Why Kenya Was Voted the World’s Friendliest Country

Kenya has long been celebrated for its epic safaris, sweeping savannahs and palm-fringed shores. But in 2025, the spotlight shifted to something even more meaningful. In the Condé Nast 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, Kenya was officially crowned the world’s friendliest country, achieving an exceptional 98.46% satisfaction score.

For those who know Kenya, this accolade feels less like a surprise and more like a heartfelt confirmation of what travellers have experienced for decades. Because while the landscapes and iconic wildlife may draw you in, it is the people who make you stay and who call you back again and again.

Why This Award Matters

The Readers’ Choice Awards are shaped by travellers themselves: people who have explored the globe and know the difference between good service and genuine warmth. In a year where the top 10 friendliest countries all scored above 96%, Kenya rose to the very top, edging ahead in a fiercely close contest.

This recognition goes beyond hospitality as a polished service. It speaks to how welcome travellers feel, how safe and relaxed they are, and how effortlessly connections are formed. In Kenya, friendliness is not scripted or staged. It is instinctive. A smile from a guide at dawn, a warm greeting on arrival at camp, a shared laugh over sundowners as the sun dips below the horizon. These moments are woven into everyday travel here.

The Heart Behind the Safari

The Big Five may dominate safari bucket lists, but behind every unforgettable wildlife encounter is a Kenyan guide whose skill and warmth transform the experience. It takes a special kind of person to make you feel completely at ease while metres away from a prowling lion or a passing elephant herd.

Kenyan guides are renowned not only for their encyclopaedic knowledge, but for their patience, humour and intuitive understanding of their guests. They gauge the atmosphere, sense the moment, and ensure every traveller feels safe, relaxed and included. It is the human connection, the stories shared, and the quiet excitement that elevate a Kenyan safari from thrilling to deeply personal.

A Country of Welcoming Contrasts

Kenya’s friendliness reveals itself across its remarkable diversity.

In Nairobi, the capital, hums with creative energy. Contemporary art galleries, lively nightlife and a dynamic dining scene showcase a cosmopolitan city that welcomes travellers with open arms. One moment you’re enjoying rooftop cocktails, the next you’re spotting giraffes against a city skyline in Nairobi National Park. A juxtaposition found nowhere else in the world.

Travel inland and you’ll discover the vast open plains of the , where the annual Great Migration unfolds in one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. Here, hospitality is quietly refined: steaming coffee at sunrise, thoughtful gestures in camp, and staff who remember your name, your preferences, and the way you take your tea.

Along the Indian Ocean coastline, Kenya slows its pace. Diani Beach’s soft white sands and turquoise waters offer barefoot luxury, while Lamu’s Swahili heritage invites you into a world of gentle rhythms, carved doors and centuries-old traditions. Everywhere, travellers are met with genuine curiosity and warmth. An invitation to feel not like a visitor, but a guest.

 

Culture, Connection and Community

Kenya’s friendliness is deeply rooted in its cultural richness. Encounters with Maasai, Samburu or Swahili communities are respectful, authentic and meaningful, offering insight into traditions that have endured for generations. These moments, whether sharing stories around a fire or learning about age-old customs, add depth to any journey.

This sense of connection extends to the lodges and camps themselves. Many are staffed by local teams whose pride in their land and culture shines through in every detail. Dining in the wild, you’re greeted not just with exceptional cuisine, but with warmth that makes luxury feel inviting rather than intimidating.

Why Kenya Deserves the Crown

Kenya’s recognition as the world’s friendliest country is a reflection of how seamlessly it blends adventure with ease, excitement with comfort. Few destinations can offer such a rich mix of wildlife, landscapes, culture and coastline. All underpinned by a spirit of generosity and welcome. Luxury here feels effortless. It’s a country that understands that true hospitality is about how a place makes you feel.

 

Experience Kenya with Somak Luxury Travel

For us at Somak Luxury Travel, this award is deeply personal. Kenya is where our story began, back in 1968. Our roots run deep here, and over 55 years later, crafting journeys to Kenya remains close to our hearts.

As a family-owned company with offices in London, Nairobi, Durban and Delhi, we bring both a global perspective and intimate local knowledge. We don’t just sell holidays, we design immersive, tailor-made experiences shaped by decades of expertise, trusted relationships and a genuine love for the destinations we represent.

From expertly guided safaris and handpicked luxury lodges to seamless service and thoughtful details, Somak is the best way to experience Kenya as it truly deserves to be experienced. With us, every journey is personal, every moment considered, and every welcome as warm as the country itself.

Kenya may now wear the crown of the world’s friendliest country… but for us, it has always been so. And when you’re ready to answer the call, we’ll be here to take you there.