Is It Safe to Travel to Kenya and Tanzania?
A safari in East Africa is a thrilling travel experience. Yet, it’s natural for key questions to arise when planning a trip: Is it safe to travel to Kenya? Is a safari in Tanzania a risk?
These concerns often come from misconceptions or outdated information. In reality, travelling through Kenya and Tanzania is safer than many expect, especially when you take proper precautions.
As Ernest Hemingway once said, “I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy.”
Let’s dive deeper into the safety aspects of travelling to these incredible destinations and put your mind at ease about your East African adventure.
How Safe is a Safari in Kenya and Tanzania?
The allure of a safari is unmatched, but being close to wildlife raises important safety questions. Safari operators in Kenya and Tanzania are highly experienced and follow strict guidelines to ensure both visitor and animal safety. Game drives, guided walks, and camps are designed to minimize risks, with guides trained in understanding animal behaviour and ensuring you remain at a safe distance from wildlife.
It’s crucial to always follow your guide’s instructions, stay inside the vehicle during drives, and avoid loud noises or sudden movements.
At some safari lodges, especially those deep within the parks and private concessions, staff escort guests to and from their rooms, particularly at night.
This is a precautionary measure due to the proximity of wildlife like elephants, lions, and hippos that might pass through the area. While these measures may sound intimidating, they are designed to ensure your safety, and your guides are well-trained in managing these situations.
Is There a Risk of Malaria? And What About Yellow Fever?
When planning a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, it's essential to consider health precautions, especially malaria. While there is a risk, especially in lower-altitude areas, the proper precautions can reduce your chances of contracting the disease.
For example:
Speaking to your doctor about antimalarial medication.
Using a good mosquito repellent.
Covering up at dusk and the evening when mosquitoes are most active.
You will need proof of vaccination for Yellow Fever to enter Kenya as it’s an endemic disease.
Tanzania only requires a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you’re travelling from an infected area or having been in transit through infected areas. However, there have been instances where officials have still asked travellers coming directly from Europe for it.
As a rule of thumb, we would recommend getting the vaccination certificate to avoid any hassle at the airport.
How Safe is it to Visit Kenya and Tanzania as Travellers?
It’s natural to wonder about safety when visiting Kenya and Tanzania, especially in urban areas. Cities like Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Arusha are similar to most major cities worldwide. Some parts are perfectly safe for tourists and regularly frequented by locals, and then there are areas best avoided.
Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing or scams, can occur in busy city centres, so it’s wise to stay vigilant and take basic precautions, like securing your belongings and avoiding flashy displays of wealth.
We recommend using trusted transfer services, which you can book with Viatu, instead of relying on local taxis or public transport in these cities.
Crime becomes almost non-existent once you leave the urban areas and venture into the national parks and bush. Safari camps are generally safe and secure, and many offer lockboxes for storing valuables like cash and passports, which is always a good practice.
What Food Should I Avoid, and Is the Water Safe?
Food is an exciting part of any trip, and in Kenya and Tanzania, there’s plenty of delicious local cuisine to enjoy. However, you do need to take some precautions to avoid upsetting your stomach.
The tap water is not always safe to drink. We recommend sticking to bottled or filtered water throughout your stay. Many lodges, including those Viatu works with, provide refillable water bottles for guests to use, reducing the need for single-use plastics while keeping you hydrated.
While the food at luxury camps and lodges is prepared with strict hygiene standards, care should be taken when venturing outside. Street food can be tempting, but it’s best to avoid vendors unless recommended by your local guide, who knows where to find safe and delicious options.
By following these simple guidelines, you can fully enjoy the culinary delights of East Africa without worry. From fresh seafood on the coast to traditional dishes like nyama choma and ugali, Kenya and Tanzania are home to delicious flavours you won’t want to miss!
Is Kenya and Tanzania Safe for LGBTQ+ Travelers?
Unfortunately, both Kenya and Tanzania have laws that are not supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, and same-sex relationships are criminalised. While incidents involving tourists are rare, it’s recommended to exercise discretion if you're part of the LGBTQ+ community. Public displays of affection, even among heterosexual couples, are generally frowned upon in both countries, so being mindful of cultural norms is advisable.
That said, many LGBTQ+ travellers have visited Kenya and Tanzania without issue by opting for high-end lodges and resorts that cater to international tourists and are gay-friendly. If you’re concerned, Viatu can help you choose accommodations known for their inclusivity.
Packing It Up
So, is it safe to travel to Kenya or Tanzania for a safari? Yes! When you embark on a safari with Viatu, you can expect an immersive and authentic experience in the heart of East Africa, peace of mind, and the knowledge that your safety is a top priority.
With years of experience curating unforgettable safaris, our team knows how to craft tailor-made journeys that blend the thrill of untamed wildlife with the comfort of luxury.
Whether you’re exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti or the rolling hills of the Maasai Mara, you can trust Viatu to provide an extraordinary safari experience—one that is safe, seamless, and truly unforgettable.
