Kenya is undoubtably on everyone's bucket list, and the main reason we hear people holding back on a trip to this incredible country is that they have no one to travel with. So, we are here to decipher the age old question: Is Kenya a destination for singles?
Kenya is generally considered a safe country compared to other countries in Africa, and travelling in Kenya can be a fantastic experience, as the country offers a wide range of attractions and activities that are well-suited to solo travellers. But as with all travel, it is important to take necessary precautions and be aware of potential risks.
Kenya has a stable government, a growing economy, and a well-developed tourist industry, which has contributed to its reputation as a safe destination. The country also has a large and well-trained police force, which helps to maintain public safety.
Tips for travelling solo in Kenya:
Overall, travelling solo in Kenya can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With some careful planning and preparation, you can enjoy all that the country has to offer while staying safe and making the most of your trip.
Located in East Africa, and providing access to nearly every bucket list item that Africa has to offer, Kenya is the ideal destination for an African Adventure. The country's amazing range of resorts, hotels, lodges and campgrounds make it simple to live the good life, both alone or with new friends, while enjoying the nature and landscape that hoards of tourists come to see every year.
How to meet people in Kenya
We truly believe that the best way to meet people and explore this amazing place is with a group. Kenya is full of Bucket List Experiences, like a safari in the Maasai Mara, a boat ride around Lake Naivasha, hiking around Lake Nakuru or riding a bike through Hells Gate National Park.
You can also watch the wildebeest migration over the Mara River, spot the big five, visit a Maasai Village and volunteering at a school or community project. Finding a tour is not a problem, it is finding the right tour.
Some things to consider when booking a tour in Kenya:
1). Demographic
What is the demographic of the tourists in your group and do the company guarantee that demographic. For example; at Indy Escapes, we guarantee that all guests will be 'Young Professionals' aged between their late 20's to early 40's. Whether you are looking to travel with people on their GAP year (aged 18-21) or people in an older demographic (aged 50+), just make sure you confirm with the group before paying your deposit.
2). Itinerary
What are your main interests and what do you want to see and experience during your visit? Is it the right season for you to experience all that you desire? Also, do the departure dates line up? Whatever your itinerary, be sure to include time for relaxation and exploration, as well as wildlife viewing and adventure activities. These factors will help you plan a suitable itinerary for your trip.
3). Accommodation
Kenya offers a variety of accommodation types to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the most common types of accommodation you can find in Kenya:
Hotels: There are many hotels in Kenya, ranging from budget to luxury. They offer standard amenities such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and fitness centres.
Lodges: Safari lodges are popular in Kenya, offering a blend of luxury and wilderness. These are typically located within or near game reserves, with rooms or tented camps that offer amenities like hot water, electricity, and private bathrooms.
Tented Camps/Glamping: Tented camps (also known as Glamping) are similar to lodges, but they offer an immersive experience of the wilderness, with tents as the primary accommodation, some even fitted with private ensuites. They are popular for safari experiences, but can also be found in other natural areas.
Resorts: Kenya has a few beach resorts along the coast, which offer activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports. They often have a variety of rooms, suites, and villas, with a range of amenities and services.
Homestays: Some travelers prefer to stay with local families to get a more authentic experience of Kenyan culture. Homestays offer a unique opportunity to learn about local customs, foods, and lifestyles.
Camping: Camping is also popular in Kenya, particularly for budget travelers. Most camping sites provide basic facilities such as toilets, showers, and cooking areas.
Whatever your preference, it's important to research and compare different types of accommodation to find the best option for your needs and budget.
There are many day trips you can take in Kenya, depending on your interests and location. Here are some ideas for day trips from popular destinations:
From Nairobi:
From Mombasa:
From Kisumu:
From Maasai Mara:
These are just a few examples of day trips you can take in Kenya. There are many other options available depending on your interests and location. Be sure to research and plan your trip in advance to make the most of your time in Kenya and not get stuck on a tour with an inexperienced guide, wrong demographic in your group or wrong budget/accommodation for what you expect.
Nightlife in Nairobi
Meet Up is a renowned worldwide platform that enables users to find and connect with local communities, and the best thing is, its FREE! If you are looking to see what is happening in a certain city just log in and scroll through the events. The groups are generally full of fun loving people who just want to get together and have a good time. There could be a mix of locals, travellers, couples, singles and solo travellers in Kenya, who are also finding it hard to meet people. Thanks to Meet Up you now have a genuine opportunity to make new friends in Kenya, from all over the world.
Like anywhere in the world, dating apps are an awesome way to meet new people. With an abundance of options ranging from Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, OKCupid, Happn... (The list goes on!) we have found this to be a great way to meet other solo travellers or singles in Kenya. There is only one catch.. They will likely have to be on the same campground as you when you are on safari, otherwise it gets tricky. Given that the campgrounds and resorts are exclusive and hard to get to, your best is to keep your perimeter tight. Whether you are looking for a holiday fling or just a friend to spend the days with, an experience in Kenya is better to be shared than spent alone. If you're seeking friendship or something more, sign up today and begin meeting new people.
Overall, there are a number of ways to meet people if you are a single in Kenya, from resorts, hotels, campgrounds and local guesthouses, day trips and safaris, restaurants, bars or even through volunteering. In saying that, being in a developing African country with a tourism industry that is based on ground tours and safaris, we do know from experience that travelling solo in Kenya, is definitely possible, it can be frustrating, lengthy and can also get lonely at times so we do obviously recommend joining us on our Kenya - Safari & Volunteer experience because 'hand on heart', this is the best way to meet likeminded people in Kenya and maximise your fun!
We hope that by the time you have finished reading this article that you can actually travel to Kenya alone and that you don't need to wait for anyone! After living though a pandemic, we all realise now that there is never a good or bad time to do something and we just need to make the most of the time that we have!
