LGBTQIA+ travelers are those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, plus queer or questioning, intersex or asexual individuals. It also includes those who identify beyond these commonly used sexuality and gender expressions. Kenya is considered to be a fairly safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers, but there are certain situations and issues that may present themselves to queer couples or travelers who identify with one or more of these terms when visiting Kenya.
Is Kenya safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?
Like many countries in Africa, homosexuality is still illegal in Kenya. The criminalization of same-sex relationships was acquired from Britain before Kenya was granted independence in 1963, and it has never been reviewed. The majority of Kenyan society is religious and conservative, and trans and non-binary gender identities are also considered taboo. The legal issues surrounding Kenyans who identify as trans or non-binary are ambiguous, but they may experience public discrimination and there are no protections against housing or employment discrimination.
Kenya is not considered to be an 'LGBTQIA+ friendly' destination when compared to western countries due to the laws and attitudes towards the queer community, but it's still relatively safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers. Despite the criminalization of homosexuality, there is more tolerance of travelers who identify as LGBTQIA+ due to the importance of the country's tourism industry. Queer travelers and couples are unlikely to experience any issues if they avoid public displays of affection such as kissing, hugging or holding hands. That said, public displays of affection for hetero couples are also frowned upon. As long LGBTQIA+ travelers display some discretion and respect the local culture, they will have no problem visiting Kenya.
Queer travel in Kenya
Many hotels, lodges and public sites have private or all-gender bathrooms, but there may be occasions when the only option is to use a gendered bathroom. Same-sex couples can usually book a room with a double bed without being questioned, and LGBTQIA+ travelers can expect the same attitudes as hetero travelers when staying at one of the big, globally recognized hotel chains. There isn't an established queer scene in Kenya, but Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, has a vibrant nightlife scene and there are more and more bars introducing queer-safe zones or rooms for the LGBTQIA+ community. This is a much safer option than going to a regular club or bar.
We recommend you visit Equaldex and/or Smartraveller before you plan your Kenya trip for up-to-date advice and information about LGBTQI-related laws.
Solo travel and room sharing
If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a traveler of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know when you're booking your trip and we’ll arrange the rooming accordingly. There is also the option to book your own room on some tours if you don't wish to share a room.
Our Kenya tours
7 Days
From
4118
Embark on a seven-day Premium journey through Kenya’s wild grasslands and vast plains...
8 Days
From
1815
Roam the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli National Park to spot Africa's Big...
16 Days
From
3428
Encounter the wildlife of Kenya and Uganda on this adventure including a gorilla trek...
15 Days
From
12168
Discover the best of Kenya and Tanzania on a Premium adventure through the Masai Mara,...
8 Days
From
1328
Experience Kenyan wildlife on an eight day trip travelling from Nairobi to Lake...
10 Days
From
3695
Travel through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, stopping at the Masai Mara, the...
12 Days
From
2404
Experience the beauty of the Ngorongoro and Serengeti, Usambara Mountains and Zanzibar...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
27 Days
From
6320
Go deep in East Africa on this 27-day trip including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar.
15 Days
From
3405
Uncover Kenya and Tanzania on a 15-day trip with Serengeti safaris, Ngorongoro, Nakuru,...
13 Days
From
10836
Search for Gorillas in Uganda, uncover the history of Rwanda, and explore the wild...
15 Days
From
14435
Embark on a 15-day Premium Adventure through Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana...
13 Days
From
4527
Travel through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, stopping at the Masai Mara, the...
63 Days
From
14050
Set out on a mighty African adventure through Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe...
31 Days
From
28600
Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through Africa on a 31-day Premium journey,...
18 Days
From
8802
This 18-day tour hits Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania for tracking gorillas in...
8 Days
From
2285
Track your way across the plains of Kenya on this thrilling safari, covering Nairobi,...
8 Days
From
2400
Experience the people, culture and wildlife of Kenya and Tanzania on a small group...
20 Days
From
4051
Step out onto the Serengeti and keep your eyes out for rhinos, lions, leopards and a...
15 Days
From
5067
Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya, including a trek to the summit of Mt...
13 Days
From
2288
Explore the wildlife-rich plains of Kenya and Tanzania and then unwind in Zanzibar....
9 Days
From
2112
Explore Tanzania on this trip travelling to Nairobi via the Serengeti and the Usambara...
9 Days
From
2084
Marvel at East Africa from Nairobi to Stone Town on this epic trip with safaris, hikes...
10 Days
From
1916
Hit the (dirt) road through Kenya and Tanzania. Safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro...
16 Days
From
6593
Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya including a trek to the summit of Mt...
12 Days
From
2284
Get a true taste of eastern Africa on a 12-day trip to Zanzibar, the Serengeti,...
27 Days
From
4930
Explore the wilds of East Africa on a trip from Nairobi to the Serengeti, Usambara...
42 Days
From
10137
Explore Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe on a 42-day trip including a...
28 Days
From
3997
Discover East African wilderness and the animals that call it home on an adventure...
48 Days
From
8177
Tour Africa's best from Kenya to Cape Town through Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zimbabwe...
15 Days
From
5247
Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya including a trek to the summit of Mt...
37 Days
From
6008
Travel the waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar and the savannahs of the...
49 Days
From
7632
Experience the ultimate African adventure on this epic trip including Kenya, Botswana,...
27 Days
From
7465
Spend 27 days exploring the wonders, wildlife and tribal cultures of East Africa to...
52 Days
From
11169
Experience the waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar, the savannahs of the...
43 Days
From
8619
Take an epic trip through eastern Africa, via Victoria Falls, the Serengeti and...
31 Days
From
7680
Take a 32-day tour through Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and...
16 Days
From
4780
Experience the people, culture and wildlife of Kenya and Tanzania on a small group...
3 Days
From
1505
Travel to Kenya and visit Nairobi. Embark on a journey across the Great Rift Valley to...
64 Days
From
12618
This epic journey with explores Southern Africa in detail including Botswana, Kenya,...
21 Days
From
17757
Search for Gorillas in Uganda, uncover the history of Rwanda, explore the wild plains...
37 Days
From
33355
Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through Africa on a 37-day Premium journey,...
Read more about queer travel
Mar 15, 2022
Here’s what I learned as a queer...
As someone who’s openly queer, travelling to a conservative country like Jordan...
Aug 31, 2022
Navigating the Western Balkans as a...
The Balkans is a beautiful – but complicated – part of the world. Blogger Chantel...
Apr 10, 2022
Where to celebrate Pride in Europe 2023
Get ready for parades, parties and a whole lot of pizzazz.
May 29, 2022
6 queer-friendly destinations for...
For LGBTQIA+ travellers, finding queer-friendly destinations isn’t always easy....
Aug 29, 2017
The best cities in Europe for LGBTQI...
While much of Europe is welcoming and safe for LGBTQI travellers, here’s a list of...
Jun 23, 2017
5 LGBTQI-friendly travel destinations...
For years, LGBTQ travellers have flocked to the usual suspects of queer-friendly...
Oct 17, 2018
Why I can be myself on group tours,...
The type of individual who travels with tour operators or signs up to sleep in a...