LGBT travel in Kenya

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel to Kenya

LGBT travel in Kenya

Considering Kenya’s long-established safari industry, its dynamic digital economy and its flourishing cultural scene, it is perhaps surprising that same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Kenya. The law against homosexuality was in fact inherited from Britain when Kenya’s independence was returned to it in 1963.

Unfortunately, unlike many countries in the last five decades, Kenya has not yet updated its laws governing sexual relationships. Non-straight sexual identities (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender) are still widely considered to be a taboo subject, and many Kenyans take the attitude, often reinforced by the Kenyan press, that being anything but heterosexual is ‘un-African’. This is despite the fact that variations in gender identities and people’s sexual preferences appear to be as widespread in Kenya as in any other culture.

As a visitor, your sexual preferences and gender identity are, of course, your private business. If you don’t identify as a gender-binary, heterosexual person, that should not be of any interest to anybody. It is only if your behaviour is deemed unacceptable that you might face reproaches, which could also apply to heterosexual couples behaving inappropriately.

Gay travellers in Kenya

While the law and private attitudes may not be supportive, if you are a same-sex couple and avoid public displays of affection, in our experience at Expert Africa you should have no problems at all. We have never encountered any difficulties when organizing the itineraries of same-sex couples and we are not aware of any legal cases arising that have involved same-sex tourist couples.

Safari camps, lodges and hotels expect to be informed, at the same time as we advise them about dietary preferences, whether guests of the same sex booked in the same room would prefer a double bed or twin beds. We have always found the prevailing attitude in the safari sector in Kenya to be one of tacit acceptance.

While Kenya is not a shining light for LGBT rights – or many other human rights for that matter – we feel increasingly encouraged, rather than disheartened, about progress in this area. Despite the legal background, it doesn’t stop gay and lesbian Kenyans coming out, and going out. Nairobi, in particular is increasingly tolerant, with LGBT activists challenging the law and prevailing attitudes in traditional media and online, as well as on the street.

Whatever your background, we hope you’ll find travel in Kenya to be a rewarding, life-affirming experience. We will nevertheless understand if you need further reassurance, so if you're planning to travel with Expert Africa, please do feel free to call us to discuss any concerns.

Further sources of advice

A few of the most obvious sources of advice for LGBT Travellers to Kenya are:

The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), which provides LGBT advice for all countries. Check out:

The Kenya: local laws and customs page, which is useful reading for all travellers to Kenya;
And their more general page of advice, not specific to Africa, for LGB&T tourists travelling abroad.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) provides information on the laws of countries worldwide, focused around a series of summary maps;
The Wikipedia entry on LGBT rights in Africa is extensive, with a good country-by-country summary table;
The Gay Kenya Trust is a human  rights and advocacy organization for the LGBT community;
And this article on LGBT honeymoons, which offers some very encouraging personal feedback on travel in Kenya.

Our top picks for holidays to Kenya

We'll always tailor-make your Safari for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.

Black Kite Fly-in Safari

10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Explore Kenya in-depth with visits to Nairobi and Meru national parks, the Mara Conservancies and Amboseli. Nestled in remoter regions, four camps provide fantastic access to rich game, a range of activities and beautifully diverse landscapes.

US$9,260 - US$11,960 per person

Elephant Safari

10 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This example of a mid-range Kenya safari and beach trip explores the wildlife of Tsavo West's volcanic plains and woodlands, Tsavo East's immense plains and the white-sand beaches and lush environment of Diani Beach.

US$5,100 - US$6,210 per person

De Brazza Monkey Fly-in Safari

9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Enjoy a range of activities in the remote wilderness of northern Kenya before exploring the wildlife-rich plains of the Mara ecosystem. Private vehicles and guides heighten the personalisation of this highly immersive safari.

US$12,310 - US$16,320 per person

Hamerkop Fly-In Safari

8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Different wildlife, contrasting camps and a whole host of activities, this is a safari for those wanting to get out and about and not just sit in a vehicle.

US$6,350 - US$10,960 per person

Rothschild Giraffe Safari

8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A example of a luxury Kenyan safari, starting at the iconic Giraffe Manor before fabulous stays on the spectacular Solio Reserve and Sala’s Camp in a remote corner of the Maasai Mara.

US$11,720 - US$17,830 per person

Big Cat Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Combining two of Kenya’s best wildlife-viewing areas, this slow-paced safari to the Lewa Conservancy and Maasai Mara guarantees iconic wildlife. The long-established, well-rated camps are great value, too.

US$5,010 - US$8,850 per person

Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A contrasting safari of a lodge and a tented camp, with action-packed activities in Laikipia and wildlife-filled game drives in the Maasai Mara, offers a consistently high-quality experience.

US$9,730 - US$14,130 per person

Lanner Falcon Fly-In Safari

8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Three sister camps offer access to wonderfully remote regions across northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Enjoy an exclusive safari experience focused on great wildlife, superb guiding and considerable comfort, with a range of activities.

US$6,620 - US$8,400 per person

African Finfoot Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

After a unique start in Nairobi National Park, classic, luxurious camps combine for a high-end and exclusive safari in fantastic wildlife destinations.

US$9,900 - US$17,340 per person

Steppe Eagle Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Two comfortable tented camps overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro and Mara River put you at the heart of the action. Experience spectacular diversity in species and habitat with safari in Samburu and the Masaai Mara National Reserve.

US$5,680 - US$9,310 per person

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