Kenya Travel Guide: What You Should Know Before You Go On Safari

The wildlife and the friendly locals are the real draws that keep tourists going back to Kenya again and again. There is undoubtedly no better place to catch a glimpse of big cats, elephants and zebras than the famous Masai Mara, but what should you take with you on your Kenya safari? And what do you need to know about the beautiful country before you head for the airport?

Health Insurance

Check your current health insurance policy. Since Kenyan safari trips mean heading away from the city, you should check that your insurance will cover you if you need emergency transport to the closest city hospital where the best medical facilities will be.

Passport and Visa Requirements

Do you need a visa for Kenya? You do indeed if you hail from the UK, but organising a visa for Kenya is relatively straightforward as they can be obtained on arrival at any of the international airports. Although if you can organise a visa before you visit Kenya this may help you avoid the queues. European tourist visas cost £30 and are valid for three months. However, the three-month period can be extended by three months if needed. Your passport should have at least six months remaining before a renewal is needed in order to have a swift and easy entry into Kenya.

It’s also worth noting that dressing nicely may allow for a quicker customs process – customs officials may otherwise ask you to prove you have sufficient funds to leave the country. But generally speaking, if it’s clear you’re arriving for a holiday you shouldn’t encounter any issues.

If you’re planning on taking full advantage of Nairobi, as well as visiting the Masai Mara on safari, make sure you book your accommodation in the months of January and February, or between July and September. It’s the best time to visit Kenya as the weather in January and February will be dry and hot and you’ll be much more likely to come across wildlife on safari.

If, however, you’re going to visit the coast near Diani beach, book between the months of September and March when the weather is still warm but a little less stifling.

Water and hydration

If you’re heading off the beaten track on safari or going hiking up Mt Kenya make sure you’re carrying enough bottled water with you to last you throughout the day. Invest in some moisture wicking t-shirts that draw sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and cool in the sun. Heat exhaustion can creep up on you, especially if you’re taking on some challenging hikes in the humidity and are sweating throughout the day. Remember to take some salty snacks with you to replace your salt intake, and regularly replenish your water supply.

Drinking water in Kenya

When you do re-stock on water, make sure you don’t drink water directly from the tap. This will reduce the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea and potential cases of dysentery. If you’re out and about make sure you take some iodine tablets with you to chemically disinfect the water you have access to.

Biting insects and Mosquitoes in Kenya

Although mosquitoes may not necessarily always carry harmful diseases such as malaria, they can be irritating! Don’t forget to invest in DEET insect repellent spray and when you’re out on safari take some extra precautions with some insect protective clothing – excellent for giving you some extra protection from biting insects.

Personal Safety

Is Kenya safe? Much like any other travel destination it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and how you could be drawing attention to yourself. Remember to avoid wearing expensive looking jewellery and taking large camera equipment with you in the markets or cities as you’ll draw unwanted attention.

Keep your valuables in a hidden money belt, just to err on the side of caution. If you plan on exploring the city of Nairobi further, make sure you agree on a taxi price before stepping foot in the cab. It’s easy to get a taxi in Nairobi but most don’t operate on meters so it’s best to agree on a price upfront before you’re forced to pay extortionate prices on arrival at your destination.

In Nairobi, you’ll undoubtedly be approached by friendly strangers and children. Be wary when it comes to overly-friendly strangers – there’s every possibility that they may want to chat but some locals have been known to take advantage of tourists. Children may approach you and ask you for money and it’s up to you whether you give them any. Although your money may be put to better use when donated to a charity that helps street children or to one of the local orphanages.

When travelling to Kenya the World Health Organisation recommends that all travellers take the precaution of getting vaccinated for the following conditions:

• Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis B

• Meningococcal meningitis

• Rabies

• Typhoid

• Yellow fever

• Tetanus

• Diphtheria

• Polio

• Measles

Best malaria tablets for Kenya

You’ll also need to organise anti-malaria tablets before you leave. Some travellers opt to take a self-diagnostic kit with them if they know they’ll be travelling in areas where the more threatening strands of malaria are present. The kit can identify malaria from a blood sample taken from a small finger prick. Consider investing in a self-diagnostic kit especially if you’re travelling to Kenya during the low season (March-May) when mosquitoes are rife. Simply add it to the rest of your travel first aid kit.

Kenya’s celebrated safari experience. The National Park sits on the outskirts of Nairobi city and although it’s one of Kenya’s smallest parks, it’s by far the most accessible, and where you’ll be able to see an abundance of African wildlife with city skyscrapers in the distance. Nairobi National Park is a haven for rhinoceroses and with some luck you may also spot lions, cheetahs and leopards.

If you also plan on taking in the sites of the city, venture into the Maasai market. Here you’ll find hand-crafted jewellery, clothing, carvings and beadwork and many vendors who will try their luck when it comes to overcharging tourists. Take part in some friendly haggling with the vendors and you could come back with a bargain from the market.

The world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve is where you’ll find the highest concentration of lions worldwide. Known affectionately by the locals as “Mara”, the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly one of the best safari experiences you could try – where the vast majority of tours will be guided by experienced rangers and drivers who will be able to find the best tracks to take, even when the road gets a little bumpy or muddy.

If you enjoy wildlife photography, the Mara is one of the best places to catch the wildlife at their most natural, most at ease and most photogenic. Don’t forget to take your telephoto lens with you on safari for the best up-close shots.

The second highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya presents travellers with a pristine landscape, complete with lakes, glaciers and forest surrounding the peak. For the more adventurous climbers, Mt Kenya provides a challenging terrain and multiple caving opportunities amongst its craggy glaciers. More experienced mountaineers will not want to miss the peaks of Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m) where the views are truly magnificent, once the clouds part. Make sure you pack light layers and insulating walking trousers for the ascent.

One of the lesser known National Parks of Kenya but one of the best places to see white rhinos and leopards – and not forgetting the hordes of pelicans and flamingos. If you’re lucky you’ll get to see thousands of flamingos surround the lake amongst some of the other 450 bird species that inhabit the National Park.

The best time of year to visit Lake Nakuru is in the dry and hot season in January and February although you’re still not guaranteed to see the flamingos, as the amount of algae that they feed on will depend on the amount of rainfall seen that year, and whether or not they have migrated farther afield to find more food.

For the best possible opportunity of witnessing the flamingos, stay in a nearby luxury camping accommodation, closer to the sights and sounds of the wildlife. Although most camping sites will provide mosquito nets, it doesn’t hurt to take your own and double up on your mosquito net to avoid the biting insects and mosquitoes. Invest in some insect protective clothing before you head off too – our NosiLife clothing is designed to deter biting insects that are rife in Kenya’s National Parks, especially when you’re staying close to the water.

Still weighing up your options about where to go and what to do in Kenya? Whatever adventure you decide on, make sure you pack the essential safari clothing and travel accessories before travelling to get the most from your trip. Visit Craghoppers for all the travel clothing you need on your next Kenya safari getaway.