Every country is safe in its own way and Kenya is ranked among the few with low crime rates in comparison with other countries in Africa. The authority has played a part in promoting stability with their impressive security system as well curb down the law breakers. The government has sensitized masses to report any case at hand to the authorities. Many tourists have resorted to self-guided tours because it is a bit cheap and involves traveling at own pace. It involves exploring of Kenya’s best destinations ranging from the breath taking wild, cultural communities and the beautiful beaches. There are safety tips for self-guided tours and they include;
Safety starts with yourself and an adventurous safari is a successful one free from violence but with only rewarding experiences to cherish forever. Always keep your valuables in a safe place while on the streets of Kenya. Kenya is a hospitable country but not all people you see are friendly. Put your valuables out of sight for example laptops, hand bags, wallet, phones among others. Prevent yourself from keeping valuables on passenger seat or back seat because they will attract thieves to take action.
There is a policy of street kids getting close to windows and asking for money and other hawkers selling fruits. Do not get scared because this is common in every African country. But still stay alert because anything can happen just close the car window and this will indicate that you’re not interested with a slight nod of the head.
Be alert if someone approaches the door and window. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by any stranger because thieves have accomplice who distract the driver while they check your front or back seat for a handbag, laptop, phone or anything else they can grab through a smashed window. Always keep the doors locked in case driving alone.
Use a GPS to enable you allocate destinations, but also ask directions to your destination before the locals who will be more than glad to offer help. Sometimes, a GPS or Google Map will direct you through a dodgy area that may be a more direct route but is not the safest route. If you find yourself in a dodgy area, rather turn around. Don’t wander around aimlessly but make your research beforehand so you know where to go.
Stick to the speed limit and obey all traffic rules to avoid commotion from the traffic authorities. If a traffic light is not working, treat it as a 4-way stop and look out for any traffic man around who is helping out till the traffic machine is repaired. If you get pulled over along the way by the traffic staff, stay friendly and polite, but be aware that a small minority of traffic cops are corrupt and to save time they will ask for some little money. Never pay a fine in cash, on the spot. Insist that the ticket is written out and inform the cop that you have been instructed not to pay any fine in cash spot fines are in fact illegal. If you are asked to go to the police station, agree to go, insist on a written ticket showing the infringement and the officer name, as well as a receipt for the fine you paid.
If you meet unlikely event that you are robbed or hijacked please don’t fight back but rather let them take what they want since life is better than the properties which you will even gain back with time. Resisting, cursing or shouting increases the chances of escalation to violence. Stay calm and try to look for wise means of getting away from these evil doers safe and sound.
When locking your car, listen for the click of the lock or check your doors to make sure they are locked. In some areas, remote jammers are active. Some thieves will hide out of sight and quietly open the back door just a bit while you get out, so that they can access the car after you have locked it and walked off.
Always stay in the van, truck or 4WD during your wilderness safari gaming. Africa is not a zoo and its animals will eat or attack you. There have been many terrible cases of people getting out to try and capture the perfect shot but it doesn’t end well. Give space to injured animals and those with young ones because they tend to lose temper faster and charge to the visits.
Keep your voices down because animals get scared easily and you wouldn‘t want to miss a pride of lions because you are chatting too loudly. Drive very cautiously around solitary elephants and buffaloes. Don’t rev your engine loudly around the animals, as this could startle or alarm them and call for a charging. It is always fun in the wilderness but also dangerous to those that are stubborn and don’t follow the guidelines.
Don’t leave foods like fruits in the car. Many animals have an excellent sense of smell and may want a taste of it. For example baboons and monkeys look out for food and during camping they tend to attack and steal from tents.
General Safety Tips
Clients have a tendency of stepping out of their vehicles to have clear and close views but this is very wrong. The wild is silent and an animal can come out of the hiding unaware. You are advised to do so under the guidance of a safari guide after proving it’s indeed safe.
International travelers with light skins are advised to carry sunscreens for their delicate bodies to avoid burns from direct sun. During outdoor activities kindly carry with you a hat and sun glasses.
If traveling during hot seasons, carry light weight long-sleeved shirts, long pants, closed shoes, light jacket most especially during activities like hiking and tracking. These protect you from being bitten by mosquitoes, insects and bugs. Dark colors actually attract mozzies as they rely in part on sight to find hosts so it’s better to wear pale-colored clothing.
Never turn your back in case you come in contact with these creatures. This is for intrepid travelers undertaking a walking or cycling safari (one of the great joys of Africa). The only thing that turns and runs in Africa is prey, so predators like lions may chase you. Any state of panic might cost your life but staying calm will save you and listen to the guide who has experience in the wilderness.
Many hotels offer safe boxes for a client to store their valuables. The rooms are safe if you keep them looked and keep your precious things on display where cleaning staff can access them. If anything goes missing from your room safe, it is almost certainly an inside job by staff of the hotel. Speak to your agent or operators who will help you sort this out with the hotel owner or manager.
Ask the hotel front desk about your immediate surroundings, and locations to avoid what might be a threat during your stay within Nairobi. You can also get directions about where to go. Stick to areas that are well lit and frequented by tourists. Avoid empty side streets or alleyways, dodgy-looking areas, deserted places and remote beaches or footpaths.
Many thieves target phones and small bags so keep them very close and hold them tight. Thieves have an eagle eye and so fast in grabbing so don’t fall victim. Avoid wearing shiny excessive jewelry and transplant bags that displays what is inside. Try to blend in, rather than standing out as a rich tourist.
Be cautious when people approach you or try and distract you. Go into a nearby shop if you feel uncomfortable with the environment. If anything looks suspicious get to public places like near petrol stations.
Do not give money to people on the street rather give to registered charities. Be careful about where you take out your wallet and avoid crowded areas. And don’t believe all the sad stories you hear from people because you will end up being scammed. It is not wise to carry large sums of money with you but rather use Credit cards since ATM machines are widely accepted and much safer.
Avoid remote beaches and hiking trails alone rather opt for help from tour guides. Do a bit of research about the surrounding area. Some areas are known to be unsafe, so don’t go there. Ask your hotel or tour operator which areas are best to avoid.
If you are to use are traveling alone after a night hang out, it is safe to use private taxi means such as cabs and Uber taxis to take you back to the hotel. Technology has be improved in Kenya and this you can order a ride online to come pick you up and drop you off rather than stopping a cab at a side street.
National parks are generally safe but you are advised not feed or touch any wild animal. Be careful of primate species such as the gentile baboons and monkeys, especially around Cape Point and at picnic sites in the Kruger National Park. These creatures are used to tourist presence and get closer to pick food from their hands. In the process they might scratch your hand and these creatures are likely to suffer from food poisoning. The jungle does and don’t prohibit tourists from giving food, fruits and snacks to the primates.
In conclusion, visiting Kenya shouldn’t stop one from experiencing a self- guided tour because the country is safe and peaceful. It all requires being smart and confident with amazing driving skills. Come experience what best nature can offer to its seekers.one should feel free to experience a life time opportunity in the wilderness during Kenya safari.