration between July and October.
Other top safari spots include Amboseli National Park, known for its large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, and Lake Nakuru National Park, where flamingos turn the water pink.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the best place to see rare black and white rhinos in a protected environment.
In Nairobi, the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust let visitors interact with rescued giraffes and orphaned elephants.
Nairobi National Museum showcases Kenya’s history and diverse cultures.
The Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the Out of Africa author, takes you back to colonial-era Kenya.
For coastal experiences, Diani Beach, Watamu, and Malindi Marine Park offer clear waters for snorkeling, diving, and dolphin watching.
Lamu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is rich in Swahili culture, with centuries-old architecture and no cars, just donkeys and boats for transport.
Hikers and adventure seekers can tackle Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak.
Consider visiting Hell’s Gate National Park, where you can cycle alongside zebras and antelopes through dramatic gorges.
Lake Naivasha is ideal for boat safaris, with hippos and diverse birds.
Places to Avoid in Kenya
You might want to grab a drink because this section is going to take a while.
Overall, Kenya comes with a slightly elevated risk, but there are many places to avoid for your safety.
The threats in these locations are real and constant.
While all governments that issue travel advisories cover the same regions in Kenya, I really like how detailed Canada gets in its reports.
The places listed as Avoid All Travel between the U.S., the U.K., and Canada include:
- Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu counties bordering Somalia
- Turkana and Marsabit counties, within 110 km of the borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia
- Within 50 km of the coast of Tana River County
- Within 50 km of the coast of Kilifi County (from north of the city of Malindi to the Tana River County limits)
Avoiding the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera is also strongly recommended.
Also, Laikipia County, through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties, is not advised.
Don’t use the Likoni ferry due to poor maintenance and safety problems, such as the stampede that happened in August 2024.
Canada’s advisory also mentions some counties and cities where terrorism is a big concern, especially incidents that might target tourists.
- Nairobi
- Naivasha
- Nanyuki
- Meru
- Narok
- the coastal areas of Kenya
- Mandera County
- Wajir County
- Garissa County
Finally, driving solo on roads between the following areas should only be done with a great amount of caution due to the risks of criminals lying in wait.
- Malindi to Lamu
- Nairobi and the Amboseli, Masai Mara, Nakuru and Tsavo game parks/reserves
- Nairobi and the Mount Kenya/Aberdare area
Check with the 24/7 Kenya Tourism Federation’s Safety and Communication Centre for road conditions, risks, and safety information.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Kenya
- Kenya’s police force is the Kenya Police Service, and in an emergency, you can call 999, 112, or 911 for assistance. If you’re in a tourist-heavy area and need help, look for the Tourist Police Unit (TPU)—they specialize in helping visitors and are generally more responsive.
- Want to stay updated on safety concerns? Register with your country’s embassy for travel alerts. You can also follow the Kenya Police Service on social media or check local news sources like Nation Media and The Standard for real-time updates.
- Kenya takes wildlife conservation seriously. Poaching or harming protected animals carries huge fines (up to $1 million) and long jail sentences. Even picking up a souvenir made from animal parts can land you in trouble—so just enjoy the wildlife and leave everything as you found it.
- Not all safari operators are trustworthy. Before booking, check if they’re registered with the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO)—that’s a good sign they follow safety and ethical guidelines. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) requires tour guides to have insurance. Check what that policy means for guests. Reading recent reviews and asking for recommendations also helps avoid scams.
- Kenya is not LGBTQ-friendly. Same-sex relationships are illegal, and public displays of affection—regardless of orientation—can attract unwanted attention. If you’re LGBTQ+, discretion is advised, especially outside major cities.
- Before visiting, check if you need a yellow fever vaccine—it’s required if you’re traveling from a country with yellow fever. Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and meningitis vaccines are also recommended. Malaria is a real risk, so consider antimalarial meds and use mosquito repellent and nets. Talk with your doctor before visiting Kenya.
- Kenya’s train system isn’t the most reliable, especially older passenger trains, which are poorly maintained. The Nairobi to Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is the safest and most comfortable option. If you take it, first-class is best—it’s more secure and makes it easier to exit quickly if needed.
- Forget plastic bags—they’re banned nationwide, and customs officers will fine you if they find one in your luggage. Bring reusable bags instead. This ban is strictly enforced, even at the airport, so don’t risk it.
