Kenyan globetrotters who travelled to 10-plus countries this year

However, it is different for these four modern nomads, who visited more than 10 countries across different continents this year. For them, travel isn’t just about crossing borders but an opportunity to reimagine their place in the world as globetrotters.

Maria Kamau – 27 countries

With a passport stamped across five continents and 92 countries, Maria Kamau has transformed travel from a hobby into a life philosophy.

“My target is to visit every country in the world,” says Maria who targeted 20 new countries this year and exceeded her expectations by visiting 27.

From January, she has been to Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo in Africa, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia in Asia, Andorra, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bulgaria.

She also visited Croatia, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland in Europe and Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa and Vanuatu in Oceania.

Maria’s professional journey is as diverse as her travel experiences. Having studied IT, she evolved into a health information specialist, supporting governments in Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. Her work in strengthening data collection systems laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually blend professional expertise with an insatiable wanderlust.

“I’ve worked in Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan supporting ministries of health to strengthen their data collection systems,” she says.

But her true calling extended far beyond spreadsheets and systems—it was about connecting with the world. “I started in high school when I went to Germany,” Maria recalls.

What began as a youthful expedition soon became a lifelong commitment to understanding the world, one country at a time. Over 35 years, she has explored the globe, using her spare time, leave, and holidays to traverse continents. Maria’s approach to travel is anything but random. Her selection process is strategic and purposeful.

“First is primarily a country I’ve never been to the stronger case is if I know someone there, particularly friends I’ve known from the past or family,” she explains.

Once she sets her sights on an unexplored destination, she looks at neighbouring countries she can visit within her time and budget.

On financing her travels, she adheres to a strict 10 percent allocation model: “Of my income, 10 percent goes to savings, 10 percent travel, and 10 percent investments,” she tells BD Life.

This disciplined approach allows her to prioritise her passion without compromising financial stability and to travel she has had to embrace a moderate lifestyle. “I drove the same car for 21 years,” she says, adding “It got me from point A to B, and I was able to manage my finances so that travel comes first.”

Most favourite

What excites her most is that each journey brings unique cultural insights. In Samoa, she was particularly impressed by the community’s environmental stewardship.

“No matter the standards of housing, whether it’s a shack or a fancy bungalow, they take care of their environment,” she says. The islanders’ practice of decorating perimeters with colourful plants, even using painted tyres, epitomises a communal approach to beauty and cleanliness.

Vanuatu emerged as an unexpected delight. “I had no information about it,” Maria admits. “But it was a nice surprise—a beautiful island with descendants of Africans in look and culture.”

The warmth of the local people, particularly the couple who hosted her, made the experience memorable.

Some experiences stand out vividly. In Fiji, river tubing became an unexpected adventure. In Slovenia, a massive underground cave system left her awestruck. “The cave is so huge, we have to get into a train,” she says. Riding through 20 minutes of stunning geological formations became a metaphor for her travel philosophy—always ready to be surprised.

Challenges

However, her travels have not been without challenges, especially within Africa. Infrastructure limitations, high travel costs, and limited travel information pose significant hurdles.

“Sometimes to get a flight from one West African country to another, I have to go to Europe, travel up and then back,” she explains, highlighting the continent’s complex travel ecosystem.

Moreover, tourism offerings often feel limited. “The standard is safari and hiking,” Maria notes. She advocates for more diverse experiences, especially cultural exposures that capture the depth of local life.

Solo travel

While she traditionally travelled with her sister and friends, recent years have seen Maria embracing solo travel. “Because I’m in a new season of being a consultant with flexibility, and a travel coach, I need to build experience as a solo traveller,” she explains.

To share her experiences, Maria has started a blog, Travel with MK, and is planning to launch a YouTube channel. “Travel without documentation feels incomplete,” she says. “I want to inspire others to explore the world.”

Despite her love for adventure, Maria always finds solace in returning to Kenya.

“Travelling makes me appreciate home even more,” she says. “Kenya is my grounding place, where I reconnect with my roots and recharge for the next adventure.”

