Holiday in Africa?

Question

We are thinking about going on a pretty cool holiday in Kenya. Beautiful hotels, pristine beaches, scuba-diving, all that sort of thing. I'm wondering if it's quite... right, though. I feel a bit awkward about living it up in a country that's flanked by such troubled spots as Uganda, Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan. Anyone got any thoughts on the subject? Do you think it's ethically problematic? Or is it just the same as walking past a homeless person on my own street without inviting them in for tea and toast?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Kenya is indeed a beautiful and for the most part safe country and one that I have enjoyed on both my visits. Common sense avoids problems, this includes the usual guidelines about wondering around alone at night etc (especially in Nairobi and Mombassa) but also avoiding trouble spots such are border areas with Somalia. You will not be near these on the type of holiday you describe.
Not wishing to put you off I do hesitate in referring you to the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice page (see link below). This is (necessarily) fairly hard hitting in the initial headline section but scroll down to local travel and you will see that resorts are generally safe and trouble free.
I am not sure that the trouble spots you mention are all as bad as you fear. Having lived and worked in Uganda I would hardly define it as a trouble spot in the context of Africa. Ethiopia is also relatively safe but recent events distort the picture rather.
Conversely, there are times when Kenya is better avoided and one time is in the run up to elections. These will take place late this year I believe and you would be well advised to steer clear in the run up and aftermath. There has in previous years been some serious violence at this time in various parts of the country.
On the ethical question there is little I can add to the position taken by the first contributor. You are contributing to the economy by travelling to Kenya and helping sustain many livelihoods. Nevertheless, you can maximise or minimise the extent to which you do so by selecting smaller eco friendly family run places and eating at a range of small restaurants against the large multi national owned all-inclusive places. There are of course options between these two and only you can decide upon what is right for you.
Good luck though and have a great trip.

Source(s):

http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?page…

Answer 2

Kenya relies on tourism for as a major part of it's income, not to mention thousands of jobs, why would it be ethically problematic? I would say it's the opposite.

Answer 3

..shhh... just don't offend the muslims...

Answer 4

We went to Kenya last year and had a fabulous time. Just by visiting the country you are bringing in revenue. We made sure that lots of our tourist money went on the people that really needed it. Buy from the beach sellers, not the proper big tourist shops. Go on a trip to a local school, we did this and it really opened our eyes. We took colouring pencils and bits out with us, but on the way there they took us to a supermarket and we bought loads of books for pennies and soap for the 'mamma's' as they call them! I would recommend that you take this trip as you see how the 'real' Kenyans live.
Dependant on where you stay, be prepared for a very bumpy trip to the hotel, we stayed at Diani Beach and it took over an hour to get there. However it was well worth the trip. The beach was pristine white sand but it wasn't really good for swimming, it was a little rough with lots of coral. You do get harrassed by the beach sellers, but remember they are desperate to make a living. A very polite 'No thanks' is all you need. We took some amazing photo's of all the sarongs on sale flying in the wind.
On a major plus side, we went out on a trip on the 'Dolphin Dhow' and we experienced some of the best snorkelling I have seen (we have snorkelled in the Maldives, Great Barrier Reef and Carribean).
It's countries like this that really need our money, so don't feel bad for going there, I would rather spend my money somewhere that it will really be appreciated. I found the people amazing, nothing was too much trouble and they were very humble. They just wanted to make us happy.
A couple of tips, take some old socks with you, all the beach sellers were desperate for them. If you can get hold of pens, especially branded ones, they love those too. And old t-shirts that you may have and want to leave behind. All of these can be used to bargain with the beach sellers.
Please email me if you want any more information. I hope you go! And if you do, have a fantastic time.

Answer 5

It is fairly quite and relaxing on the coast but some hotels have clubs in them. They will stamp your hand going in. I don't think living it up a little there is any worse than at home. The poor are everywhere. In some countries they will try and exploit westerners and europeans. Tourists will be presumed rich so worry more about watching your belongings and not getting ripped off. Kenya is beautiful and so are its people but they are champions at knowing how to rip tourists off. Enjoy your holiday normally. You can give a donation to a charity if you want to help them or take some watersports lessons/trips from the locals and that will go to them directly. Have a good time.