- When your guide says, “stay in the vehicle,” they mean it. Kenya’s wildlife is breathtaking, but the animals here aren’t in a zoo—they’re wild and unpredictable. Guides know their behavior better than you do, so follow their advice to stay safe and get the best experience.
- Research the Big Five wild animals (and all the other ones) before a trip to Kenya. For example, did you know that hippos are responsible for more human deaths than lions? That giraffes can kill lions? That your safari resort likely won’t have a fence and walking around at night could put you face to face with a wild predator? There’s a lot to learn!
So... How Safe Is Kenya Really?
Kenya has some serious safety concerns, but let’s check the government advisories as of early 2025.
The United States puts Kenya at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, which is the second of a four-tiered rating scale.
Canada and Australia follow suit.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FDCO) advises avoiding all but essential travel to Kenya.
In addition, all governments have details of areas to avoid.
Some of those are at Level 4: Do Not Travel.
Check the most updated advisories before you plan a trip there.
Beware of traveling in the weeks leading up to Christmas as violent crime increases.
At the same time, you can see proof that the government is focusing on keeping tourism growing and making sure visitors feel safe.
The Tourist Police Unit’s Commandant, Paul Soi, addressed the issue of fraudulent tour guides stealing from guests.
“We have seen a rise in cases where tourists lose their valuables and money in hotels.
In Maasai Mara, we have recorded cases of tents being cut and money stolen from tourists.
Through collaboration with the Kenya Defence Forces and tour operators, surveillance has been enhanced across all tourist attraction sites to monitor the movement of visitors and enhance their safety,” Soi said in 2024.
There’s also a large push to get more marketing materials in front of would-be travelers.
Here’s hoping that all these efforts lead to a safer Kenya down the road.
How Does Kenya Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Kenya | 45 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Canada | 88 |
| Estonia | 82 |
| Albania | 75 |
| Czech Republic | 88 |
| Latvia | 80 |
| Cyprus | 75 |
| Slovenia | 87 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most travelers need a visa to enter Kenya, which is now processed online via the eVisa system. U.S., UK, and EU passport holders can apply easily, usually receiving approval within a few days. Visa-on-arrival is no longer available. Make sure your passport is valid for the six months after your trip.
Currency
Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Don't fall for "zero fee" services, and always check the exchange rate before making a transaction. There are plenty of legitimate exchange services in Kenya's urban areas and airports.
Weather
Kenya has a varied climate, from the warm coast to the cooler highlands. Nairobi stays mild year-round, while Mombasa is hot and humid. The rainy seasons (March-May, October-December) can bring heavy showers, but safaris are great year-round, with the Great Migration peaking in the dry months of July-October.
Airports
Kenya’s main international hub is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, with Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa handling many beach-bound travelers. Other key airports include Kisumu (KIS) and Eldoret (EDL). Domestic flights are common for getting around, especially to safari destinations like the Maasai Mara.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Kenya, covering medical emergencies, theft, flight delays, and safari-related risks. Check your policy for adventure sports coverage if you plan on safaris, diving, or hiking.
Kenya Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 26 |
| Low °C | 14 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 |
| High °F | 79 | 79 | 77 | 77 | 73 | 73 | 70 | 72 | 75 | 77 | 77 | 79 |
| Low °F | 57 | 57 | 61 | 61 | 59 | 57 | 50 | 50 | 54 | 55 | 57 | 57 |
Kenya - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Mombasa | 63 |
| Nairobi | 42 |
What?!
I’d rate this review at 50% accurate. Kenya is one of the safest countries in the region presently. And many travel amenities are available in pretty much any town and city
However, avoid any shady looking sections of any town. Petty, opportunistic crimes “may” occur.
Safe
Heaven on earth
Risky
Never, I repeat, NEVER travel to Kenya alone. This place is not safe and it is hard to tell where the risks will be. It is always safest to go in at least a group of 6 or more and always travel in groups of 3. I went with a group from work recently to see wildlife and it is amazing but you always have a sense of feeling very uneasy. I was still happy I went.
Safe
I was 4 week and not even one day felt unsafe
It Is All Safe
Kenya Is Safe
Too Safe
Kenya Is Too Safe For Travelers
This is a very safe country,
This is a very safe country, and this review is written my another ignorant person who may as well be racist but Kenya is safe depending on the place and time, just like any other country. Like how in US some states aren’t safe. You white people need to stop talking bad about Africa, if you have nothing nice to say say nothing at all.
YEAH some US states have many murder rates
Being I live in the USA I have to agree. Some areas in the USA I would never go to.