Shila Chebet – 16 countries

Shila Chebet is the quintessential globetrotter with her first visit out of Kenya being in 2002 when she relocated to Malawi as an expatriate.

“It was an eye-opener,” she recalls. “Before that, travelling meant going to the village for farm work or attending boarding school, which I didn’t enjoy at all,” she says.

This first trip exposed her to the joys of leisure travel and the thrill of discovering new places. Surrounded by expatriates and engaging in spontaneous weekend getaways, she realised the liberating potential of travel.

“Travel is not just about moving from one place to another; it’s about growth, exposure, and self-fulfilment,” Shila says.

Her passion for travel stems from its ability to provide purpose and joy. For her, travel is a non-negotiable priority, much like work or other essentials. “Just as people prioritise going to work, I prioritise travel,” she says.

The trained teacher has travelled to more than 16 countries this year. She has been to Morocco, Serbia, France, Slovakia, Botswana, Dubai, Mozambique, Eswatini (former Swaziland), South Africa, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Malta and Turkey.

In Morocco, she was thrilled by the communal culture of sitting outdoors, conversing with passersby, and savouring the moment. “It’s a beautiful way of socialising and staying connected to the world outside,” she says.

Similarly, in Italy, she was moved by the midday family siestas and the multi-generational living arrangements.

Montenegro was an adventure in adaptability.

Despite the language barrier, she found ways to navigate and connect with locals.

“I learned that language is not a barrier; it’s the willingness to engage that matters,” she says.

Shila’s visit to the United Arab Emirates revealed a contrasting narrative to the stereotypes she had heard. “The way they prioritise women and children in public spaces was heartwarming,” she says, recalling the courteous treatment she received at mosques and restaurants.

Foodwise in Morocco, she savoured traditional dishes served in authentic Moroccan pots, while in Mozambique, she fell in love with the local sweet bread, comparing it to the scones of her childhood.

“It’s a bread you could finish in one sitting,” she recalls.

In Lesotho, Shila was introduced to a unique juice made from the fruit of a local tree. “The juice is red, delicious, and only available locally,” she says.

Her experience in Montenegro introduced her to a dish similar to ugali but made with local ingredients and paired with unique greens. She even brought some back to the UK as a cherished souvenir of her trip.

Not all of Shila’s adventures have been smooth. From losing her phone to pickpockets in Paris to a misguided fence-jumping escapade at Malta’s airport with her partner, her travels have had their share of mishaps. “Mistakes and embarrassments are part of the journey,” she says, “but they should never stop you from exploring.”

Shila’s approach to travel accommodates both luxury and budget options, depending on the circumstances. “When I’m alone, I go for luxury, prioritising safety. But with friends or groups, I can embrace budget options without compromising on standards,” she explains.

Airbnb and shared accommodations often feature in her plans, allowing her to save without sacrificing comfort.

Through her journeys, Shila has had epiphanies. She credits travel for helping her build self-esteem and find a partner who shares her passion.

“Being with someone who understands my wanderlust has been life-changing,” she says.

A moment of self-actualisation came during her visits to desert regions like Dubai and Morocco. “I learned that even in the harshest environments, life thrives,” she notes, inspired by the resourcefulness of the people in these regions.

Unlike many travellers who prefer lengthy, immersive stays, Shila is an advocate for short trips. “A week or less is ideal for me,” she explains, citing time constraints and her desire to preserve the magic of a destination. “The longer you stay, the more you start noticing the non-beauty of a place,” she adds.

A recent example is her short trip to the Isle of Wight, a quaint island near England, where she opted to walk nearly 30 kilometres instead of relying on expensive transport, she was able to explore the island’s scenic beauty while staying within her budget.

“Walking is the most underrated way to experience a place,” she says.

Shila’s travel philosophy is rooted in practicality and inclusivity. She advises against thinking of travel in terms of money but rather focusing on time and commitment.

“We make time for emergencies; why not for travel? Drop things for good experiences the same way you drop things for bad ones,” she says.

Her advice is practical: start with destinations that are accessible and visa-friendly. “There are plenty of places you can visit with a Kenyan passport without lengthy immigration processes,” she says.

