On a recent trip to Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Uganda, I wished that I could have had a local, queer guide who could share honest information with me about not only travelling safely in the area but also connecting with other LGBTQ+ folks. In places where simply existing as a queer person is often as illegal as it is culturally taboo, some foreigners choose not to visit at all, making it less likely to find such a tour. But queer joy exists in these places, as it does everywhere in the world, and there are lots of people working hard to make these destinations safer for both international and national travellers. One of these people is Njeri Gachuhi, who is the founder of The Travelling Wakili, a bespoke travel company, based in Kenya, that promotes safe travel among women and queer folks in Africa.
The Travelling Wakili plans and books both solo and group trips all over Kenya, as well as to other destinations on the African continent. Upcoming group trips include a Pride getaway; a Bisexual “Beach and Bush” trip to the coast and to a wildlife reserve; a Zanzibar sailing trip in Tanzania; and a rainforest camping excursion. The company can also help you book your dream Kenyan honeymoon, or other personalized trips.
Gachuhi strives to have her company be the go-to travel partner in Africa for women and queer folks. As a trained lawyer and social justice activist, she started the travel company in 2021, but she was involved in the queer community in Kenya in other ways before that. In addition to her business, she also co-organizes a “200 Queers Hike,” which consists of two annual large-scale, affordable hikes for queers that promote a safe, fun and sober space in nature.
In Kenya, homosexuality is illegal and gay marriage is banned, but queer organizations are working hard to change this. A petition filed in 2019 by the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC), The Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK) and the Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western Kenya Network (NYARWEK) challenged sections of the Kenyan Penal Code for being unconstitutional. Although they lost in court, the case is being appealed. In 2023, Kenya’s Supreme Court ruled that, although homosexuality is illegal, authorities were wrong to ban the NGLHRC from registering as an NGO. Meanwhile, in February 2025, Kenya moved to recognize intersex as a third gender on birth certificates. The country is seriously grappling with these issues.
Though Gachuhi runs a successful business, I was curious to learn what it means for her to be working for a queer-forward organization in a country where parts of her identity are illegal. I reached out to learn more about her perspective.
How do you feel being a queer person in Kenya?
I love being queer and I love being Kenyan. These two identities are inseparable for me. I love my country, I love our landscape and natural resources, I love my community and the camaraderie amongst us. I love how we exist, take up space and organize in a country that would otherwise not want us to thrive here.
Do you feel that you can be out?
As it is with any marginalized identity, there are challenges. There are spaces in Kenya where I exist as my full self, while there are others where I code switch. I am also aware of the different privileges that I have that allow me to move in certain ways, such as my educational background and class. I came into my queerness in 2017 and 2018, and I have been publicly out since. By this, I mean to my friends, sister, cousins—generally my younger family members—as well as online. [Before The Travelling Wakili] I have also been out in terms of my work to a certain degree. I was painfully outed to my parents in 2021, but we have managed to find our way to a middle ground that works for all of us.
What are some positive things going on for the LGBTQ community in Kenya?
We are a very resilient and creative bunch here in Kenya. There are many diverse movements working in advocacy, activism, entertainment, sports, the creative industries and other businesses. I love to see how people are creatively thriving here, all while working in diverse industries.
What are some challenges that the LGBTQ community faces in Kenya?
The issue of criminalization is the bedrock of most—if not all—of our challenges. The 2019 petition to have certain sections of the Penal Code that criminalize homosexuality revised was not successful. The petition is now at the appeal stage. Criminalization makes it difficult for queer people to access opportunities, and it allows for discrimination and harassment to persist despite us having a rather progressive Constitution.
How can queer travellers connect with local members of the LGBTQ+ community or find out about events?
Twende is a lovely page that means “let’s go” in Swahili. They put together a monthly calendar of queer events in Kenya. Organizers such as Diversified Kenya, Queer Wellness Circle and Muthoni Ngei are part of a collective that promotes queer events.
What has been your favourite travel experience? Where would you most like to travel next?
I do not have one single destination that stands out as my absolute favourite; however, for Kenya, I would say Lamu and Northern Kenya. These are two very remote areas whose beauty remains almost untouched. Outside of Kenya, I would say the Maldives because of its endless oceans, beaches and the sea. I am a big lover of the Indian Ocean.
West Africa is calling my name, in particular Nigeria, Ghana and Benin. If all things align, I will be making this a reality early next year. I am looking forward to exploring the food, the markets and the parties, as well as interacting with the queer communities in those places.
You can book trips and get more info about The Travelling Wakili on their website and socials: Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. They also accept donations towards the 200 Queers Hike, to keep it accessible.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
