AirAsiaX starting flying 4 days per week to Nairobi on the 15th Nov.
If you split the trip into two bookings it comes in much cheaper than one booking via AirAsia.
I got MEL to KL for $229 with Scoot and KL to Nairobi for $278 for December which seems a great deal.
AirAsia in AUD will show $293, change currency to Malaysian Ringgit and use a card with no foreign transaction fee and pay 799MYR.
Happy Holidays.
Whats cheap in Kenya?
() ><E[
Mpox. But also a cheap way to get to Zanzibar if that's your thing.
Netflix!
Street food such as mandazi (fried bread), samosas, and grilled maize.
Life
Nothing
wow that is so cheap to fly to africa
whats in kenya? genuinely asking is it a known holiday destination or only for people to visit family there
Safari, and the great migration.
is it generally safe for non blacks to go there or will they be targeted as an easy target for bribes etc
@pharcyde: lmao at down votes people are so delusional, have you not seen the many videos of airport security/police people walking up to non-black tourists there and asking for money?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJoDbqnXFrw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usW9bmbk2YE
Bribes are sadly very common on Africa.
And expect to get higher pricing if you're white.
You will likely get harassed and bothered for rides, etc in Kitale, etc.
But you'll also have amazing encounters with friendly locals who genuinely want your best.
So it's got the best (and worst).
Highly recommend the experience!
Also, you can easily catch public transport to Uganda, and see the Gorillas - highly recommended (currently US$800 per person fee, but about half price of seeing them in Rwanda).
@Mondorock: Search on Youtube. Their screenplay, acting skills, and CGI are unbeatable. For example https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1813757/
IMDB rating says it all. When you'll be watching the trailer don't think that their budget was $200, this is wrong. Their producer later provided the correct number.
@movieman: i concur, as a regular (white aka "muzungu") traveller to Kenya it's a big culture shock if you are doing it on the cheap and not on expensive tours. Would only recommend for experienced travellers, but if you've been around and are used to different cultures, you'll fall in love with Kenya and Kenyans!
@movieman: I would never put myself in a position (in a country) where i would have to bribe someone to get to where i want or to get out of a situation, that defeats the whole purpose of the holiday/trip. i take trips for fun an enjoyment and an experience like that would leave a sour taste and potentially ruin the entire trip, this is not some privileged first world soul taking i have been in many sticky situations here in Australia, its just that when im paying money to be somewhere this is the last thing i want to experience..
@Roe Jogan: Well, in our case my Australian passport has visa free entrance for Malawi.
But the person I was travelling with required a visa. You try to apply online, but their system never verified your details, so it wasn't possible to apply in advance.
I even tried emailing the Malawi visa support, and got no response.
At the border, the officials stamped me through, but took us from room to room to "discuss what can be done to resolve the situation".
We were given access to their computer, and now the visa verification works.
We applied, but it'll only be approved after 3 days. Oh, and they require a signed document from your accomodation host.
But you cannot edit the application once submitted. So the result is you put some money in your passport, hand it over, and the guy says it isn't enough.
We spoke with our Malawian friend, but he couldn't assist.
So we put too much $$$ in the passport, and voila, within 5 minutes the visa is now approved.
So we didn't feel safe, just "stuck". But in Africa, money talks, sadly.
@movieman: Unlike Africa, our corruption is simply institutionalised. For example auctioning your home where the estate agent doesn't have to advertise the reserve, or sell to the highest bid received on the day.
One of the top places for safari tours
best in the world for big cat sightings IMO
a lot of big cat sightings in rural victoria at the moment..
We've been talking about going to see safari and visit the runner's town.
lots of great runners
Have you not watched David Attenborough? Nature central
Fantastic for safaris (check the time of year RE: the migration of Wildebeast - they follow the tall grass on a loop down to the Ngorrogorro crater in Tanzania.
Nairobi has a reputation for being relatively unsafe (known as Nairobbery). That said I walked alone through the city’s largest ‘slum’ and felt safe. (2009)
I headed straight to Tanzania as the safaris going from there were more appealing and slightly cheaper. (Booked independently through a rep I found on trip advisor.)
