Well, it’s been nearly three years since I stepped on a plane. Shout out to government lockdowns and my newborn baby for that. So when I had booked to fly to Kenya for 2 weeks I was honestly filled with fear! Traveling? During the Covid 19 pandemic? With a 4 month old baby? Was I mad?? Maybe. But the truth is that the fear of travel was so much more debilitating than actually traveling. In fact, I breezed through airports, was met with unmitigated joy by local Kenyans who’s income relies so heavily on international tourism and it was the absolute best decision I have made for myself and my family in the last three years.

We MUST continue to find ways to nurture our love for exploration and discovery. The world might seem like a scary place at the moment, but I can assure you it no less wonderful!

This blog post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through some of the links I provide I can earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Top tips for traveling to Kenya during the Covid 19 pandemic

1. Get your entry visa well ahead of time.

You can purchase your visa online via the evisa portal. You’ll need some pretty obscure paperwork, like letters of invitation etc, so definitely do not leave this until the last minute or you’ll be stressed out and scrabbling around too late, when you already have a whole list of other stuff to focus on!

2. Bulletproof your paperwork.

The requirements are changing constantly, so I can’t tell you exactly what you need - it’s likely to change tomorrow! But get the most up to date requirements (if you’re in the UK you can get these off the government website here) and make sure everything is easy to access when you’re moving through the airports. Double check and triple check it all before you go and you’ll find yourself breezing through!

3. Wear. Your. Mask.

I literally cannot stress this enough. Take every precaution when you are travelling because you will find yourself surrounded by people, some of which will not give two hoots about transmitting Covid 19 wherever they go. Don’t be that person. Take responsibility for your health and the wellbeing of every person you will come into contact with in Kenya and their families.

4. Prepare for the unexpected.

This sounds a bit backward, but whilst we were in Kenya the Omicron variant took hold. Countries started becoming red listed (only to be removed from the red list just a few days later!!) and people were messaging me in a flat panic. WOULD I BE STUCK IN KENYA FOREVER AND MY LIFE RUINED? No. Worst comes to worst, I’d have to extend my holiday - sounds rough ;) In the end, we had to fork out a few more Elizabeths for two additional PCR tests, but all was well.

5. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

I do feel like the media terrorises us into believing that we should feel afraid for our lives and the lives of our loved ones every time we leave the house. But if you let every near-by cough, or unmasked bus rider weigh on you you’ll end up a mad old hermit. There is only so much that is in your control, so be sensible; do your best to stay safe and the let everything else happen as it will.

Let’s go to Kenya together in 2022

Kenya is safely welcoming visitors from all over the world and, what’s more, their infection rates are low and people are depending on us to help them keep food on their tables and clothes on their backs. I’m so proud to be hosting two yoga retreats to Kenya next year and if you’re feeling a little nervous about travelling to Kenya in the thick of the Covid 19 pandemic then come with me! I will be there to hold your hand every step of the way.