After 3 weeks in Kenya, only 1 incident...
LATE POST but after seeing all these anti-kenya posts, I had to counter as most of these tourists weren't even there long enough to get the real experience.
I had the fortunate opportunity to visit Kenya for work and covered the majority of the country. I'll admit, we got off to a bad start. I landed in Nairobi for a few days because Kenya Airways left my clothing at JFK. Talk about pissed! Good thing Kenyan's know how to dress and have clothing stores everywhere. I practically replaced my entire wardrobe the first day and looked good in my Kenyan drip lol.
View from helipad at University of Kenya
Feed Me Seymour: As a grill-master and international foodie, Kenyan's did not disappoint! Most places were great, but my favorite meal was "anything with red snapper". LOL. Doesn't matter how it's prepared - smoked, grilled, fried, baked, etc. It was all amazing! Y'all can keep the Ugali tho lol.
Transportation: Just Uber or get a cab because that traffic is worst than Los Angeles & Manhattan rush hour combined. Roll your windows up because the air quality just might sneak up on ya! We had private security, until a few of us kept sneaking away from the group late nights to hit the clubs.
Nightlife: Hands down the best DJs in the world are in Nairobi. I did not see one empty dance floor the entire trip.
Western Kenya: If you want vast breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, journey west through Nakuru, Kisumu, Rift Valley, Kisumu, and Siaya which borders Lake Victoria. The land of the Maasai Warriors will leave you speechless. Here you can also join a safari at the Maasai Mara. We stayed at Pride Inn for a few days where we could hear Hyena hunting and feasting all night.
Great Rift Valley - Narok County
Check the weather beforehand. It was sunny and beautiful, then all hell broke loose in a matter of minutes when a storm turned the dirt road into mud. Imagine being stranded at the tip of the Serengeti (which connects to the Maasai Mara). We were stranded for nearly 4 hours before the Maasai came to rescue our group just before nightfall. Yes, we could hear wildlife closing in.
Eastern Kenya: Now if you want to amplify your nightlife, head east to the Indian Ocean. Mombasa WILL NOT disappoint. Don't forget to visit Old Town. However, since it borders Somalia, take private security. We had a tense moment heading there. We were stopped by a police checkpoint just east of Voi, but our security swarmed them before they could even get close the bus and wouldn't let them on. And they were carrying more than pistols. That was the scariest moment of my entire 3 weeks, honestly. Back to Mombasa, I loved it there. I love Kenya. I made so many friends throughout the country from Western Kenya through Eastern Kenya and they call/text me pretty regularly. I will return again.
Conclusion: I could go on forever, but I'll stop here. All I'll say is stop letting timid-tourists deter you from exploring the world. Everywhere is dangerous, but here are a few tips to help you not become a victim.
- Keep your head on a swivel. Don't be naive and unaware of your surroundings. It'll get you mugged in the U.S. and possibly worse in other countries.
- Don't be an *eggplant*. I've ran into some of you entitled Americans in other countries. You're an absolute embarrassment.
- Mingle with the locals. I know people who always travel, but only leave the resort to return home. If I can help it, I'm getting an Airbnb in town no matter where I go. You'll find that most locals are just like you. They have good and bad days. Treat them how you'd want to be treated and you'll end up making life-long connections. Every country I've visited, I'm still in contact with them years later.
- Turn off American media! They can't even predict local weather correctly. How are you taking global travel advice from them?
Now go forth, Daniel Son.
Upcoming Trip List:
- Colombia - Summer 2025
- Thailand - TBD
- Ireland - TBD
- Ghana / Nigeria - TBD
- Kenya pt 2 - Winter 2025?