Helpful Kenya Travel Tips
- Visa & Passport Information
- Health Advice for Kenya
- What to Pack?
- Safety & Security
- Travelling Do's and Don'ts
Visa & Passport Information
Before you buy your airplane ticket, you want to be sure that you have or can get what you need once you arrive in Kenya. Depending on your originating destination, you may need to apply for and receive a Visa before visiting Kenya. It is important that you do so immediately upon your decision to travel to Kenya, and make sure that it is not intended to expire during your travel.You can apply for and get a Kenya Visa from your nearest Kenya Embassy or Consulate.
Not everyone will need a Visa. You can download a full list of nationals who need and don't need a Kenya Visa . However, if you're a United States or European citizen, you will need a Visa.
Furthermore, you will need to be sure that you have a current passport. If you do not have a passport or yours is about to expire, you will need to make sure you obtain a new one prior to your departure. Please expect that your passport could take up to six weeks to arrive, so make sure you plan well in advance for your passport needs. As a rule, your passport should expire not less than six months before you are to end your travel.
When making your preparations for your passport, be sure that you make several copies of the actual passport or visa in addition to the original. This is for your own safety, the last thing you want to do is be out of your home country without any way to provide proof of your identity and such. One of these copies should be kept in your home when you travel, just in case. For the original, always keep it locked up safely, even if you have to use the hotel safe.
Before you leave for Kenya make sure you have the following:
- Valid Passport
- Arrival Ticket
- Return Ticket
- Adequate Funds
- Visa (if required)
Health Advice for Kenya
Before you travel to Kenya, you want to be sure that you are up to date on all Immunizations. There are currently no inoculations that you must have when travelling to Kenya, unless you intend to visit other countries such as Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Egypt, or other such areas that may be deemed infected. In these cases, you will want to make sure you have the following (depending on the specific area you intend to visit):
- Hepatitis (A and B)
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Yellow Fever
- Malaria Prescription
Other health advice for Kenya is to be sure that you protect yourself from mosquito bites, which could lead to Malaria. To protect yourself from Mosquito bites you should make sure you wear long sleeves, long pants, and use mosquito repellent with a minimum of 30% DEET, and use mosquito nets. If you’ll be travelling to the coast or western Kenya, it's advisable to take anti-Malaria pills.
Be sure to look into travel and medical insurance while abroad, just in case something was to happen. These are typically available through some travel agencies, medical insurance or may even be a part of the services you receive with some credit cards. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Incase of health or emergency situation you may need these contact information.What to Pack for your Kenya travel?
Proper planning and packing is the key to a safe and comfortable trip to Kenya. Make sure you keep the following in mind when packing for your trip.
You want to remember that Kenya has a tropical climate. You should prepare yourself for a wide variety of conditions that may include dust, wet, hot and cold. What activities you intend to participate in will dictate what you need to pack. Put careful thought in your activities and pack accordingly.
Furthermore, make certain that your luggage can withstand the conditions as well, particularly if you intend to travel to different parts of the country. You also need to keep in mind the requirements of the airline you're flying. And don't forget to leave some space for the gifts you bring back.
Here are some must haves to consider when packing:
- Camera
- Basic Essentials
- Comfortable, lightweight, and casual clothes (if you are on a safari, neutral is best, bright and bold is not)
- Comfortable and strong shoes or boots
- Brimmed Hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Formal Wear (in certain areas)
- Toiletries
- Prescription Medication
- Sunglasses (and a spare pair)
- Medical Kit (for exploration)
- Swiss Army Knife (for exploration)
- Flashlight (for exploration)
- Video Camera and accessories
- Binoculars
- Travel Documents
- Vaccination Certificates
- Insurance Documents
- Travelers Cheques
- Credit Cards
Safety & Security
You always want to be aware of your surroundings when travelling away from home. Travelling to Kenya is no different. Be vigilant when in public places and even more when venturing out at night. Incase of robbery, report at the nearest police station. Kenya also has a Tourist Safety and Communication centre that is always on call. They have a 24hr tourist helpline (02 - 604767) where one can seek assistance in case of need.
The Safety and Communication Centre is available to help with updates, travel advisories, road conditions, health issues, and security. Please contact them if you have any troubles during your visit to Kenya. Incase of health or emergency situation you may also need these contact information.
Kenya Travel Tips - Travelling Do's and Don'ts
- We understand that you want to take as many pictures of the beautiful country, but before you begin to take pictures of houses or people, you may want to ask their permission. In some cases, you may be required to offer a tip for those pictures.
- Watch your money. Make sure when switching currency you do so in a reputable hotel, bureau or bank.
- Do not display your valuables to the world; this will keep you from being the target of theft.
- Only carry what you need in regards to money when venturing out.
- Keep yourself "undercover", do not display jewelry.
- Watch your clothing choices. Bright colors attract wild animals on safari's as well as insects, this includes blues and whites. Camouflage clothing is in some cases illegal to wear.
- Never approach a wild animal even if they appear harmless.
- Drinking water. It's safer to drink bottled mineral water
- Tipping is ok though not required. A tip of $5 is acceptable for most services.
We hope these Kenya travel tips have been helpful and prepare you for a wonderful visit to Kenya.
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