A popular safari destination has had its travel advisory raised amid concerns from the U.S. government over health and security concerns.
Kenya describes itself on its tourism website as "the birth of safari". It bodes visitors to "discover" wonderful natural attractions like "the dramatic Great Rift Valley, mountain highlands, or the coastline of the Indian Ocean with its white sandy beaches."
The site also boasts Kenya being home to the "Big Five". That means "you will experience close encounters with lions, elephants, rhinos and many other wildlife."
But now, per the New York Post, the previously beloved travel destination has now been desginated as a Level 3: "Reconsider Travel". It was previously designated as a Level 2, "Exercise Increased Caution".
A detailed advisory update was made by the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, who explained some of the dangers of visiting. "Violent crime can occur at any time," the advisory reads. "Violent crimes include armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, sexual assault, and kidnapping for ransom."
They also report that "there is a risk of terrorist violence" in Kenya. "Terrorist plot kidnappings, bombings, grenade attacks, armed assaults, suicide attacks, and other action in Kenya."
The advisory also comes amid health concerns within East Africa. The CDC has issued separate Travel Health Notices for Bundibugyo virus as well as Ebola.
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Some Areas of the Popular Safari Destination are Marked "Do Not Travel"
However, the Embassy has highlighted that some areas are designated as a Level 4 - "Do Not Travel".
These areas include:
- Eastleigh and Kibera neighborhoods - Nairobi
- "Due to risk of crime and kidnapping"
- Counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi (north of highway C103), and coastal areas north of Malindia
- "Due to risk of kidnapping and terrorism" from terrorist group Al-Shabaab.
- West Pokot County, western Turkana County
- "Due to risk of crime"
- Marsabit, Turkana Counties, "within 30 miles of the border with Ethiopia"
- "These areas are prone to cross-border incursions from Ethiopia. Violence and armed conflict may occur at any time."
The advisory also chillingly warns potential travellers to "Prepare a will", and "establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones".
