BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi, my husband and I are thinking of doing a safari that starts in Nairobi then crosses into Tanzania (pretty much immediately due to a revised itinerary on their part) into Arusha on the Tanzania side. Has anyone been to Kenya recently and what was your impression of safety given the recent turmoil?

Question two is any advice/tips/directions on obtaining (1)your Kenya visa (I'm assuming at the airport) and (2)Tanzania at any border points.

Thanks! Sarah

I heard back from my friend at the US State dept. re: safety in Kenya and she had the following "unofficial" response:

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"The 'unofficial' response... While there have been issues lately, nothing has impacted the tourist areas nor have we had any reports of attacks on tourists. The reality is that you are probably more at risk from the general random acts of violence that sometimes occur. But those occur all over Africa. I'd spoke to one of my colleagues who covers Africa, and she said, "travel smart, be aware of the ongoing danger (not related to the recent turmoils, but violence in general...) and have fun..." I've heard the tourist industry is severly impacted, which means great opportunity to see cool things when the numbers of vehicles and tourists is low. There are dangers, but these always exist. But having said that... you have to make the decision based on what feels comfortable for you... Africa can be a violent place, but also b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l and unique and special."
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There you have it.

Just did this exact trip with KIBO safaris and it was amazing. I flew into Nairobi on February 4 which was at the height of the violence. I felt nervous, but everything went totally smoothly and the transfer (about 5 hours by private driver) went off just fine. We stayed in Nairobi for one night at a nice hotel and then crossed to Arusha. Visa can be obtained in Kenya airport-paid in USD (around $30 for us because we were not coming back into Kenya). Tanzania is around $100!! and can be obtained at the border when your driver takes you there. Both are really easy. I hope this message his helpful and timely and let me know if you have any other questions.

my family has business in Kenya so i fly back and forth from Perth to Nairobi every month or so,

There are no safety issues regarding the tourist trade, although it has died off a LOT!

Nairobi is fine, most of the problems happened north and north west of NBO. From what you have said, it sounds like you are travelling south so you shouldnt have any problems.

The roads are about the only thing that worry me as they seem ot get worse each time i'm there!!

Visas for NBO can be picked up at the airport and Tanzania visa will likely be picked up at the Namanga border crossing.

good luck with your trip and enjoy yourself, it's a beautiful part of the world!

cheers
Jeelan