Kenya

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM KENYA?

Kenya has a lot to offer in terms of sandy beaches, great nightlife, outdoor activities and great tourist destinations. As a Kenyan, I started exploring my country due to the pandemic, and I started with hiking. Hiking is a great introduction to travel for beginner travellers who want to dip their toes in travel and adventure. So far, I have hiked the Aberdare Ranges, Kijabe Hills, Mt Kenya, Ragia Falls, Sleeping Warrior and Ugali Hills.

If you’re a non-Kenyan traveller, you can opt to explore common tourist destinations, or plan your own itinerary.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN KENYA

Hike the Aberdare Ranges. You can choose from Elephant Hill, Rurimueria Hills, Table Mountain, Satima or Kinangop.

Hike Mt Kenya. You can choose to summit Mt Kenya or a day hike to Lake Ellis or to Lake Michaelson.

Bathe in the sand and sea. Enjoy beautiful sunsets in Diani, Watamu, Lamu, Kilifi or Tiwi.

Sign up for dance classes in Nairobi. I highly suggest Sensual Bachata, Salsa or Kizomba for a start. Nairobi Street Kitchen has Latina night every Thursday for dance lovers.

TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELLING

Accommodation – Since most of my trips have been local, I have never had a problem with accommodation. I find Airbnb quite resourceful. Make sure to filter the accommodation with the number of reviews. I visited Watamu with a group of friends which made cost-sharing easy.

Food – This depends on where you’re visiting. $20 is a good amount to have for dinner or lunch. The further away you are from Nairobi, the cheaper food is. Ask your Airbnb host for food eateries and restaurants. Our Airbnb hosts in Watamu gave us quite a list.

Transportation – In Kenya, you can choose from matatus (mini buses), Boda Bodas (motorbikes), Uber (in major cities), taxis, tuk tuks (rikshaws) and buses. Opt for what makes you feel most comfortable and safe. If you want the full Kenyan experience and to save money, matatus and buses are the go-to options.

Suggested daily budget – 50-60 EUR / 52-62 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using the local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

MONEY-SAVING TIPS

1. Get the menu of the day. More often than not, this comes at discounted rates.
2. Use the buses at Kencom and leave uber at extreme times such as when running late or when you don’t feel safe.
3. Use Tuk Tuks and Boda Bodas while on the Kenyan Coast. We used a Taxi as we were many and could cost-share, but if you’re alone it’s very expensive.
4. Couchsurf. Do your due diligence on the host before Couchsurfing.

MY MUST-HAVE GUIDES FOR TRAVELING

1. A power bank. Electricity at the coast can be a bit glitchy. In addition, when you’re having fun, you may not notice your phone dying on you.

2. Sunscreen.

3. Mosquito repellent.

4. Sunglasses.

5. A fanny pack.

6. Earphones/Bluetooth headphones.

7. Laptop, laptop charger and a notebook.

8. Hiking essentials while going for a hike.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM KENYA?

Peace, serenity, sunsets, sunrises, beautiful views. I mean I just started exploring this country but I am in awe. Much as I try to capture these moments and document them on my Instagram page, I can never do them justice. Expect to fall in love with the country, nature, and the people and to feel like you can’t get enough. Expect to find yourself.

Travel clears your mind. Or rather, travelling and traversing Kenya clears your mind.