We won’t sugarcoat it: Kenya has a terrible record of gay rights. Sodomy is illegal and punishable by imprisonment, same-sex marriage is banned, and family routinely disowns LGBT people. While prosecuting LGBT men and women in Kenya is rare, it is not unheard of. For example, in July 2014, 40 people were arrested for ‘suspected homosexuality’ in a Nairobi nightclub.
Interestingly, lesbians in most East African countries, including Kenya, tend to fall into a legal grey area and are mainly safe from public harassment. However, discrimination against lesbians still exists.
Gay Activity: Illegal (Imprisonment as punishment)
Lesbian Activity: Unclear
Same-Sex Marriage: Not legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Illegal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Due to Kenya’s deeply ingrained homophobia, we recommend gay travellers practice complete discretion. It should be noted even heterosexual PDAs are frowned upon in Kenya. However, if you’re joining our gay Kenya safari, please rest assured that your crew, staff, and accommodations welcome you. Wondering why we still visit homophobic countries? Listen to this episode of The Gay Travel Podcast by Out Adventures, which addresses the subject.
Gay Villages in Kenya
There are no gay villages in Kenya.
Pride Festivals in Kenya
In June 2018, a brave group of LGBT activists hosted the country’s first Pride Parade in a refugee camp. You can read about the protest here.
Best Gay Bars in Kenya
There are no gay bars in Kenya.
Best Lesbian Bars in Kenya
There are no lesbian bars in Kenya.
5. Nairobi
While not the most attractive city in the world, Nairobi is the largest economic centre in East Africa, is the gateway to a wealth of national parks and has a quirky charm. Visit the incredible National Museum and enjoy a day trip to Nairobi National Park.
4. Mount Kenya
Mt Kenya reaches a soaring height of 5199m. Industrious hikers are rewarded with the best vantage of the country’s seemingly endless savannahs.
3. Amboseli National Park
Amboselli is Kenya’s premiere safari destination. Visitors are guaranteed to see elephants, wildebeest, zebra and lions. The park also boasts over 370 species of birds.
2. Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is home to thousands of flamingos that feast gluttonously on the plentiful algae. Other impressive sights include hippos, crocodiles, white and black rhinos, and lions.
1. Masai Mara
The Great Wildebeest Migration is considered one of Earth’s greatest natural wonders. For a few months each year, the migration spills over into the grasslands of Masai Mara National Park, where tourists are blessed with millions of zebra and wildebeest grazing below the acacia trees. Make sure you have lots of space on your memory cards!
Best Time to Visit: August is the dry season – a perfect month to see the wildebeest migration. The sunny weather hovers around 25C/77F. If you want to hike Mount Kenya, bear in mind temperatures drop with altitude. The final camps are over 3,500m/11,482ft in altitude…and cold after dark.
Electricity: G-type sockets.
Time Zone: EAT (UTC+03:00)
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
Other Vaccinations: Based on Kenya’s entry requirements, no other vaccinations are needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: You will most likely need an e-visa to enter Kenya. Click here for more info and to apply online. All visas are the traveller’s responsibility and should be arranged in advance.
Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.
