Kenya (Pandemic) Travel Guide
Traveling alone as a woman anywhere in the world comes with its challenges and dangers. Africa is no exception. Girls Trip Tours helps women confidently explore African destinations, while supporting local business women through commerce and empowering young girls through mentorship.
Kenya from Coast to Coast
Hi, I’m Temi, the founder of Girls Trip Tours. As the pandemic continues, I’ve been looking for destinations that can keep my attention for several weeks instead of jet-setting from country to country. Kenya is one of those places worth exploring from coast to coast; safari on the savannah, hike breath-taking mountains, relax by pristine beaches, and enjoy city life in between. Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip there in 2022 from the perspective of a female traveller.
Kindly note that Kenya is a safe and fun destination to travel solo and the recommendations below have a solo female traveller in mind. However, if you wish to travel in a group to Kenya in 2022 and experience everything Girls Trip Tours has to offer, look out for our group trip dates that will be announced on our Instagram.
Pre-arrival pandemic travel checklist
Passport: Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your trip.
Airline ticket: Suggested airlines include Emirates, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways.
E-visa: You can get your e-visa here 3 - 6 weeks before departure. In my experience it comes within a few days, but just to be on the safe side, I recommend applying for a visa a few weeks before your departure.
PCR tests: You must have a negative PCR test taken 96 hours prior to arrival. The 96-hour countdown is from “nose” to landing, not when you receive the results.
Jitenge app: After checking in, you will be provided with a link to fill out a virtual landing card and given information on the most up to date local covid-19 protocols. Prior to landing, a PDF of the QR code will arrive in the email you provided. Have the QR code ready to show to officials once you disembark from the plane.
Vaccination record (optional): Depending on where you are traveling from, you may need proof of a yellow fever vaccination. Covid-19 vaccinations are not required at this time, but if you have one, make sure you travel with a copy.
Airport pickup: You should arrange airport pickup with your hotel. There will be a driver waiting with your name on arrival.
what to do when you land at nairobi International airport
Show QR code and covid results
Show e-visa and passport to immigration
Collect bags and go through customs
Withdraw Kenyan shillings from an ATM or exchange FX at a kiosk outside the arrivals door
Buy Safaricom sim card and activate M-Pesa (mobile payments) to avoid constantly withdrawing and carrying around cash. Most places will accept VISA or Mastercard, but M-Pesa is the most common and convenient way to pay.
A girl’s guide to Kenya
Traveling solo to Kenya? Here’s what Girls Trip Tours recommends.
Nairobi
Where to stay
For short stays (less than a week): Trademark Hotel is a bit far from the action, but it’s in a lovely secure, quiet neighbourhood with lots to do onsite like bowling, swimming, dining. There are dozens of restaurants and shops at the village market (mall on the property) and the famous Masaai Market passes through on Fridays.
For long stays (over a week): Palacina Residential Hotel - request suites or penthouse instead of apartments.
Where to eat
Mama Rocks Burgers (women-owned)
How to get around
Private car with driver (contact us for our recommendation)
Where to visit
LAMU
Where to stay
Lamu House. This is a hotel in Lamu Old Town (busy ancient city)
Private Villa. This is what I’d recommend most, you can find villas in the serene Shela village, a short boat ride from Lamu Old Town and the airport on airbnb and this site.
Where to eat
Getting Henna on the beach
malindi/watamu*
Where to stay
I recommend staying at a private villa as I did not enjoy my hotel/guest house stays. I also recommend getting massages. I enjoyed daily 60-minute massages for $15.
Tuk Tuk
How to get around
Tuk Tuk (contact us for our recommendation)
Private car
Where to visit
Gede Ruins - preserved 13th century Swahili town
Marafa - Hell’s Kitchen
champagne ridge valley
Where to stay
Where to eat
Olohoro Onyore Ndogo: This tranquil cabin for two comes with a cook. All you need to do is buy groceries before heading up. You can also order local bbq/grill (nyoma choma) from a spot down the road.
How to get around
Private car: preferably a 4x4 for the last mile of the drive. (contact us for our recommendation)
what to do
Hiking
Bird-watching
Total relaxation
* As coastal cities go, I’d return to Lamu any day, but I wouldn’t likely visit Malindi or Watamu again. The area is known as “Little Italy” and I felt the foreign presence in a colonial way. It did not feel welcoming to non-Europeans. In fact, almost all the hotels and most restaurants were foreign-owned. We were lucky to connect with Hassan, our local guide and now friend, who made us feel welcome in Swahili style. When I visit Kenya again, I look forward to exploring other cities on the coast including Kilifi, Diani, and Mombasa.
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Need a PCR test for your return home? We have a clinic recommendation. They also do home visits for the swab and prompt email test results. (contact us for our recommendation)