Once in a lifetime trip stuff, but can be done cost effectively if you avoid the big travel agents. There’s even a (safe) budget airline from Arusha (Tanzania) to Zanzibar (I got to sit in the cockpit!).
Oh, and don’t skip the malaria tablets.
This all sounds epic. Care to share details on the rep you used? Good to note it down for the future
It sounds dodgy as, but it was a guy called Biggie who I booked with by sending money via Western Union! I was a solo traveller, so he basically plugged me into full price tours that had a gap. This also meant the itinerary changed slightly last minute, but I didn’t mind.
Bear in mind it was 15 years ago, but his info is on this thread. It seems people have mixed experiences, but mine was largely positive. For the price difference, I didn’t mind the plan change. But you might want more certainty. Trip advisor is a great place for finding specific operators.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g293747-i9226-k39488…
Any idea on the availability of the tablets over there? I got Malarone in Togo a decade ago for way cheaper than western countries. Wondering if same deal in Nairobi.
No idea. You’re meant to start the course a while before you get there, I started my trip in the UK
you get them here before you go
Or, in our case, just buy the treatment over there, and if you get sick, then start treating it.
The amount of pain I had the first time I took the prevention tablets meant it wasn't worth it for me.
I've been twice.
Travel in a tour group or have a guide with you. Otherwise you'll be hit up by scammers and touts non stop. The guides help filter them all.
I would absolutely avoid if you can't afford either. It would just make the trip unpleasant.
a lot of rare blood borne pathogens, parasites and malaria
Africa is the place to be
Well. I've already been once.
Then the Kenya Airways deal was too good, so we went back to Africa (just arrived back in Aus after 3 months in Eastern and Southern Africa).
Now another deal lol. Well, let's see hahaha.
Where did you need Malaria Tablets for? Malarone? My plan is ~3 months, Nairobi to Cape Town. Any not to be missed tips? I will probably missing Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar, thoughts?
One of those is not like the others…
I only bought the malaria tablets to treat it if we got it, not to prevent it, due to previous pain and issues taking it.
Kenya find a better deal than this!
A-Frican love puns
nah not a deal
It's our Motherland. Home.
Let's go
so, this is a one-way trip? Maybe add that to title as $500 will get you to Kenya, but not back?
$500 to get there. $kidnapping ransom to get home again.
One way because you ain't coming back.
You might want to include a link to smart traveller in the description. Not the safest destination atm: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/kenya
I'm not a travel agent. dyor and all that.
Clearly. Hope you’ve done yours.
"The Kenya Tourists Board announced that the country welcomed 1,027,630 international visitors, marking a 21.3% increase from the same period in 2023"
A million nutters by your logic
@JamesLucas: I don’t understand what that has to do with what I wrote, but okay. Logic may not be your strong suit.
@dirtydealdog: I think I'll travel to safer destinations based on our government's recommendations.
Violent crime occurs, including carjackings, kidnapping and home invasions. Don't walk around after dark. If you live in Kenya, invest in strong personal security measures.
Scams are common. Criminals often use fake police, hotel or government identification to extort money from travellers. Be wary of anyone asking for money or information, even if they seem official.
It's illegal to take photos of official buildings, get advice before taking photos. It's also illegal to destroy the local currency, smoke outside designated areas, possess ivory, and use single-use plastic bags
But wait for it. The government's won't allow you to take photos of their buildings or use single plastic bags. But car jackings and kidnapping is okay.
World has gone mad.
@Duece1995: Won't be visiting the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Sweden, Germany, or Belgium then? They've all got the same level of caution as Kenya does ,'Exercise a high degree of caution'. Granted the reasons for those rating can differ, but in general it doesn't take much to end up rated there. 'Reconsider your need to travel' and 'Do not travel' are the ones that really need to be avoided (and void your travel insurance).
@nigel deborah: Yeah "High degree of caution" is a load of bs from smart traveller, quite funny reading where falls into that category.
