Our social pages and the mail of the various addresses associated with the activities of information, promotion and service for Italians who have to do with Kenya have for some time been full of proclamations and declarations of love for this land, accompanied by names or images of the places or things and people most missed by those who have not yet been able to return since the beginning of the pandemic, due to the limitations of the Italian government on Kenya which, as is known, accepts tourism from Europe even without a green pass.
For now, leisure travel in Kenya, as in all other African nations, is prohibited until October 25.
Therefore, with respect to the different types of "Africa sickness" and the main desires indicated by some of our readers, we have decided to launch a survey to which you can respond both on our Facebook pages (malindikenya.net and the "Italians in Kenya" group) and via e-mail by writing to info@malindikenya.net.
Here are the seven situations from which you can choose the one you miss the most, that is the first reason why you would like to return to Kenya as soon as possible.

1. SAFARI

One of the things most missed by regular visitors to Kenya, but also by those who have a passion for Sub-Saharan Africa or, in any case, for travel, and also by those who have never been to Kenya but have long dreamed of what they see in documentaries or on dedicated channels, is, without a doubt, the safari. "Safari" as we know in Kiswahili means "journey" but obviously here we are talking about the excursion into the savannah to admire not only the wildlife but also the splendid landscapes of the parks and national reserves.
Unique sensations that resurface with great nostalgia and that constitute one of the major tourist attractions of the country.

2. THE SEA

Most of the Italians who, before the pandemic, flocked to Kenya by the thousands every year, spent their vacations on the shores of the Indian Ocean, in destinations that have been popular for many years with their compatriots, such as Malindi, Watamu and Mambrui. Many also like to frequent unique places like Lamu or other beautiful beaches like Diani.
In any case, especially in winter, the desire for the sea and the African heat, with the unforgettable contours of palm trees and other exotic plants and all that a fantastic seascape can offer, is strong.

3. PEOPLE

One of the reasons that leads many tourists to consider a vacation in Kenya as an added value compared with other destinations in the world is represented by the encounter with a welcoming, kind and sunny population that can be approached with positivity despite the social and economic discrepancies. This leads many travelers to fall in love with the destination not only for its beautiful scenery but also for the human and true approach to people.

4. THE CLIMATE

The equator is one of the geographical areas that attract tourists for the mildness of their climate. Many Italians, especially those of a certain age, love to "winter" in coastal resorts that provide sunshine and gentle breezes from the ocean and at the same time low humidity. All characteristics that, despite the threat of global climate change, are still a guarantee of well-being, if not a real elixir of life.

5. NATURE

It is not only the sea, nor the presence of wild animals in their natural environment to conquer many tourists and travelers, but the fullness of feeling in the middle of nature.
The greenery, the plants, the breath of the forest and the quiet of the gardens, the scent of tropical flowers and the entire environmental heritage of Kenya are one of the strongest appeals that make the "Africa sickness" grow in many visitors to East Africa.

6. THE PARTNER

Meeting and getting to know each other, human relations, even intimate ones, are one of the most controversial but also most understandable aspects of travel in Africa. There are a good number of compatriots who associate a vacation in Kenya with an adventure that also involves the emotional sphere. It is not essentially "sexual tourism", but often relationships that, although not always conventional and easy, become one of the motivations for the trip and possible returns.

7. SOLIDARITY

Some people go to Sub-Saharan Africa because, in addition to traveling to wonderful places, they have the opportunity to do good. There are many Italians who, despite beginning their Kenyan experience with a vacation for pleasure, are unable to "look the other way" when faced with the conditions of misery of much of the local population. Many of them belong to non-profit associations or become attached to projects whose goodness they can verify in the field. This becomes one of the main reasons for their dream of returning to Kenya soon.
Which of these reasons would you choose as your favorite and priority for your return to Kenya?