In short
- On 19 October 2026 the US State Department raised its Kenya advisory to Level 3, Reconsider Travel. It cites health, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest and traffic safety.
- The advisory names specific areas as Level 4, Do Not Travel. Our journeys do not go to them.
- Read the advisory and the CDC notice yourself, check your insurance and then decide. We are happy to talk it through.
- Last updated 6 November 2026. Advisories change, so always check the official pages.
Safari travel in Kenya continues, and our journeys operate. Since 19 October 2026, however, the US government asks Americans to reconsider travel to Kenya.
We think you should hear that from us first. This page explains what the advisory says, what it does not say and how we plan every journey.
We are a Kenyan owned luxury safari company in Karen, Nairobi. This page was last updated on 6 November 2026.
What does the US advisory say?
The US State Department moved Kenya from Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, to Level 3, Reconsider Travel, on 19 October 2026. The US Embassy in Kenya says the change was due to health risks.
The advisory cites health, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest and traffic safety. It also notes that some areas carry higher risk.
Please read the full text on the official travel.state.gov Kenya page. Advisories can change at any time.
Which areas does it tell travelers to avoid?
The advisory lists these areas as Level 4, Do Not Travel.
- The Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera.
- Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu and Tana River counties, except Tsavo National Park.
- Kilifi County north of highway C103, and the coast north of Malindi.
- West Pokot County and western Turkana County.
- Marsabit and Turkana counties within 50 km of the Ethiopian border.
The Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Laikipia are not on that list. Our journeys do not enter the listed areas.
What does the advisory say about safaris?
It raises points we take seriously.
- Tourists have been injured or killed in safari vehicle accidents, and seatbelts are not always worn.
- Protesters have attacked vehicles carrying Americans, including safari vehicles.
- Terrorists have targeted tourist locations, hotels and resorts.
- Medical care is limited in rural areas, and serious illness may need medical evacuation.
What about health and Ebola?
The advisory refers to a CDC Travel Health Notice and to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, which the WHO declared a public health emergency in May.
Health guidance changes quickly. Please read the current notice on the CDC travel page and speak to your doctor before you decide.
How do we plan our journeys with this in mind?
We cannot remove every risk, and we will not tell you the risk is zero. This is what we do.
- Private vehicles with experienced guides. Your guide knows the roads, the weather and the area.
- Seatbelts and safe driving. We brief every guide on this, and we ask guests to buckle up.
- Flights between camps. Most journeys fly between the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and other camps, which reduces long road trips.
- Carefully chosen camps. We use established camps with their own safety procedures.
- Air medical evacuation cover. It is included in every journey. It does not replace your own insurance.
- Daily monitoring. We follow government notices and local news, and we speak to our camps and guides directly from Nairobi.
- Flexibility. If conditions change, we adjust the plan with you.
What should you check before you book?
- Read the advisory. Use the official US State Department and CDC pages.
- Check your travel insurance. Some policies limit cover for destinations under a Level 3 or Level 4 advisory. Ask your insurer in writing, and ask about cancellation for any reason.
- Speak to your doctor. Ask about vaccinations, malaria precautions and your medication.
- Register with the US government. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program lets the US Embassy contact you in an emergency.
- Ask us your questions. We answer them honestly.
Is it right for you?
That is your decision, and a fair one to take slowly. Some guests proceed with their plans. Others postpone to a later date.
If you want to wait, tell us. We can hold your dates where we can and tell you what our booking terms allow.
If you are a travel advisor, we are glad to talk through the details for your clients.
Written by Ongeri Team of Ongeri Expeditions, a Kenyan owned luxury safari company in Karen, Nairobi. We visit every camp we sell, and we plan these journeys every week. Last checked 6 November 2026.