"Jamhuri ya Kenya" Top 5 Page for this destination Kenya by croisbeauty

Kenya Travel Guide: 5,002 reviews and 10,965 photos

Elephants (tembo) in Kimana game resort - Kenya

Kenya isn't safari parks only

The first expression I've learned in Kswahili was "pole pole", which means slowly, don't rush, take it easy. The second one was "hakuna matata", which means no problem at all. I could use thousands of words in order to describe what is local mentalithy but nothing like this two expressions can do it better. Kenyans, in generally, are nice and friendly people who wont miss welcoming you by a big smile and inevitable "jambo".
Kenya is beautiful but very poor country, first it was colonized by the whites, nowadays it is colonized by the Kenyans themselves. Fact is, local politicians use the same system which was used under the British rule of Kenya. Corruption is the major problem in the country and it can be noticed virtualy everywhere. Money talks in every step you do around, all you need is to negotiate the price. Take your time, doing it pole pole, and at the end you'll be awarded. I like bargainings and am doing it very well, but in Kenya I never knew was I good in it or not.
Kenyans are very friendly and joyfull, no matter if rich or poor. Most of them like to meet people from abroad and curious to learn about other cultures and people. Accept them in a good will and with the open heart, as I did, and you might be lucky to get devoted friends.
TO BE CONTINUED

Resources

Coral Beach at Shanzu, nearby Mombasa

I haven't seen much of industry around, however, Kenya has very huge potentials in tourism. The coastline is long offering very beautiful sandy beaches, there are number of wide world famous Safari Parks all over the country but still, something is missing here. Corruption is major problem in this country and it can be noticed virtually everywhere.
Most of the hotel resorts belongs to greedy Europeans who are not very talented for business. In fact, they care for one thing only, how to take money out of Kenya. I'll surely revisit Kenya, probably next year, but will never again stay in any hotel which belongs to the major ...... company.

People

street wendors all over the country

There are many faces of Kenya but poverty is probably the one which determine the great majority of its inhabitants. Many people live in very bad conditions deprived of everything what life makes dignified. Never before in any other country I saw so many slums or villages without basic needs like runing water, electricity or gas. And yet, most of the people is very friendly, helpfull and easy in mind.
There are, however, 42 different tribes in Kenya like Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kamba, Maasai, Taita, Giriama, Kalenjins, Turkana, Meru, Embu..., but all or most of them have Bantu origins.
Maasais still live according to their traditions, same as Turkanas and Pokots, therefore they have certain problems regarding dovetailing in the Kenyan society. In spite of the fact they are recognized as a symbol of Kenya, Maasai people feel like being discriminated. There excists also a very huge rivarly between the two major tribes, Kikuyus and Luos, which ended with long lasting riots after the elections in the beginnings of 2008. It costed Kenya very dearly and the face of the country has changed, especially in the provinces of Rift Valley and Nyanza.

Pros and Cons

Pros:local people, in a first place, very friendly and joyfull
Cons:prices for the hotels and safaris, too exaggerated and far from reality

Last visit to Kenya: Aug 2010
Intro Updated Apr 15, 2011
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Reviews (66)

Street Boyz Warnings Or Dangers (4)

There is big difference in strolling around during a day or during a night. The city centre area is very safe during a... more travel advice

Bargaining yes but how long Shopping (1)

The average Kenyan has opinion that all whites are loaded with the money, having it much more then really needing. They... more travel advice

Hotel prices Tourist Traps (4)

Actually this might be considered as non tourist trap but to me it is the biggest trap I've noticed during my visits to... more travel advice

When in Mombasa Hotels (5)

This hotel was suggested by my local friend and I found it much better accomodation then the previous one. It is located... more travel advice

Things to Do (15)
See All Bamburi Beach
Restaurants (1)
Kenyan cuisine
What to Pack (1)
Natural fabrics only
Favorites (16)
See All Dedan Kimathi Wachiuri

Transportation (2)
See All Traffic jams
Off The Beaten Path (5)
See All Kibera - life conditions
Nightlife (1)
Liveliness all around
Local Customs (11)
See All Carrying babies

Comments (23)

Suet Feb 3, 2012 at 6:35 AM Report Abuse

It's different for a white man to travel around Kenya than a white woman, although it's fairly safe. You've done a good job here in illustrating life outside the hotels and game parks. You mention not meeting any rich Kenyans in your travels. You probably won't, they don't do where the tourists go and certainly not where the locals go. Money talks.
csordila Jan 13, 2012 at 6:50 AM Report Abuse

All in my life I wished to spend a longer time here! Thanks. L.
Wafro Sep 18, 2011 at 3:54 AM Report Abuse

Your Kenya page is so complete, TOP!!!
Mushurira Aug 29, 2011 at 10:46 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for sharing real Kenya, for those who are planning to come you are all welcome, but remember when you come to Kenya you will always come back. It is always like that. And Johnnasofia, Kenya has small insecurity here and there like any other country, Less crime these days visit www.come2kenya.net -David
amna07 Nov 9, 2010 at 1:26 PM Report Abuse

waw!i live in England, but original kenyan and its 100% true kenyans are a mazing people,i will start tour company the end of this year which is affodable,i was in kenya last month,wellcome back to kenya karibu tena,asante sanaa.
blumia Jul 16, 2009 at 11:08 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for sharimg your Kenya Tips. In the next years I´ll have a trip to Kenya, it is a very nice place. Gabi
crccstraveler Oct 4, 2008 at 6:22 AM Report Abuse

In one of your warning tips you created the word "surprices" when refering to some unfortunate tour surprises. I love it.
easterntrekker Sep 21, 2008 at 7:28 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for the wonderful tips . We are considering Kenya for our next big trip....
brobernix Mar 14, 2008 at 8:43 AM Report Abuse

Welcome back to Kenya!
Squinchez Nov 8, 2007 at 10:46 PM Report Abuse

You did a Great work Boris...thanks for appreciating my country!!