Kenya Warnings Or Dangers

 
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  •   Warnings Or Dangers
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  •   Warnings Or Dangers
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  •   Warnings Or Dangers
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  • The Lion avoiding the Sun too  :)
      The Lion avoiding the Sun too :)
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  • Endless Savannahs
      Endless Savannahs
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Wild Dust-devils!

by Bwana_Brown

In the afternoon heat, when both man and beast were relaxing in the shade, a common sight on the flat landscape of Amboseli National Park were large dust-devils swirling away with terrific force! We were never actually caught by any of them at the campsite, and when outside driving around the park, you were not supposed to get out of your vehicle. In those cases, we just waited out these things inside the car as they continued on their random paths, tearing up anything that was not tied down.

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Cheeky Vervet Monkeys!

by Bwana_Brown

One thing we had to be careful with at Amboseli Lodge were the naughty Vervet Monkeys who were always on the alert to grab something if you turned your back for a second! These two managed to sneak into our Banda and ran off with an Avocado pear from our supplies. Once they have got their hands on something, you can kiss it goodbye!

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Hungry and angry people

by croisbeauty

I am curious character, want to see and explore the places I visit and like to do it on my way. My longtime experience have learned me that organized city tours are, more or less, waisting of time. At the same time, I've learned not to belive in gossips and not to have predjudices.Before departing to Kenya, and during my stay there, I've heard lots of awarnings; do not do this or that, do not eat or drink anything you get out of your hotel restaurant, do not stay out of your hotel resort when dark, and many more similar flat nonsenses. In two weeks of my staying in Kenya, I didn't have any kind of inconvinience, especially not with the locals, and my life was never in danger.There is, however, small piece of the road, north of Mombasa in direction to Shanzu, where, as I was told, lots of hungry and angry people live. The very same kind of slums I've seen in the outskirts of Nairobi too....

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Security

by Gentex

Nairobi at night is not a safe city. Hotel staff told us not to walk out in the street alone, only in groups and in a car. Hotel doors were closed at night, with armed guards patrolling the surroundings, just like in Masai Mara, although in that case it was not your money what they were looking for, but you, as a dinner!!

Watch out for Mozzies at dusk and dawn

by Krumel

Mozzies are especially active during dusk and dawn, and they are attracted by dark clothes and perfume. Therefore the best prevention against getting bitten is to cover up during those hours, and to wear lightly coloured clothes.

Don't Ship Purchases Home!

by kucha

Don't plan on having souvenirs shipped home. I have friends who never received their packages. Shipping problems are probably less likely if you buy from the better galleries, but make sure they use a reputable shipping company.

What Not to Do

by kucha

Do pronounce the name of the country KEHN-yah (KEEN-yah, which is the old British colonial pronunciation, may offend residents).Don't photograph the people or their homes and livestock without asking permission first (don't be offended if you're asked to pay for the privilege—it's customary in some areas).Don't change money on the black market. The illegal money changers are often quick-change artists, and the police will arrest you if they even suspect you're changing money illicitly (to be safe, don't even hand money to a friend in public). Also, it's illegal to export Kenyan currency, which, in any case, is difficult to exchange upon departure.

"I know we just met, but I LOVE YOU!"

by Osmun79

One thing unnerving to men and women alike, especially white tourists, is the rather upfront way in which a Kenyan will try and get to your money. White women, especially blondes, should not be suprised if a nice young african man starts a conversation and then offers to show you around. Should you follow him, you will most likely be safe, but expect to be less a few shillings and given a marriage proposal. Most men are rather innocent charmers and will not grab any body parts, unlike on the coastal beaches. Occcasionally the offer is for "Some small change" for school fees. This is also known to happen on Buses and Matatus and often to women waiting on the side of a street. I even had a woman at the place I was working profess her live and desire to be with me (yes in that way) after a seemingly innocent lunch.The best defense is to mention you are married if you are and point to a...

River Rd in Nairobi

by Osmun79

Anyone not a local Kenyan should stay far away from River Rd at night. River Rd has been the scene of recent carjackings, snatch and grab crimes, rapes, and at least 2 murders of local men. Police have even put out notices for tourists to stay away. Even during the day, the area is inhabited by drunks and agressive Street Boys and is not of any interest to tourists anyway. If you absolutely HAVE to drive through the area, take a Taxi before sunset.

Police harrasment of Taxi/Matatu drivers

by Osmun79

Police in Nairobi are known to pull over motorists for bribes. This most often happens to Taxi and Matatu drivers. If your ride gets pulled over, stay calm and don't unbuckle your seatbelt. Most likely, if you smile and mention something about being late, the cop will see that a Muzungu(white man) is on board and may simply wave you through. Should your driver be harrassed for a bribe, you can always slip the driver some cash. It is not wise for you to bribe the officer directly. I have only had this happen once, and when they saw that there was a white man in the passenger seat, the guy just waved my driver on without asking for a bribe (known as Chai in local slang).

Top 3 Hotels in Kenya

Nairobi Serena Hotel  Nairobi

 5 Reviews and 206 Opinions  Our partners in SA were having a business conference in Nairobi and needed a hotel with good... 

 Hotels in Nairobi

Governors' IlMoran Camp  Masai Mara Game Reserve

 4 Reviews and 67 Opinions  Little Governors Camp was built in 1976 in the Masai Mara in Kenya with its own independent... 

 Hotels in Masai Mara Game Reserve

Serena Beach Hotel & Spa  Mombasa

 1 Review and 211 Opinions  Quite a long way out of Mombasa to the North, this is said to be one of the best hotels on the coast... 

 Hotels in Mombasa

Questions and Answers

ciera profile photo

Q:  i want to go to kenya for 5 months with my 3 children and husbin im wondering what are so wonderful sites to see? 

CatherineReichardt profile photo

A: Hi Why don't you start by reading the many travel pages on Kenya that VT members have already compiled? As you're a new member, you may not yet be aware how to do this.... 

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