Poor review
Why do people always use this logic? It’s illogical and really these types are just offended and defending their own country. They dont use factual statistics.
This is not a review of KENYA
Unbelieveable , overall risk in KENYA is HIGH just based on a single event. If thats the case:
1)Netherlands should be a dangerous destination because of the 2019 mosque massacre.
2)America should also be a dangerous destination because of 9/11
Everything about this post is an attempt to rail against the people who published this!
Ehm? Netherlands never had a mosque massacre????
i think he meant to say New Zealand lol but still pretty funny
The review is quite disheartening and biased. My fellow whites let’s stop the brainwash game. The world knows Kenya and its neighbor (of Couse except Somali) are far much the best habitable and safest places in this world. No wonder tourism is major revenue baby in East Africa. In fact, Kenya is my dream second home. The reviewer should get facts right.
I’ve been twice and haven’t been robbed yet.
It all depends
I’ve lived in Kenya for almost 30 years now. Sure crime happens, just like everywhere else. But I wouldn’t say I constantly feel unsafe… unless of course i put myself in unsafe situations or go to dangerous areas
The Truth
As with all the pages on this website, the comments section is just full of intellectual giants (by which I mean utter f***tards). I’ll cut through all of the nonsense with this post.
“Nairobi is dangerous.”
Yes, potentially. Which city is not dangerous? Is it more dangerous than others? Possibly, but I wouldn’t judge based on the Westgate attack a decade ago. In fact, I went to that very shopping centre for a visit and had no trouble. If anything, the attack had the marked effect of forcing almost every public space in Kenya to station armed security guards at the entrances. That might sound foreboding, but it is an extremely effective deterrent for potential terrorists. You’ll be screened and then pass with no trouble. Americans should accept this, since their schools have become shooting galleries with metal detectors for the same reason. I’m not saying terrorist attacks are not possible, but the kebab from Al Shabaab will have to contend with armed security first if you stay in the built-up areas of the city, which I do recommend. Be aware of your own personal safety, but I give that tip to anyone visiting literally any country in the world.
“Nairobi is dirty and has lots of crime.”
Nairobi, like any other city, has good and bad areas. Some parts are cleaner than others. The country could do with an upgrade in infrastructure and the roads aren’t well-maintained in every district. Blame government corruption and a lack of investment, which is common even in the west. William Ruto is an absolute tool of the highest order.
I don’t recommend visiting the slums like Kibera, but there are a lot of high-end neighbourhoods and average ones too, like Westlands and Kilimani. In general, I experienced no crime anywhere I went, because I didn’t venture into some random alleyways at night-time, asking locals for “the beer” like a buffoon. Use your common sense and you’ll probably be fine.
“The people are rude to tourists/foreigners”.
I never once had this issue. On the contrary, I got a lot of attention, which I was informed was because I am a white guy. That actually made me rather uncomfortable, but it wasn’t an unpleasant experience. The people were all nice to me. Tinder is absolutely f****** wild, and do be careful because many of the local women on the app will ask you for money before – ahem – getting down to business. This is a sad cultural reality based on relatively high levels of poverty, and race is seen as a status symbol, especially with rampant colorism between groups like Kikuyus and those they look down on (not all of them, I’m sure, but it is an endemic problem). In other words, if you are white, women will fawn over you in comparison to what you may experience in western society. I’m sorry if this offends any Kenyans here, but it is the truth. I don’t agree that it’s necessarily a good thing, but as a single guy I wasn’t complaining. I believe in racial equality, so with any luck this will pass in time because it will no longer be seen as important.
“Will someone drug me and harvest my organs?”
Hopefully. You probably deserve it if you deliberately wander into a dingy backlot where you think this has any possibility of occurring.
“Nairobi is boring”.
In reality, the time I spent in Nairobi was very enjoyable. I took precautions, as everybody should do, and I managed to avoid attracting any trouble. Granted, I didn’t explore the city at night other than to meet with people from Tinder, so I can’t make a review about that, other than to say I was brought back to the airport at night-time and saw a woman s******* on the street. Stay classy, love. Anyway, there were lots of activities to partake in during the day, and the safaris are an amazing experience unto themselves. Go and enjoy one. Seriously.
All in all, Nairobi was a good experience, although not perfect. Use your common sense (or that of others, if you have none to speak of) and enjoy the cultural showings, safari tours and local markets, etc. It’s worth a visit.
4/5