Location: Kenya
Great for: Singles, Couples, Groups, Elopements, and Honeymoons
Traveling to Kenya
Traveling to Kenya is a trip of a lifetime but can leave you full of questions. From drinking water to packing for a safari and what inoculations and visas you might need may cause you to pause. But it doesn't have to. This article covers what you need to know or to find out before you go to Kenya. As always, Vibrant Travel is here to help you get to Kenya.
Clothing Considerations
Safaris are all about neutral. The secret is to go unnoticed by the wildlife for as long as possible. By keeping clothing colors as neutral and as light as possible, you will blend in better with the surrounding environment. Think of khaki, beige, light brown, and green as the best color palette for a safari. Aside from standing out to the animals, much like bright flowers draw the bees, darker and brighter clothing will attract unwanted mosquitoes, tsetse flies, and insects. See the clothing post for more specifics on what to wear on a safari.
Although you may be staying in luxury, meals are informal, so smart attire is not required
Comfortable is the name of the game in the bush. And depending on the time of year you go, you will want light breathable clothing. Cotton is perfect but the lightweight wicking fabrics, if you like them, will work. That said, ditch the bright white t-shirt for something that blends in.
Inoculations, Medication, Prevention
Be sure to consult a travel doctor before travel and get advice as to the appropriate medications and inoculations for your safari. Tell the doctor which cities and camps you will be visiting as some regions within the country may be malaria-free. Travel Doctors are the only ones that can give you a yellow fever shot and they are knowledgeable about the requirements and medications you will need for your destination. They will also provide a letter or certificate if you are unable to obtain a yellow fever vaccination for medical reasons.
It is important to take your medications as instructed for the full duration indicated. It is also recommended to have Yellow Fever shots (or an exemption certificate issued) at least 10 days prior to departure for Kenya. Although Kenya does not require a yellow fever certificate for entry, other countries that you may transit to on your journey might.
Malaria pills are often recommended for Kenya as is a yellow fever vaccine but your doctor will determine what is best for you based on your medical history.
Photos and Up Close with the Animals
You will have an opportunity to look for the Big 5 while on the game drives. Remember to pack a telephoto lens for your camera, if you have one, and a video camera, along with all the necessary plugs, chargers, and memory cards needed. A smartphone works well too but is much harder to capture the animals you might see if they are at a distance. A pair of binoculars may be useful as well.
Smart Phones
Depending on how remote you decide to go, you may or may not have service. Smartphones work in most areas of Kenya and also at the lodges within the reserve, although it is advised to keep them on silent mode on game-drive vehicles as they are considered an unnecessary disturbance to wildlife and other guests.
When not on the game drives, you may want to consider a sim card. They are available at most international airports for use in your phone. Check with your provider as your phone must be "unlocked" to use a sim. Many of the lodges have wifi and each lodge usually has a dedicated computer for guest use.
Voltage Converter
Electricity is a 220-volt alternating current system. Wall plug units take a round two-prong European plug. It is advisable to bring the necessary converter or adapter from your home country, should you need to charge cameras or laptops. Alternatively, international adaptors are available for purchase at the lodges.
Passports and Visas
Travelers arriving in Kenya are required to have passports that will be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and contain at least three pages for affixing visas and arrival stamps. Generally, travelers arriving in one country, visiting another country, then returning to the first country may re-enter on the original multiple-entry visa unless they have returned to their home country. Your travel advisor or tour company will work with you on this but it is always best to double-check requirements.
As of this writing, prior to visiting Kenya, travelers must fill out an online eVisa application via the eCitizen portal, https://www.ecitizen.go.ke/ Plan to do this in advance based on required time-frames and be prepared to pay at the time of application.
Luggage
Airlines aside, on safari, not just game drives, each traveler is allowed one soft-sided bag and one day pack for cameras, suntan lotion, etc. The bag should not exceed 30-33 pounds but check with your tour operator for specifics. If you have internal flights from reserve to reserve bag weights are strictly enforced. Travelers arriving in Nairobi or Mombasa can arrange to store extra bags when arriving and departing from the same location. So if a Safari is only part of your vacation, you will have somewhere, at a cost, to store extra luggage. Remember to check with the airline for their policies.
Sundries to Bring
Bug Spray with Deet.
Malaria tablets (if applicable).
Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from any allergies.
Anti-nausea tablets if you suffer from motion sickness. The vehicle may be a bit bumpy at times.
Moisturizing cream for the dry environment
Lip balm and suntan lotion – SPF 20 or higher are recommended.
Overpacking
Don't do it. You will have laundry services at many of the lodges, however, find out if there is a cost and how much, before going. Depending on how you take your safari, you will most likely be limited in the amount and type of luggage you bring.
Safety and Security
When In Town
if you are staying in a town during your trip, you should ask for advice from the local representative or hotel staff concerning safe places to visit. Walking at night is not recommended. The hotel should arrange taxis and a price agreed upon before starting the trip. Do not wear expensive jewelry at any time during your trip.
When On Safari
During the safari, the driver-guide will be your go-to for safety concerns. It is critical that you follow the instructions given. It will be exciting seeing the animals for the first time and the driver-guide knows what to do and what NOT to do. This is particularly true when advising on when it is safe to leave the vehicle. At the lodges and camps, you will often find that the staff escort guests to and from the rooms. This is to ensure your safety. Remember that wild animals, are just that, wild. They can be dangerous so always follow the instructions from the knowledgeable guides and staff provided.
Currency
It is best that you bring a mix of smaller and larger notes. US Dollars are the most
commonly accepted currency however you can also choose to pay with other major currencies. US dollars should be at least 2006 or newer.
Traveler's checks are not recommended as they are not accepted everywhere and you may find that you have to pay fees to accept them. Your best bet is US or local currency. or a Credit card. However, credit cards are accepted in many locations but not all, and ATMs are available in larger cities and towns.
Tipping
Service staff in Africa depend on tips as part of their livelihood. However, tipping should be based on the quality of service provided. Ask your tour operator or travel advisor based on your trip but here are some guidelines:
Hotel porters - $1 per bag carried each way.
Restaurant staff - $1 per person per meal.
Bar staff - 10% - 15%
Transfer drivers - $2 per person per transfer.
Camp staff at $8 - $10 per day in camp to be split between the camp crew.
Driver guides - $5 - $8 per day.
Water
It is best to avoid drinking tap water. While it may or may not only contain trace contaminants, it varies by location and US citizens may not be used to it. Use known brands of bottled water, like Dasani, and you shouldn't have any issues with water. It is recommended to brush your teeth with this as well. Bottled water is usually available at the lodges.
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