Tips for Solo Women Travelers in Nairobi

Is Nairobi safe for solo women travellers? Of course it is.  We are East Africans born and bred, so you gotta trust what we say!

Although there have been some recent incidents in Nairobi, taking some basic precautions should not make you fearful of the city.

Nairobi City is more than just a perfect destination for your solo trip. Within the city’s confines, you will find the Nairobi National Park with lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras for an ultimate safari experience. In Nairobi’s streets are restaurants, bars, and clubs for unforgettable culinary and nightlife exploration. The shopping areas are full of unique gems you will want to grab. So, if you are planning on exploring this beautiful East African city, here are 10 tips on how to stay safe as a solo female traveler:

Solo Women Travelers

1. Do Thorough Research

The best way to stay safe is to know what to expect. Familiarise yourself with Nairobi, from the streets to the neighbourhoods.  Find out about Nairobi’s local customs and potential safety concerns to protect yourself. Knowledge is power, so you will be able to navigate more confidently.

2. Pick Reputable Places For Accommodation

Book accommodation in places that are safe and have great reviews. Always confirm the security measures in hotels and hostels and opt for areas that have surveillance cameras, gated entrances, and 24/7 staff availability. The best suburbs to stay for travellers, expats and tourists, in my view, are the CBD (West of Moi Avenue), Gigiri, Karen, Langata, Muthaiga, Runda, Kilimani and Westlands. I chill around Upper Hill sometimes. Use booking.com or other OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) to search for hotels in recommended suburbs.

3. Avoid Flashy Jewellery

Avoid flashy jewellery that might draw unwanted attention to you, especially when walking alone; street kids love them and will do anything to grab them if made of gold – you might lose an ear or finger! Try to find moderate accessories.

4. Stay Connected

Nairobi has plenty of network coverage and mobile internet; we recommend Safaricom with a broader coverage and M-PESA; Airtel is also good. Stay online and inform your loved ones of your itinerary and whereabouts daily. Buy a local SIM card for your phone to ensure a reliable connection throughout your stay.

5. Use Licensed Taxis

You can explore as much as possible but use licensed taxis. There are ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt, and in my experience, they are the most affordable and safest ways to get around as you will avoid the problem of haggling and getting ripped off. If you take a cab, get your driver’s name and the number plate of your taxi.

Avoid hailing random cabs during the day or night, and instead, find your way to a place where many taxis are packed and board one.

In 2012, my ex-partner and her sister boarded an unknown “taxi” at Ubungo Bus Terminal, Dar-es-salaam and ended up in big trouble; they lost close to A$3,000 and other personal items – our holiday to Zanzibar was wrecked as they became very anxious and fearful!

Please do not enter into any vehicle that is not labelled. You probably just put yourself in DANGER.

6. Be Street Smart

Always stay alert in crowded areas and watch your belongings; you can always find a restaurant to rest. Keep your belongings, such as your passport, cash, and electronics, in a secure pocket; leave them at the hotel if possible. Wearing jeans with tight pockets is the best way to keep your phone safe.

While walking in town, remember people’s faces, the clothes they wear and where you last saw them and determine whether they are following you.

If you see a person 2 to 3 times in different areas close to you, then they might be following you. Make a quick decision to sit in a restaurant, jump in a taxi or just pace and disappear in the crowd, taking sharp corners to get away.

This is a trick we learnt in the streets; no one teaches you.

And remember, walk with a swag like a street kid to blend in – this method has worked for me😅

7. Trust Your Instincts

Your instincts as a woman are your greatest protector. If you feel uncomfortable in any place or situation, remove yourself immediately. When needed, ask for assistance from authorities or reputable establishments.

8. Avoid Walking Alone at Night

It’s a big mistake if you do, man or woman! Although the nightlife in Nairobi is not one to be missed, remember to stay vigilant. Don’t walk alone at night into dark or poorly lit areas. Do not enter an alley where street kids congregate. If your surroundings are unfamiliar, find a taxi. Always arrange for transport on your night outs.

9. Learn Basic Swahili Phrases

Learn how to say hello “hujambo” and thank you “asante” and help me “nisaidie”. Familiarising yourself with greetings will allow you to bond with Kenyans more easily. Making friends with locals always helps when it comes to safety.

10. Don’t Tell Strangers You Are Traveling Alone

This is the cardinal rule for solo female travel. It is much safer if people think you are in a group or travelling with a partner. So unless you trust the person, don’t let strangers know you are travelling solo. Remember, they are also reading this blog and might not believe you!

11. Bonus – Dont Go To Certain Places

Nairobi is a sprawling city; however, not all places are safe. If you are a solo woman (or man), I would avoid downtown Nairobi, especially the eastern flank of River Road up to the Nairobi River, including Kirinyaga Road. That’s a no-go area for strangers and foreigners, okay? There are other spots, but that area is the one you will most likely stray into as it is part of the CBD. 

Named after the Nairobi River, River Road is a large shopping district frequented by most East Africans. Its location—only a few hundred metres from Moi Avenue—and its affordable eateries, hotels, and clothing make it admirable. It is my go-to area if I want Ugandan matooke or katogo and to chat in Luganda (yes, I can speak seven languages, lol).

Also, most buses from regional cities and East African capitals converge around River Road early in the morning, so you may not miss it entirely if you take a bus.

Fifteen years ago, River Road was notorious, with lots of street children and muggers. One evening, wandering, I found myself along the Nairobi River. However, I did not like what I saw—I lost my way. It was late, wet, and muddy, with a lousy stench—and, above all, scary. I had to find my way out FAST, always pretending I was a local and knew where I was going! 

The vibe around River Road and the slums around the Nairobi River is different, and you will notice this immediately upon entering the area.

That said, I usually chill around River Road (within the CBD) to find budget hotels and enjoy the entertaining nightlife and street food. However, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are in a group or familiar with the area.

In 2007, I stayed in the River Road area (Luthuli Avenue) for a month, paying a paltry KES 800 per night while attending a Monitoring and evaluation training at AMREF, Langata. Every morning, I took a matatu and paid just KES 20. I ended up saving enough money to travel home to Uganda, back to Nairobi, then to Dar es Salaam, Lusaka, and finally, my placement in Chipata, all by regional bus.

But I survived on River Road without consequences because I am a man (but that will not save you if you’re new in town), a former Streeter, and a speaker of the language. I can read street body language fast (for real, lol) and have been visiting Nairobi for more than twenty years, starting in 2002.

That said, River Road has gentrified, and several mid-range hotels and businesses have opened in the past decade. When I last visited in 2019, it looked clean and organised, and some lovely hotels charged around KES 4,000—6,000. So don’t be spooked!

But, in the streets, not the comfort of your hotel room, you’ll become prey to Nai’s predators😅. RELAX, I am just scaring you! A regional city, Nairobi has one of the biggest expat populations in Africa, but you gotta choose your locations carefully.

Beyond this, make sure you have fun. Explore and find adventure. Nairobi is pretty safe and has loads of international tourists and workers. Make your solo trip to Nairobi an experience of a lifetime. Solo female travel is very popular nowadays.

I have given you so much insider information that it may save you thousands of dollars. Please give me some love by rating this blog above!

Have you ever travelled solo? And if you have, what safety tips can you share?

More: 5 of the Best Kenyan Street Food