Shila also underscores the importance of joining travel groups, which she describes as invaluable for motivation and networking. “In travel groups, you realise that normal people, not just the super-rich, are travelling. It’s all about planning and prioritising.”

Samuel Mbeche – 12 countries

In May 2024, Samuel Mbeche, an optometrist accomplished a major feat of covering over 13,000 kilometres across 12 countries on a motorcycle.  

Mbeche’s interest in optometry began with a personal experience. The journey took 22 days. Growing up in a rural setup, he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by people with limited access to healthcare.

An eye injury during his high school years while playing rugby deepened his awareness of the gap in eye care services, particularly in rural areas. This incident, combined with an introduction to optometry during his university days, reshaped his aspirations.

Initially inclined toward computer science and engineering, Mbeche’s encounter with an optometrist inspired him to change course and pursue a profession that would allow him to help others avoid the helplessness he once felt. His education at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kenya—the only institution offering optometry at the time, he says, laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career.

During his professional life as an optometrist, Mbeche found himself yearning for the literal road less travelled. His passion for motorcycling blossomed as an outlet for exploration and adventure. Recognising the potential to combine his love for travel with his commitment to eye care, he decided to embark on a transformative journey.

“I realised I could use my passion to impact people,” he says. “Most rural areas lack access to basic healthcare services. I wanted to bridge that gap.” Armed with a vision, a reliable BMW R1200 GS motorcycle, and portable optometry equipment, Mbeche set out to bring eye care awareness to twelve countries in East and Southern Africa.

When planning for the journey, he says it was important to establish local contacts in each country. “I made sure to have emergency contacts in every region I visited. This proved invaluable during unforeseen challenges,” he shares To minimise costs, he opted for camping, carrying his tent and cookware, and occasionally wild camping in remote areas.

Mbeche’s journey was divided into two phases. The first, a trial run in 2023, took him through Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. Encouraged by the success of this initial trip, he embarked on the full expedition in May this year. Starting in Kenya, he traversed Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi, before looping back to Kenya.

Moments of triumph and trial

From the breathtaking landscapes of Namibia’s Namib Desert to the bustling streets of Lusaka, Mbeche’s journey was marked by moments of awe and adversity. In Zambia, he received an unexpected honour—a presidential escort out of Lusaka, complete with police motorbikes. “It was surreal,” he says. “They even ensured my name was recognised at speed checkpoints.”

Mozambique posed linguistic and cultural challenges. “I didn’t speak a word of Portuguese,” he shares. Navigating the country involved sign language and the occasional help of local bikers. A tense moment came when someone threw a stone at him in the night showing the unpredictable nature of such an expedition.

In South Africa, security concerns heightened his vigilance. “Even getting to my accommodation in Cape Town felt risky,” he recalls.

Beyond those instances, the camaraderie of the motorcycling community left an impression. “Bikers everywhere were incredibly supportive,” he says. In Malawi, he was invited to speak at Mzuzu University, where his journey became an inspiration for students and faculty alike.

 Weather posed its own set of trials. “The winter in South Africa was brutal, at that time” Mbeche notes, adding that his specialised riding gear was crucial. In Botswana and Namibia, he had to contend with arid desert conditions, requiring careful hydration and stamina.

Border crossings presented another layer of difficulty. The Tanzania-Zambia border, for instance, was notorious for delays and stringent scrutiny of Kenyan travellers. “I had to navigate bureaucratic hurdles, sometimes waiting hours to move forward,” he says.

 For Mbeche, the trip was as much about personal growth as it was about professional purpose. “I realised that optometry alone wasn’t enough,” he reflects. “Public health education is equally critical.” This realisation has inspired him to pursue a master’s degree in public health, to create broader, lasting impacts in underserved communities.

The journey also expanded his professional network, connecting him with like-minded individuals and organisations. “In Malawi, I met university leaders who encouraged me to document and formalise my ride as a record-setting feat,” he shares.

