Kenya - My first impression

Wildlife in Tsavo National Park

I visited Kenya in the fall of 2024, and it has been one of my favorite vacations so far. Here, I want to highlight some aspects of the trip that stood out the most.

Affordable Flight Tickets

Living in Canada, I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable it was to fly to Kenya. I managed to find a round-trip ticket from Toronto to Nairobi for just $1,200. For an international destination like Kenya, this was a great deal! With Kenya Airways, you can check two 23kg pieces of luggage and bring a carry-on as well.

That said, it is a long journey—my flight took 21 hours, including a stop in New York. For this reason, I’d recommend only taking this trip if you have at least two weeks to fully enjoy it (which I did!).

A Variety of Scenery

Tsavo park entrance

One of the things I loved most about Kenya is its incredible diversity in landscapes and environments, all within one country. It reminded me of Cabo Verde in this way. Here’s what you can explore in Kenya:

• City Life: Nairobi is a bustling metropolis with malls, social events, and upscale restaurants. If you enjoy the urban lifestyle, this city will captivate you.

• Nature and Wildlife: Kenya’s national parks are a must-visit. Whether you head north, south, or even stay close to Nairobi (yes, there’s a national park nearby!), you’ll have the chance to see stunning wildlife and experience nature up close.

• Relaxation and Beaches: For a more laid-back vacation, head to Kenya’s southern coast. The beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking in the sun.

Feeling Safe in Kenya

Kipera slum

Before my trip, I was a bit nervous about safety because Canada had issued a travel advisory for Kenya. As a solo traveler, this concerned me. However, after speaking with women who had visited Kenya and consulting my Kenyan friend, I felt reassured.

When I landed in Nairobi, my worries melted away. Kenya felt incredibly safe to me. I noticed that security is taken very seriously in public spaces. Most malls, hotels, universities, and even food courts have security measures like bag checks and airport-style scanners at the entrances. I learned that these measures were implemented in response to terrorist incidents between 2000 and 2019. The Kenyan government has prioritized safety, and it shows.

During my time in Kenya, I felt completely at ease. I explored Nairobi, took Uber rides, and wandered around town without any issues. It was wonderful to feel so safe as a solo traveler.

What’s Next?

This is just a high-level overview of my travel experience in Kenya. If you’d like to know more about the specific excursions I took, the accommodations I stayed in, the delicious food I enjoyed, and all the sights I saw, stay tuned for my upcoming blog posts!