Kenya Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Kenya.
Healthcare System
Kenya has a two-tier healthcare system with public facilities that are often under-resourced and overcrowded, and private facilities that offer significantly higher standards of care. Major cities have well-equipped private hospitals with internationally trained doctors, while rural areas have limited medical infrastructure.
Hospitals
Nairobi Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, and MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi are top choices for tourists. Coast General Hospital and Aga Khan Hospital serve Mombasa. Private hospitals require payment upfront or proof of insurance coverage before treatment. Many doctors are trained in UK, US, or India.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available in cities and towns, with many open until late evening. Most common medications are available, though counterfeit drugs can be an issue—use reputable pharmacies in established areas. Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications in original containers with prescriptions.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage including emergency evacuation is essential and strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from remote areas can cost $50,000-100,000 USD. Many facilities will not treat serious conditions without payment guarantees.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry copies of prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining any medications you're bringing
- Private hospitals require upfront payment or insurance guarantees—keep your insurance card and emergency contact numbers accessible
- For serious medical issues, evacuation to Nairobi or South Africa may be necessary
- Water quality varies—drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Ensure your insurance covers safari activities and any adventure sports you plan to undertake
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft of valuables are common in crowded areas, public transport, and tourist sites. Thieves often work in groups and target distracted tourists.
Armed robbery and carjacking occur, particularly in Nairobi and after dark. Criminals may target vehicles stopped at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic.
Kenya has high road accident rates due to poor road conditions, aggressive driving, overloaded vehicles, and minimal enforcement of traffic laws. Night driving is particularly dangerous.
Kenya has experienced terrorist attacks, primarily by Al-Shabaab targeting areas near the Somali border, but also occasionally in Nairobi and coastal areas. Attacks have targeted hotels, shopping centers, and public gatherings.
Wild animals can be dangerous if approached or surprised. Hippos and elephants cause numerous deaths annually. Animals may wander into lodges and camps.
Malaria is endemic in most of Kenya below 2,500 meters altitude. Other risks include dengue fever, typhoid, and waterborne diseases. Mosquito-borne illnesses are common in coastal and low-altitude areas.
Tourists are frequently targeted with inflated prices, fake tour operators, and various scams. Unlicensed guides and operators may provide poor services or create safety risks.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed individuals or companies offer cheap safari packages, then provide substandard vehicles, skip parks, demand additional payments, or disappear with deposits. Some operate from fake offices or websites.
Friendly individuals on beaches offer to show tourists around, arrange activities, or sell crafts at 'special prices,' then demand excessive payments, add hidden fees, or lead tourists to overpriced establishments for commissions.
Operators pressure tourists to visit 'orphanages' or donate to fake charities. Some orphanages deliberately keep children in poor conditions to solicit donations, or children aren't actually orphans.
Unofficial taxi drivers at airports and hotels quote inflated prices or claim meters are broken. Some take longer routes to increase fares or demand additional fees upon arrival.
Sellers offer 'authentic' Tanzanite, gold, or valuable artifacts at 'bargain' prices, claiming they need quick cash. Items are typically fake or worthless. Some involve elaborate stories about family heirlooms.
Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs to capture card data, or use distraction techniques to observe PINs. Some restaurants or shops may copy card details.
