Since swapping her Hollywood Hills home for the lush landscapes of East Africa, American singer and entrepreneur Kelis has become one of the continent’s most enthusiastic ambassadors. Now permanently based in Kenya, where she owns and operates a 300-acre farm, she has been exploring her new home with the curiosity of a true adventurer.
In a recent podcast and across her social media channels, the Milkshake singer shared some of her favourite spots, offering candid insights into luxury travel in Africa. From the cosmopolitan buzz of Nairobi to the natural wonders of Zimbabwe, here are her must-visit destinations.
Kenya: The Metropolis That Has Everything
For Kelis, Kenya is more than a home — it’s been a revelation. Having relocated to a remote farm in the Naivasha region in early 2025 with her three children, she has discovered a country that perfectly balances her dual identities as a city girl from Harlem and a lover of wide-open spaces.
“Kenya is the metropolis that has everything. Literally anything you want to do, especially for families and kids,” she says. “You can be far removed in rural areas or in bustling Nairobi. It really is number one because it’s home, and it truly has the best of both worlds. Wildlife and city vibes come together here like nowhere else in the world.”
On her farm, We Farms, she is cultivating sustainable crops — from red and yellow onions to coffee — while developing an all-sustainable luxury retreat.
“It’s super safe, you can invest money and be here… I live here, and it has all the things you need,” she says.
However, Kelis is also refreshingly honest about the realities of expat life. In a candid Instagram video, she offered her “honest two cents”, warning that living in Kenya is vastly different from simply visiting.
“If you want to live here like an American, it’s definitely going to cost you triple the price,” she explained, noting the high taxes on imported goods. “They say that if it’s not used here in Kenya, then it’s like new… It can be 20 years old in another country… and they’ll still charge millions.”
She is also frank about the country’s infrastructural challenges.
“The roads — some of the potholes will literally take your car out. They also have these speed bumps… they are in the dark, they are not marked. You hit a bump and leave your soul behind you,” she posted.
Despite these hurdles, her dedication to the country is unwavering.
“In my opinion, Kenya is still one of the best countries on the continent.”
South Africa: The Prettiest Place on Earth
When it comes to sheer beauty, South Africa is Kelis’s top contender.
“South Africa — Cape Town specifically — is one of the prettiest places on Earth. Fact,” she states.
“Everyone’s like, ‘Why didn’t you move to Cape Town?’ It’s tempting. Super tempting.”
In fact, Kelis says Cape Town reminds her of America’s west coast, describing it as “California in a sense… You could be up in the mountains, you could be on the beach in crystal-clear water, you could be at the winery. Cape Town is just stunning.”
While recognising Johannesburg’s vibrant cultural scene, she points out a consideration for the luxury traveller:
“Joburg has a lot of culture and energy. It’s just not the safest.”
Tanzania: Robust and Lush
A trip to Tanzania’s spice island left Kelis impressed, though she admits she prefers her adopted home’s coastline.
“Zanzibar is beautiful,” she says. “I personally prefer Diani and Mombasa and the whole coast of Kenya. Just as far as safety and cleanliness… It’s the same water, it’s the same Indian Ocean, same beach.”
She reserves particular praise for Tanzania’s interior, describing it as “robust and lush”.
“There’s just so much greenery everywhere,” she adds.
Zambia and Zimbabwe: One with Nature
For the ultimate immersion in raw, untamed beauty, Kelis points to the neighbouring nations of Zambia and Zimbabwe — particularly their shared natural wonder, Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“the smoke that thunders”).
“Zambia and Zimbabwe are the best for natural wonders,” she says. “You’re just like, ‘Wow, this is insane’. You’ve got the waterfalls… It’s just so amazing. You feel like you’re one with nature at all times, which is absolutely stunning.”
Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Ghana: A Coda of Culture and Flavour
In Ethiopia, Kelis is particularly drawn to its capital.
“Addis Ababa is a really modern, really beautiful city,” she says. “It has beautiful spas, phenomenal food, and gorgeous people. I love it.”
When it comes to safety and organisation, Rwanda is her top recommendation.
“For beauty, safety, and just order — Rwanda,” she states, highlighting the country’s reputation for stability.
Ghana, meanwhile, holds a special place in her heart for its culinary scene.
“Ghana has some of the best food on the continent,” she says. As someone with Caribbean roots, she also finds a comforting familiarity in Ghana’s flavours, describing it as feeling “the closest to home”.
