Going on safari does not require fear. When CNN dubbed Kenya "a hub of terrorism" in 2015, it drew attention to some bizarre falsehoods that must be prevalent in order to deter tourists from visiting the country. I'd like to dispel some of these beliefs so you can feel confident about going on that bucket-list safari you've always wanted to go on. This isn't going to be a sales pitch; I live in Kenya, so I know the good, the terrible, and the ugly, and I'll tell you about it all.
Myth 1: Terrorists abound in Kenya.
To say the least, CNN's description of Kenya was bizarre. Several terrorist attacks took place in Kenya in 2013 and 2014, the most noteworthy of which being the attack on the Westgate Shopping Centre. However, the majority of the attacks were on a far smaller scale, with grenades being hurled into bus terminals, churches, and nightclubs. In April 2015, at Garissa University, and in January 2019, in the DusitD2 complex, two massive attacks occurred. The main perpetrators are said to be Al Shabaab, a Somalia-based Al Qaeda offshoot.
Terrorism occurs today, unfortunately, everywhere and at any time. Paris, Sydney, Brussels, and Istanbul have all had terrorist strikes in the last five years. However, tourists continue to flock to these locations.
In Kenya, fifty million individuals survive each day, so your odds of surviving are rather good. Kenyans, like everyone else, desire peace. Furthermore, the areas of Kenya you will visit as a tourist are not terrorist targets; there have been no terrorist attacks on any national parks or game reserves too far. Near the Somali border and in parts of Nairobi, there is a terrorist threat.
The Australian government's current travel recommendation states that just certain places, not the entire country, are risky. And the average safari-goer isn't interested in the perilous places.
Myth 2: Nairobi is "Nai-robbery
Carjacking, armed robbery, and mugging were all too typical in Nairobi a decade ago, giving the city the moniker "Nai-robbery." However, one mayor worked hard with the street kids, and Nairobi is today just as safe (or dangerous) as any other major city in the world. Nairobi's crime is "opportunistic, unsophisticated, comparable to other foreign capitals," according to Expatarrivals.com. According to Standard Digital, the crime rate has fallen every year since 2012.
I've been a resident of Nairobi for five years and have never been physically assaulted. My phone was stolen one evening, but I was roaming about the city center alone in the evening, talking on my phone; it was entirely my responsibility. Everyone who spotted the burglar pursued him, and I was able to reclaim my phone! Nairobi residents are tired of violence in their city, particularly against foreigners, because they don't want visitors to have a negative impression of Kenya.
Myth 3: Corruption is rampant, and foreigners are singled out because they are assumed to be wealthier.
I can't say that there isn't a lot of corruption. It is, but you are unlikely to come across it as a tourist. If you arrange a full-service safari, the chances of being approached by police or other officials for a bribe are slim. Tourists are almost seldom targeted. Foreigners are difficult to target since we have a tendency to ask too many questions and do not always grasp what is going on. It is not our custom to leave money in the door handle for the traffic cop, for example. Expatriates involved in corruption imply that crime goes unpunished and Kenya's growth is hampered. When it comes to bribery and corruption, the saying "When in Rome..." should not be used.
President Kenyatta says the right things about fighting corruption in Kenya, but it will take a major transformation. It isn't, however, a cause to skip a Kenyan safari!
Myth #4: Tour operators are dishonest, and if you pay in advance, you will lose your money.
Yes, such briefcase businesses exist, but in this day and age of the internet, you can easily conduct your own due diligence and prevent becoming a victim of fraud. There are numerous review sites available online, and many of them allow you to contact reviewers directly to inquire about their experiences. Make use of Trip Advisor, do your homework, and compare pricing.
The tourist sector has suffered significantly in recent years (thanks to the fallacies I'm debunking! ), and tour operators have been frantic to make a sale. However, if park fees are included in your package, make sure the overall price covers them. A 24-hour admission to the Maasai Mara, for example, costs $80. So, if you're paying $200 for a two-night safari in the Maasai Mara, you can figure out that $160 is for park fees, leaving only $40 for transportation, lodging, and food. Park fees are open to the public, so you can make some educated guesses. If something appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is! Your operator is either paying bribes at the park gate, your car isn't well-maintained, or your food will be subpar. Alternatively, you may get all three! Encourage your tour operator to pay bribes at the entrance so you may get into the park cheaply. This does not help Kenya's fight against corruption.
The Kenyan Association of Tour Operators and the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism are also working hard to implement anti-cheating measures.
Kenya's core sector is being destroyed by sensational media, and the economy is suffering as a result. So, if an African safari is on your wish list, look past the headlines and experience Kenya for what it truly is: a magnificent country.
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