@nigel deborah: if you read further than the headline you could a) make a better point for yourself while simultaneously b) making your point stupid
The headline is 'Exercise a high degree of caution' but if you scroll down you see that the latest update is:
Terrorists continue to maintain a strong interest in attacking foreigners in Nairobi and other major population centres in Kenya. Attacks could occur at any time, with little or no warning, and may target locations including shopping areas and malls, hotels, foreign embassies and places of worship. Anniversary dates of previous attacks, as well as religious and festive holidays, may be of higher concern. Remain vigilant if visiting public areas. Several active terrorist groups have the intent and capability to kidnap foreigners. There’s a higher risk in the coastal states in the Somalia border region.
Anti-government demonstrations and protests are continuing in several cities in Kenya, including Nairobi. Security forces have been deployed across the country. The use of rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition has resulted in fatalities and injuries. Road closures and traffic disruptions may occur at short notice. Access to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport may be affected. Opportunistic crime including looting, robberies and assaults may occur. Avoid large gatherings, monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities (see 'Safety').
There are intermittent strikes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Check airline websites for any delays and get to the airport early.
There's currently an Mpox outbreak in parts of Africa, including in Kenya.
To enter Kenya, you need to apply online for an electronic travel authorisation prior to travel.
Kenya also has advice levels:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya overall due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime.
Do not travel to border regions with Somalia due to the high risk of terrorist attack and kidnapping, including all of Mandera and Garissa counties and the part of Wajir county extending from the town of Wajir eastwards to the border with Somalia.
Reconsider your need to travel to South Sudan and Ethiopia (except Mandera County where we continue to advise Do Not Travel), Lamu County and areas within Tana River and Kilifi Counties, extending 50km inland in Tana River County, and 50km inland in Kilifi County north of the Galana-Sabaki River, due to the high risk of terrorist attack and kidnapping.
to compare and contrast i picked france at random and its headline is 'Exercise a high degree of caution', followed with latest update of:
France's national terrorist alert remains at the highest level. Expect high-level security measures nationwide, especially in venue cities, including schools, places of worship, shopping centres, and landmarks. Terrorists could target the LGBTQIA+ community, music and cultural events, festivals, tourist areas, shopping areas, transport hubs, sporting events and other public areas. Be aware of your surroundings, monitor the local media, and follow the advice of the local authorities.
with advice levels:
Exercise a high degree of caution in France due to the threat of terrorism
ie france and kenya both have a threat of terrorism (for different reasons (one being border disputes, active terrorist groups, extreme poverty, anti government demonstrations, etc while either the other is part of the eu which is targeted by hamas supporters due to the eu's stance in regard to the conflict in gaza)), but only kenya has violet crime so bad it has to be mentioned, only kenya has a border issue with somalia, only kenya has intermittent strikes at the main airport, only kenya has Mpox outbreak, only kenya has you get the point
and for this reason kenya gets the "we advise" of: Exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya overall due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
while france has "we advise": Exercise a high degree of caution in France due to the threat of terrorism.
tldr kenya is not the safest destination at this point ie what the original commenter said. your argument is moot as kenya and the eu are not comparable as of now.
should people not go to kenya? no. should people be aware of how parts of it are basically terrorist controlled? yes
@Duece1995: They probably say the same warnings about all of SE Asia too, where in reality it's safer to walk around at night than most cities in Australia..
@Duece1995: some cultural naievity there, it's common for AFrican governments to not be comfy with tourists taking photos of official buildings. Avoid Nairobi and nighttime travel and you'll be most safe. Much more dangerous in Melbourne in my opinion. Get out and about and it's a delight.
According to our Govt, you should also ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ in France, Germany, UK, Sweden and Denmark amongst others. Kenya is not a country I’d be concerned about visiting from a safety perspective.
Similar advice to most of Europe, like Germany - Overall: Exercise a high degree of caution - https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/germany
African ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ hits different in the minds of ignorant travellers compared to Europe. People need to put aside their racist biases and realise that many African countries are just as safe if not safer than far more popular tourist destinations
Parts of Melbourne sound like they should come with similar warnings. Home invasion, car jackings, street crime!
Hardly the same.
