Safari Tips

If you opt on taking your Digital camera and after your safari you would like to share these pictures with friends and family, Kodak EasyShare Gallery offers a great way to do that.

If you have a 35mm Camera definitely take that one too. A 100 - 300 lens is a super hot tip. If you can swing to spend the money on one, for all means go for it. It will be worth every single penny. If you have the room for it, get all, or at least a good portion, of your film at home, before you go. It’s cheaper that way.

Also, although still a bit more pricier, digital photograpy is a fantastic alternative. The new Canon's would be a recommendation. Canon

VISA

US passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya, but they can get it at the airport or border crossing when they arrive in Kenya (it is preferable to have the US$50 in cash with you). If you want to plan ahead then you can apply for a visa in the US. Details and forms can be found on the Kenyan Embassy web site.

Nationals from some Commonwealth countries do not need a visa with the exception of Antigua, Bermuda, Guyana, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the UK. All nationals of other countries require a visa. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days. For up to date information see the Kenyan Embassy web site. There are two consulate locations in the US, Los Angeles & New York.

A single-entry visa costs US$50 and a multiple entry visa US$100. If you are planning on visiting just Kenya, then a single-entry is all you need. If your plans include crossing over to Tanzania/Zanzibar to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, visit the Serengeti or go see the gorillas in Rwanda then you'll need a multiple-entry visa if you wish to re-enter Kenya again.

Immunizations & Health Tips

No immunizations are required by law to enter Kenya if you are traveling directly from Europe or the US. If you are traveling from a country where Yellow Fever is present you will need to prove you have had the inoculation.

Several vaccinations are highly recommended, they include:

• Yellow Fever
  
• Typhoid
  
• Hepatitis A
  
• Diptheria
  

Make sure you have a comprehensive medical insurance policy to cover you for all emergencies. Don’t travel without it!

If you are on any form of medication, remember to take enough with you to cover the length of your stay and a note of what your are taking, just in case you have to buy more. If you wear contact lenses, take glasses too, as dust can irritate the eyes, and if you wear glasses, take a spair pair. Just in case! If you are going on a longer trip, see you dentist for a check-up before you leave.

Malaria

There's a risk of catching malaria pretty much everywhere you travel in Kenya. The highlands used to be a low-risk area, but even there you have to be careful and take precautions.

Kenya is home to the chloroquine-resistant strain of malaria as well as several others. Make sure your doctor or travel clinic knows you are traveling to Kenya (don't just say Africa) so s/he can prescribe the right anti-malarial medication. There is a homeopathic malaria treatment available as well.

Tips on how to avoid malaria are to use Insecticide sprays and Insect repellents. Also, which is probably one of the most important and easiest precautions is to cover up your arms and legs in the evenings and wear light-colored clothing. Sleep under a mosquito net whenever you can. Various reports suggest that Vitamin B, particular thiamine, discourages the mosquito as it modifies the smell of perspiration. Prevention is better than cure!

MONEY & PHONE CARDS

A combination of Traveler checks and Credit cards seem to be working pretty good. The rates you get, when using your Credit card to withdraw some money in Kenya, are the Best.

If you ended up making friends in Kenya or you're having some already, SpeedyPin offers fantastic phone card deals to calls from the US and anywhere else in the world to Africa and the other way around. You also find a Quick Rate Finder on this page.

KENYA WEATHER

Best times to visit

Central Kenya/Nairobi: From December to mid March days are hot, sunny and dry, and nights are usually cool. Also nicest time to climb Mount Kenya, as peaks are normally cloud free. The main rainy season occurs mid-March to May, with a shorter period of rain in November.

The Coral Coast/Mombasa: The prime time for fishermen, snorkellers and scuba divers is August to March when seas are calm and the water is clear. Over April and May, and into June many hotels close, but visitors are sure to find a hotel open during that time.

Western Kenya: To visit the Masai Mara, almost any time is good, though heavy rains from end March to May and again in November to early December can make travel difficult. July to September normally coincides with the wildebeest migration. Rain can occur in any month at Lake Victoria, usually late afternoon.

Great Rift Valley: Almost any time of the year is suitable, but during rainy season, state of roads can make driving difficult, particularly in national parks and reserves.