To someone planning such a journey, Mbeche advises, ”Fitness is key,” he emphasises. “Riding for hours on end requires physical and mental endurance.” He also stresses the importance of reliable equipment and local contacts. “The locals know the ground realities better than any guidebook or GPS,” he adds.

Wambui Maina – 11 countries

Wambui Maina, an Information Technology (IT) professional based in Dubai has spent the past five years travelling to 28 countries. 

“My desire to travel came from a bittersweet story,” Wambui says. “I had problems with my eyes, and my vision was deteriorating. At some point, I made peace with the fact that I might one day lose my sight completely.” To cope with this inevitable reality from now on was to see as much of the world as possible while she could.

The trigger was a childhood memory. “In Class Five, my teacher talked about how clean Singapore was, with no street trash and proper waste disposal systems. I always dreamed of seeing it for myself.” That dream became a reality in 2019 when Singapore became the first country she visited for leisure. “It was everything I imagined and more. That trip ignited my wanderlust.”

She has since travelled to 11 countries such as Singapore, Uganda, Morocco, Italy, Norway, Iceland, the US, Qatar, Austria, Germany and Switzerland in the last 12 months.

Wambui’s journeys are mostly solo—a choice she finds liberating. “Travelling solo doesn’t mean being alone. When I arrive in a country, I join guided tours or connect with groups of fellow travellers,” she explains.

Her destinations are driven by a bucket list of experiences rather than countries. “I wanted to see the Northern Lights, so I went to the Arctic Circle. I wanted to visit the world’s major waterfalls, so I ticked off Victoria Falls and Niagara Falls.”

Hiking 1,530 steps up Norway’s Reinebringen mountain in pouring rain and snow was gruelling but rewarding. “The view at the top made every step worth it,” she says. Witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland was another highlight. “The colours dancing in the sky—there’s nothing like it.”

Her culinary adventures have been just as memorable. “In Morocco, I fell in love with tajine, a flavorful stew. In Iceland, I tried fermented whale. The taste wasn’t great, but it’s unforgettable for the smell alone!” she chuckles.

For Wambui, solo travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about pushing personal boundaries. “Sometimes, when I tell people the kind of stuff I’ve done—like travelling alone across Lapland for three weeks—they can’t believe it. But travel has shown me how courageous I am. It’s made me realise I’m capable of more than I ever thought.”

Wambui’s travels haven’t been without its challenges. The limitations of an African passport mean navigating complex visa processes. “It’s draining to apply for visas repeatedly, especially when they’re valid for only a short time,” Wambui says. Language barriers have also posed hurdles, particularly in rural areas. “Google Translate helps, but it’s not always accurate. Sometimes, it’s a hit or miss.”

In debunking the myth about travel being expensive, Wambui insists that travel doesn’t have to break the bank. “Loyalty programmes are a game-changer,” she says. By using credit cards linked to airline loyalty programs, she’s flown from Dubai to Norway for as little as Sh3,000, with the rest paid in miles. “It’s all about finding hacks, booking in advance, and setting travel alerts for deals.”

Her approach to accommodation is similarly strategic. “I prefer Airbnb over hostels or five-star hotels. They offer privacy and are often located in quieter areas,” she says. Safety is a priority, and she thoroughly researches neighbourhoods and reviews them before booking.

Travel has not only broadened Wambui’s horizons but also reshaped her perspective on life. “Japan, for example, taught me the beauty of discipline and kindness,” she says. From orderly queues to courteous interactions, the culture left a deep impression. “It made me wish we could adopt such values back home.”

The kindness she encountered in Japan extended even to immigration officers. “With my African passport, I’m used to being questioned a lot. But in Japan, they welcomed me warmly without a single interrogation.”

“Next year, I want to explore more of Africa, starting with Ethiopia and Namibia. I also hope to attend Holi in India and photograph wildlife in Alaska.” Her ultimate dream is to visit Antarctica, the only continent she hasn’t set foot on.

She’s also working on launching a travel blog and YouTube channel to share her experiences and tips. “Travel has taught me courage and resilience,” she says. “It’s shown me that the world is full of beauty and wonder, waiting to be discovered.”

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