But according to our Government, it is the same
Better not go to France either then… https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
or the UK… https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/united-…
or Germany, or Belgium, or Sweden…
You have to read past the title FYI
Most countries fall under this label. General rules for areas like this: don't be an imbecile, understand some of the current politics or issues of the region, read up on recent experiences from other travelers and you'll be fine. The red zones are really the only areas that bear reconsideration.
Great deal OP.
One of (if not) the cheapest ways to get to Africa from Australia.
Anyone ever found a good deal for getting to Madagascar? Whenever I've looked it's so overprint to get there…
Haven't looked into Madagascar yet, was thinking about adding Seychelles and/or Mauritius. You have any experience getting to those cheaply somewhere between Nairobi and Cape Town?
Never been to either of those, but much closer & cheaper would be Zanzibar - can highly recommend that as an alternative.
Air Mauritius is the best I found. Need to wait until PER-MRU is on sale for it to be 'reasonable'.
Overnight layover in SG is a killer, will be zombie by the time you finally arrive. Sample return from Sydney for $1175.
Probably a more sane option with AA for $1451 or throw a dice with Kiwi for $1151?
Break up the trip with a week in Malaysia if times not an issue.
Malaysia is great, but wouldn't that kind of negate the savings from the deal?
If something seems too good to be true, it is?
Probably the seating configuration is mini sized - and probably spaced like a pack sardines in there….
Air Asia can just be epically cheap when it's a sale or intro promo.
I went Melbourne to Bangkok for something like $95 return less than 10 years ago.
Cheap to get there so they can kidnap you and hold you to ransom.
Anyone wants to join me for the Kenya trip looking for a travel buddy
Cheap price, but just to be sure you're all aware..
*Latest update: Terrorists continue to maintain a strong interest in attacking foreigners in Nairobi and other major population centres in Kenya. Attacks could occur at any time, with little or no warning, and may target locations including shopping areas and malls, hotels, foreign embassies and places of worship. Anniversary dates of previous attacks, as well as religious and festive holidays, may be of higher concern. Remain vigilant if visiting public areas. Several active terrorist groups have the intent and capability to kidnap foreigners. There’s a higher risk in the coastal states in the Somalia border region (see 'Safety').
Anti-government demonstrations and protests are continuing in several cities in Kenya, including Nairobi. Security forces have been deployed across the country. The use of rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition has resulted in fatalities and injuries. Road closures and traffic disruptions may occur at short notice. Access to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport may be affected. Opportunistic crime including looting, robberies and assaults may occur. Avoid large gatherings, monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities (see 'Safety').
There are intermittent strikes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Check airline websites for any delays and get to the airport early.
There's currently an Mpox outbreak in parts of Africa, including in Kenya.
To enter Kenya, you need to apply online for an electronic travel authorisation prior to travel (see 'Travel').*
in other words, you'll have to do some searching for travel insurers that will cover your trip properly.
Also seriously consider taking out a ransom insurance policy.
I'd also avoid going there if you're a high net worth individual as it would make you a target.
All ozbs are high net worth individuals
@U30004: My extra $0.25 cashback I got from my cheap boost SIM has been offsetting my competitive home loan interest rate found on OB for years 💰💰💰
TIA
Kenya is a place to go.
Tasty food, Good night life, Masai mara national reserve (wildlife destination), mombasa (Bali style resorts in the south, same warm weather).
Definitely recommend it.
Go with someone you know from there or referred to a travel agent
How safe or unsafe is it just walking around in the street or at night? Compared to say Thailand
If being harassed by ladyboys is your concern, you’ll love Kenya
worse, do stuff during the day
Personally wouldn’t walk on the streets day or night. I normally travel around in a car, windows up, doors locked!
Wrong place, wrong time and they can quickly rob you if you’re walking on a quieter street by yourself.
Of course - I booked from Syd - Nairobi last week with Air Asia (Was still the cheapest by about $1500) but the tickets where $1200 one way each….
Just remember, buying 2 tickets will mean having to collect your luggage in Malaysia
Anyone buying these flights would be rawdogging it without checked luggage anyway
See you guys in Kenya !