Criminals pose as police officers and demand to see money or valuables to 'check for counterfeit currency' or claim you've committed an offense requiring an on-the-spot fine.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Personal Security
- Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in Nairobi—use taxis or ride-hailing services
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals; leave passports in hotel safes when possible
- Don't display wealth—avoid expensive jewelry, watches, or carrying large amounts of cash
- Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, leave
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for security updates
- Keep phone charged and carry a portable charger for emergencies
- Learn a few Swahili phrases—'Saidia' means 'help'
- Avoid discussing your travel plans, accommodation details, or wealth with strangers
Transportation
- Use reputable taxi companies or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, Little Cab) rather than street taxis
- Avoid matatus (minibuses) if possible—they have poor safety records and are targets for theft
- If renting a car, choose a 4WD for safari areas and ensure it's in good condition
- Don't drive after dark outside major cities—roads are poorly lit and hazards are common
- Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially in urban traffic
- Park in secured, attended parking areas only
- Arrange airport transfers in advance through your hotel or reputable company
Health and Hygiene
- Drink only bottled, boiled, or purified water—avoid ice in drinks
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food from reputable establishments
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Take antimalarial medication as prescribed—don't skip doses
- Apply insect repellent regularly, particularly at dawn and dusk
- Ensure routine vaccinations are current; get recommended travel vaccines (typhoid, hepatitis A/B, yellow fever)
- Avoid contact with animals, including dogs, to prevent rabies exposure
- Pack a comprehensive first aid kit and any prescription medications
Safari Safety
- Always follow your guide's instructions—they know animal behavior and safety protocols
- Never leave your vehicle during game drives unless at designated areas and with guide permission
- Keep windows closed when near potentially dangerous animals
- Don't make sudden movements or loud noises that might startle wildlife
- Stay within camp/lodge boundaries, especially at night when animals are active
- If walking in camp areas at night, request an escort from staff
- Keep food secured—animals can smell it and may enter tents or rooms
- Zip tents completely closed to prevent unwanted visitors
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours—avoid standalone machines in isolated areas
- Carry small amounts of cash in multiple locations; use hotel safes for excess
- Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks
- Use credit cards over debit cards when possible for better fraud protection
- Exchange money at banks or authorized forex bureaus, not on the street
- Keep emergency cash in USD or EUR as backup—widely accepted for emergencies
- Be discreet when handling money—count cash privately, not in public
- Photograph important documents and email copies to yourself
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card (Safaricom has best coverage) for reliable communication
- Share your itinerary with someone back home and check in regularly
- Save important numbers in your phone and write them down as backup
- Download offline maps before traveling to remote areas
- Learn key Swahili phrases—locals appreciate the effort and it aids communication
- Keep your embassy's contact information readily accessible
- Consider a satellite phone or emergency beacon for remote safari areas
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations with good security—24-hour reception, guards, secure perimeters
- Use room safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Keep doors and windows locked, even when inside
- Don't open doors without verifying who's there—use peepholes or call reception
- Check reviews from recent travelers on multiple platforms
- Avoid ground-floor rooms in urban areas if possible
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Report any suspicious activity to hotel security immediately
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Kenya is generally safe for women travelers, and many women visit solo without incident, particularly on organized safaris and in established tourist areas. However, women may face additional challenges including unwanted attention, harassment, and being targeted for scams. Cultural attitudes toward women vary, with more conservative views in rural and coastal Muslim communities. Taking sensible precautions significantly reduces risks.
- Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and on the coast—cover shoulders and knees to avoid unwanted attention
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use reputable taxis or hotel transportation
- Be firm and direct in declining unwanted advances—don't worry about being impolite
- Consider joining group tours or safaris rather than traveling entirely solo
- Book accommodations with good security and reception services
- Wear a fake wedding ring and mention a husband if it helps deflect attention
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately
- Keep your phone charged and accessible with emergency numbers saved
- Avoid isolated beaches and areas, even during daytime
- Consider connecting with other female travelers through hostels or online groups
- Be aware that 'beach boys' and guides may view female tourists as romantic opportunities
- Harassment is unfortunately common—ignore catcalls and keep walking confidently
- In matatus or public transport, sit near other women or families if possible
- Research and book reputable safari operators—some may not take solo women seriously
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Kenya under colonial-era laws, with potential penalties including imprisonment. However, prosecutions are rare. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity—avoid public displays of affection
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and establishments in advance, particularly in Nairobi
- Be aware that discussing LGBTQ+ topics openly may provoke negative reactions
- Avoid drawing attention to your relationship status in public or with strangers
- Consider booking private accommodations rather than shared spaces
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations discreetly for advice and support if needed
- Be cautious on dating apps—entrapment and blackmail can occur
- Nairobi has a more tolerant underground scene, but still requires discretion
- Don't assume that because someone is friendly they are accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals
- Consider your safety over being out—prioritize discretion, especially outside tourist areas
- Be aware that hotel staff may react negatively to same-sex couples sharing rooms
- Rural and coastal areas are generally more conservative than Nairobi
- Your embassy may have limited ability to assist with issues related to sexual orientation
- Travel insurance may not cover incidents related to illegal activities, even if laws are unjust
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for Kenya due to significant health risks including malaria, limited medical infrastructure outside cities, high costs of private medical care, potential need for medical evacuation (which can cost $50,000-100,000+), risks of terrorism and civil unrest, adventure activities requiring specialized coverage, and potential trip disruptions. Many private hospitals refuse treatment without payment guarantees or insurance verification.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries