Safety in Kenya
Jan 7th, 2006, 05:17 PM
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Safety in Kenya
I saw that the U.S. State Department issued a security warning recently for travelers to Kenya. I understand that they likely issue it periodically. But, Is it safe for Americans to travel there at this time?
Jan 8th, 2006, 03:13 AM
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No, it's not. There are horrendous traffic accidents all the time. It's not a problem that's specific for American tourists though, and in November the Kenyan police introduced the “alcoblow”.
Re. “terrorism” I'd say the risk is lower than in London and higher than in the Antarctic. I don't know how it compares to being hit by lightning.
Roseandbelle, I wish you a wonderful and safe trip and that's probably what you'll have.
Re. “terrorism” I'd say the risk is lower than in London and higher than in the Antarctic. I don't know how it compares to being hit by lightning.
Roseandbelle, I wish you a wonderful and safe trip and that's probably what you'll have.
Jan 8th, 2006, 11:12 AM
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We just returned from Kenya and Tanzania. We were only in Nairobi overnight when we arrived, and felt perfectly safe. WAY more safe then when we were in Cairo. We live in downtown Chicago though, so maybe it's all relative to what you're used to. As long as you have a driver/guide that you trust (i.e., won't take you to questionable neighborhoods) you shouldn't have any problems. Also apply the rules of common sense - leave the jewelry at home, don't call attention to yourself, etc.
Jan 8th, 2006, 01:49 PM
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Roseandbell,
Traffic is the greatest danger to travellers in most parts of the world, not only in Kenya. How safe a safari van is depends a lot on the driver. If you get a speed lover, just ask him to slow down a bit. I once was involved in what I thought was a fatal accident for at least 15 minutes, because I was too shy to tell a professional driver how to drive.
Downtown Nairobi is a lot better than its reputation. I even walk alone after dark. I wouldn’t say I feel perfectly safe, but I’ve never had any problems.
Traffic is the greatest danger to travellers in most parts of the world, not only in Kenya. How safe a safari van is depends a lot on the driver. If you get a speed lover, just ask him to slow down a bit. I once was involved in what I thought was a fatal accident for at least 15 minutes, because I was too shy to tell a professional driver how to drive.
Downtown Nairobi is a lot better than its reputation. I even walk alone after dark. I wouldn’t say I feel perfectly safe, but I’ve never had any problems.
Jan 8th, 2006, 03:22 PM
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roseandbelle
how to make a driver slow down?
using a local proverb of course -
say in kiSwahili: Haraka haraka haina baraka!!
The driver cannot but SMILE hearing this. He'll slow down without being offended (at least for a few minutes)
b happy
aby
PS haina pronounced like hyena (ha'eena). haraka means fast, baraka means luck or fortune, blessing even benefaction, advantage etc'
how to make a driver slow down?
using a local proverb of course -
say in kiSwahili: Haraka haraka haina baraka!!
The driver cannot but SMILE hearing this. He'll slow down without being offended (at least for a few minutes)
b happy
aby
PS haina pronounced like hyena (ha'eena). haraka means fast, baraka means luck or fortune, blessing even benefaction, advantage etc'
