Shadrack Nyakoe
Nairobi has strengthened its reputation as a top global travel destination after being ranked among the best cities to visit in the world, according to the latest survey by TripAdvisor.
The Kenyan capital earned a spot alongside renowned cities such as Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Osaka (Japan), Johannesburg (South Africa), and Casablanca (Morocco).
Known for its unique blend of urban life and wildlife experiences, Nairobi is home to Nairobi National Park—a vast game reserve that shelters endangered black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and lions. Adjacent to the park is the renowned David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which operates an elephant orphanage dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating young elephants.
TripAdvisor’s annual rankings are based on traveler reviews and ratings collected over 12 months, recognizing the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, and attractions worldwide.
Kenya’s Efforts to Boost Tourism
The recognition comes as Kenya implements new policies to attract more tourists. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at making travel easier for visitors.
Recently, the Kenyan Cabinet approved a proposal to exempt travelers from all African countries from the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), supporting open skies policies and tourism growth.
“This initiative aims to promote regional integration and ease travel across the continent. Most African visitors will be allowed a two-month stay, while East African Community (EAC) nationals will continue to enjoy a six-month stay under EAC free movement protocols,” the Cabinet statement read.
Surge in Tourist Numbers
Government data shows a significant rise in visitors to Kenya’s game reserves, with numbers increasing by 43%—from 2.54 million in 2023 to approximately 3.64 million in 2024.
Additionally, international tourist arrivals surged to 2.4 million in 2024, up from 2.08 million the previous year, underscoring Kenya’s growing appeal as a premier travel destination.
