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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Do you think Kenya is a safe place for a family holiday ?

115 replies

LardLizard · 25/02/2018 19:15

Thinking for Possibly next year ?

OP posts:
Dontknowwhattodoknowok · 25/02/2018 19:50

Have you looked on FO website? Last time I checked it was not safe for travel

Lordofmyflies · 25/02/2018 19:50

No, not now. I went a couple of years ago and was advised not to go out after dark and only visit 'western' restaurants. I couldn't really relax in Nairobi though it is a beautiful country, the tension, antimalarials and long journey times between areas put me off taking the kids.

BroomHandledMouser · 25/02/2018 19:52

We got married in Kenya in 2007, it’s was just beautiful. One of the most scenic places I’ve ever been.

I’d like to take my kids there to show them where we got married but I would definitely do it when they were older - currently 6 and 8

user1492877024 · 25/02/2018 19:55

www.stiltsdianibeach.com/

Paradise

kinorsam · 25/02/2018 19:56

We stayed in Diani Beach a few years ago, it was lovely. A work colleague of mine went a few months later, and there was an armed robbery at their hotel.

A friend of mine got married at Malindi, and has been back to Kenya several times since. He says the atmosphere has changed - he can't put his finger on it but there is an undercurrent of uneasiness, and he won't go there any more.

littlepeas · 25/02/2018 19:57

The safari we're doing as a fantastic children's programme btw - they do activities between game drives and also they have tasks on the game drives themselves. Admittedly it does depend on your dc - mine are incredibly interested in wildlife and are able to sit still and quietly for a reasonable amount of time - so I feel confident that they will enjoy their safari. Also, we are only on safari for 3 days - the rest of the trip is other stuff.

TerfyMcTerface · 25/02/2018 20:03

He says the atmosphere has changed - he can't put his finger on it but there is an undercurrent of uneasiness, and he won't go there any more.

I have relatives living in Mombasa who say they no longer feel safe there. But they live in the town itself, so that doesn’t necessarily apply to the beach areas.

BrambleandCuthbert · 25/02/2018 20:06

How old are your children?

East Africa is wonderful (and so is Botswana and Namibia) but safaris really aren’t suited for children. Most won’t take anyone under the age of 8 (and 12 is not an uncommon minimum age) - and with good reason.

Think about loooong days and drives, no suitable loo stops, heat, malarial mosquitoes, tsetse flies (sleeping sickness) and, if you’re serious about wildlife watching, the need to be quiet for hours..... Don’t get me wrong: I love going on safari but I still haven’t taken my kids & won’t for a few years.

If Africa really appeals, I do recommend the Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique. Lower risk of malaria, great beaches, warm seas, prolific marine life and not so many visitors (not sure why i’m recommending it tbh Grin ).

madeyemoodysmum · 25/02/2018 20:09

How about Sri Lanka. You can safari there. Not same animals granted but a more stable country.

I am not sure on maleria risk tho.

FancyRibbon · 25/02/2018 20:10

Amatree completely agree with you. No tourism is perfect, nowhere any of us live is perfect but why support somewhere that you don’t agree with. I’m sure Trump isn’t missing me not holidaying in the US any more, but it’s my small two fingers up to him. I won’t go on holiday to Turkey either while that government is silencing people who don’t agree with them. Not that I get the chance to travel that much!

MissionItsPossible · 25/02/2018 20:12

@Amatree is spot on. People jumping on the FGM comment when it was clearly meant in regards to not supporting a countries economy by visiting as a tourist.

Loads of people say Dubai is great. Would I ever go? No. I don't agree with some of the countries laws and don't want to willingly spend my money there.

GardenGeek · 25/02/2018 20:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GardenGeek · 25/02/2018 20:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DullAndOld · 25/02/2018 20:32

" Da fook has that got to do with a holiday in Kenya? You do know, do you not, that this happens in many other countries? Including Britain! "

its just my opinion, in the same way, I wouldn't visit Egypt.
NO need to jump on it screaming and insulting, it's just my personal opinion.
Also I wouldn't visit Kenya because I am a Brit, and frankly I would find it embarrassing.
I am quite aware that some people might see this as.....silly, but I am permitted my own opinion.
I have probably read too much over the years.

DullAndOld · 25/02/2018 20:35

..and please, nobody come on trying to patronise me and suggest that I should holiday in Skegness or somewhere. I am well travelled and well read..:)

user1492877024 · 25/02/2018 20:37

DullAndOld

Staying AI and never setting foot out of the resort hardly makes you well travelled. Trust me.

DullAndOld · 25/02/2018 20:39

I don't generally go to resorts..if you meant me...I tend more to work overseas.

DullAndOld · 25/02/2018 20:40

what is AI?

LadyLance · 25/02/2018 20:44

Botswana is the best country for a safari IMO- because there are no fences between reserves, you can still see really big herds e.g. of elephant, buffalo etc. Also, a lot of the lodges are set in private land, so when you see lions etc, it's maybe two-three cars max, rather than the 10 or more you might get in busier game reserves. Because of this, I also think it's less dangerous for the animals. The camps and the people are lovely as well (not that the people aren't lovely elsewhere). I do accept it's not a budget option, and obviously no beaches.

Areas of Kenya are dangerous- not the very touristy areas, but other parts. I don't think this is the big risk.

The biggest risk for young children is probably malaria. I believe it's not advisable to give young children anti-malarials. The NHS guidance is under 12, but I believe other countries will give them to children older than 5 or 8, but not to pre-school children. This means taking a young child to a malaria area is a real risk. Personally, I'd go to Namibia or a malaria free area of South Africa instead. Malaria is a real risk for younger children and even anti-malerials don't give full protection.

Often, there is a minimum age for game drives, usually 8 or 12. Some lodges may offer private game drives for younger children, but they'll usually refuse to stop near big cats, elephants and other dangerous animals- which defeats the point of safari for me. On safari, children will need to sit still and be quiet for long periods, as well as coping with bumpy driving at long speeds. They may also have to go for long periods without toilet stops, as these may not be safe during the game drive. At some lodges, under 12s or under 8s must share a room with an adult.

IMO, safari holidays don't really suit pre-school children, and if you do decide to go, then book very carefully to make sure that the lodge you go to can accommodate your child in all the activities you want to do.

MissionItsPossible · 25/02/2018 20:46

@DullAndOld All inclusive

crackersarelife · 25/02/2018 20:46

I would consider Botswana or Nairobi if looking for a safari type holiday-much more stable and safe but still amazing.

Is Nairobi no longer in Kenya or something? 😂😂😂

DullAndOld · 25/02/2018 20:48

oh right, thanks, I wouldn't have known what that meant at all. Not something I have ever done.

Kursk · 25/02/2018 20:57

Amatree, FancyRibbon

Please, Which country’s do you consider to be ethically acceptable to holiday in? I am interested, because I cannot think of one country which is squeaky clean.

As a former Brit living in the US, I am probably considered unethical in your eyes.

VladmirsPoutine · 25/02/2018 21:03

Also I wouldn't visit Kenya because I am a Brit, and frankly I would find it embarrassing.

How do you think those who are dual Kenyan/British citizens deal? It must be horrendous for them? Or half Kenyan half English children. How do they ever manage to cope?

You are being utterly ridiculous. Yes you are entitled to your opinion, as am I to tell you it is ridiculous.