What happens when you stop waiting for the “right time” and just go alone?

I almost cancelled my solo trip to Kenya out of fear. What happened instead reshaped my confidence, perspective, and sense of freedom. This is how travelling solo changed my life.

INSIDE THIS ARTICLE

• Overcoming the Fear of Solo Travel in Kenya

• Why Kenya is the Perfect Destination for Solo African Travellers

• Kenya Visa-Free Policy 2025: What You Need to Know

• The Cultural Diversity of Kenya: Beyond the Safari

• Budget Safari Tips: Visiting Nairobi National Park

• Exploring Lamu Island: A Brief Guide to Kenya's Coastal Hidden Gem

• Visiting Diani Beach, Safety and Social Realities of Travelling Solo as a Woman in Kenya

• Conclusion and Waitlist for Kenya Group Trip

Overcoming the Fear of Solo Female Travel in Kenya

I went on my my first ever solo trip in January 2025. That trip to China was a birthday gift to myself after a long year of working full-time at a Fintech company, studying, and sitting multiple law school exams. It was daunting, but I felt strangely unafraid, likely fueled by a perceived familiarity with Chinese culture from countless C-dramas (I am currently glued to “It’s Never Too Late” and other Bai Jingting movies).

Of course, reality differed from fantasy once I arrived in China, but joining a group tour made navigating the country seamless.

Kenya, on the other hand, was a complete unknown. Although I am African, I am well aware that Africa is not a monolith. The culture, the language, and the rhythm of daily life in East Africa felt entirely new to me.

Yet, during a comforting moment with a Kenyan passenger after a turbulent flight, I realised that travel has a way of teaching connection, even in unfamiliar skies. At the airport, a telecommunications worker’s eyes lit up when he saw my Nigerian passport. “We love Nigeria!” he exclaimed, rattling off a list of Nollywood legends: Osita Iheme, Ramsey Noah, and Genevieve Nnaji. In that moment, I felt a piece of home in a foreign land.

Kenya- The Perfect Destination for Solo Travellers

Despite the warm welcome, I realised how little I truly knew about Kenya. My knowledge was limited to safari documentaries, a few Swahili phrases from Tanzanian musician Juma Jux, and the classic “Hakuna Matata” I had had played loudly over TV commercials run by Nigeria's now defunct Skye bank, and of course, The Lion King, I had no roadmap—only my bespoke itinerary and a craving for ugali. Traveling alone is both exhilarating and humbling. Every interaction, whether a warm greeting at the airport or an exchange with a tuk-tuk driver working to support his family, became a lesson in patience. Kenya taught me that confidence isn’t about following an itinerary strictly; it’s about embracing the unknown and accepting the kindness of strangers.

Kenya Visa-Free Policy 2025: What You Need to Know

In July 2025, Kenya implemented a landmark policy allowing most African nationals to enter visa-free. I learned about this in December, just as my American Express companion voucher was nearing expiration. As a Nigerian passport holder, this policy made Kenya the most practical and exciting option.

I set aside my hesitation and booked a £150 return flight from London Heathrow to Nairobi just 24 hours before departure.

Traveller’s Note: While Kenya is visa-free for most African countries, you should check if you need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before arrival. Check for updated information on entry requirements as visa and immigration rules can change frequently.

The Cultural Diversity of Kenya: Beyond the Safari

Kenya is a beautiful mosaic of over 40 ethnic tribes, including the Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, and the world-renowned Maasai. But the diversity goes deeper; the country is also home to significant communities of Kenyan Asians (recognised as the 44th tribe), Italians, and Europeans. You see these influences everywhere. From the architecture in Nairobi to the flavours of the coastal cuisine in Lamu, Shela Kilifi and Watamu.

Budget Safari Tips: Visiting Nairobi National Park

Many tourists fly into Nairobi and head straight to the Maasai Mara, missing the pulse of everyday Kenyan life. On a budget, I opted for Nairobi National Park. After a relaxing stay at the Mövenpick Hotel (where I had the best massage of my life), my guide from GetYourGuide picked me up in a safari jeep at 6 a.m.

Seeing a lion in its natural grandeur, a cheetah, and a black rhino roaming free was incomparable to any zoo. I shared this experience with a Nigerian man and a Sudanese-American man, proving that solo travel represents freedom, the opportunity to be independent, but never truly alone.

Exploring Lamu Island: A Brief Guide to Kenya's Coastal Hidden Gem

Seeking a change of pace, I took a domestic flight to Lamu, a historic fishing town on the northern coast. Staying at the Shela Stopover Hotel pictured above, I felt the world slow down. In Lamu, there are no cars. Life moves by boat, bicycle, donkey, or foot.

I took a sunset dhow cruise with Ali (not his real name), a fisherman of SouthEast Asian and Arab descent whose family has called Kenya home for over a century. Ali’s contentment with his life, despite personal hardships and never having left the country, was a profound lesson for me.

This "slow life" mirrored my time with a Maasai village on the outskirts of Nairobi. The Maasai have retained their traditional way of life, prioritising community and tradition over material wealth. These experiences forced me to reassess my own priorities and acknowledge my privileges.

Visiting Diani Beach, Safety and Social Realities of Traveling Solo as a Woman in Kenya

I ended my journey at Diani Beach, south of Mombasa. With its white powdery sand and turquoise waters, it is easily the most beautiful beach in Kenya.

However, solo travel as a woman does come with its quirks. In Diani, I made the mistake of telling a local fisherman I was traveling alone, which resulted in a long, unsolicited lecture on why I should have a husband or friends with me. It was a reminder that while the world is changing, solo female travel is still a radical act of independence in many eyes.            

Traveling solo through Kenya taught me the confidence to navigate life alone while remaining open to the world. It showed me that independence does not mean isolation, and that the most meaningful connections are formed when you step out of your comfort zone.

I am already looking forward to visiting again and organising group trips through Naija Girl Abroad.

Conclusion

Ready to see Kenya, but don't want to go it alone? Don't let the "what ifs" stop you from seeing the world.

Join the Kenya waitlist here and be the first to know when the group trip launches!