What to consider before traveling to Kenya
What to consider before traveling to Kenya: Kenya is an East African country well known to have abundant wildlife, and diverse landscapes, ranging from scenic mountains to blissful beaches. Famous national parks, lakes, and different tribes attract people from different parts of the world. The country is an ideal destination for families and friends as you can spend the best time in relaxed accommodations. Whether you need a safari or to spend your time at the coast, there are some things you need to know before travelling to Kenya and these include;
Weather and climate
Since Kenya lies along the equator, many people expect the country to be hot, which is not the case. Kenya is generally sunny, dry, and temperate throughout the year. Coastal areas are hotter, but the ocean breeze helps to maintain satisfying conditions for the largest part of the year. Kenya experiences both the dry and rainy seasons. There are two rainy seasons, the heaviest rainy season comes in mid-March to May and a shorter rain period occurs in November and December. The dry season is from May to October.
Travelers should be aware that the highland areas north of Nairobi are extremely cold at night and early morning, especially in June, July, and August and the temperatures are very low and hence advised to carry warm clothes.
Travel documents
For one to be granted entry to Kenya, he/she must possess a passport with 6 months validity ahead of the arrival date with two blank pages.
A Visa is also primarily important for successful entrance into Kenya. These are obtained after filling in online applications and should be approved 3 months before your travel date.
All travelers to Kenya are required to apply for Kenya Electronic Authorisation (eTA) except for those coming from counties that are members of the East African community. Submission of the ETA should be done 3 days before the travel date to ensure adequate authorisation. The authorization document should be presented together with the passport and Visa at the Department of Immigration at your entry point.
Medical requirements
All travellers to Kenya are required to have yellow fever vaccination certificates and other usual recommended vaccinations for diseases like Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio. For those planning to spend more time on adventurous safaris, must consider further vaccination against diseases like Rabies, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis. These should be acquired 4-6 months before leaving their home countries.
Tourists targeting Mombasa as their safari area of interest should have a prescription against malaria as it is one of the risky areas. Since malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites, take caution to protect yourself against mosquito bites, and sleep under mosquito nets.
Proof for COVID-19 19 vaccination is no longer a necessity, but travellers exhibiting signs of flu should take a PCR test.
Tourists who wish to go hiking in Mountain Kenya should be physically healthy and aware of altitudinal sickness that causes headaches, nausea, and dizziness due to oxygen levels. If symptoms appear, swiftly descend and rest.
Safety in Kenya
Considerably, Kenya is a safe and welcoming destination for both independent and self-drive travellers. However, there are some things one must bear in mind for safe travels and relaxed holiday.
As you travel, keep in mind that the general population in the country is not well off financially. Avoid exposing your valuables like gold and diamond rings, park in designated places and lock them very well.
Though Kenyan natives are hospitable and welcoming, some areas like the northern region are restricted. Most terrorist attacks do not target tourists but do not risk going beyond restricted areas since fore warned is fore armed. Have value for your life.
Travelers are advised to be extra careful when visiting the areas that border Somalia that are under threat of the AI-Shabaab terrorist group.
Travellers are also advised to avoid large gatherings as they are prime spots for crime.
When driving in any Kenyan city or large town, remember to lock your doors and refrain from making phone calls with windows wide open to minimize potential risks. We also advise you to use ATMs inside shopping malls.
When it comes to accommodation, look out for safer and accessible areas. This will help you to avoid traffic in and out of the city.
Travelers are advised to book trips with a local driver who will give you detailed information about the places you wish to have your holiday and about Kenya.
Having a tour driver guide is a great option for road trippers who want to remain in charge of their holiday and itinerary, though some prefer to drive on their own. Being accompanied by a local driver-guide gives you more knowledge about the local culture and wildlife in Kenya l. All driver guides speak English and in case of any mechanical problem, the travel company is ever ready to connect you to mechanics. Expect stress-free safaris.
When is the best time to visit Kenya?
As you plan your safari to Kenya, it’s important to research the most ideal time to make your visit. This will help you to manage the weather conditions, find out the peak season with its positives and negatives, this will help you to manage your budget.
It should be noted that Kenya has regional climatic c zones due to its location along the equator. Areas at lower altitudes like Amboseli, Meru, Tsavo and Samburu are warmer. Areas at higher altitudes like Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Mount Kenya, Laikipia Plateau, and the western highlands are cooler. The coastal areas(towns) are always hot.
January and February experience no rainfall, hence being the hottest months of the year.
What to consider before traveling to Kenya , In March, April, and May most parts of the country receive the highest amount of rainfall, with 240C -270C in higher altitude areas and 300C in lower altitudes. Morning hours are very cool and travellers are advised to travel with warm clothing.
June to October is the coldest period of the year with very low temperatures of around 230 C/740F at higher altitudes in places like Maasai Mara and Mount Kenya and 280C/820F in lower altitudes like the coastal areas. The skies are always clear and sunny, but the weather is very cold. Travellers are advised to pack warm clothing for early morning game drives and to join in for evening campfires.
November and December are characterized by unpredictable or little rainfall. Temperatures are averaged and change with global patterns.
Most travellers consider visiting Kenya from July to October to witness the wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara though viewing wildlife is possible all year round in various national parks.
For a unique and rewarding travel experience consider traveling to Kenya at the time when the activity you wish to participate in is at its peak, but moving in the low season is more advantageous when it comes to low-budget travelers.
Dietary requirements
Kenya is a country where Indian and Middle Eastern food is available in most areas, especially in international restaurants in Nairobi and Mombasa. Tourist hotels in bigger towns provide buffet meals and hotels in smaller towns offer a meal of the day, such as chicken and chips or stew and rice. Tropical fruits like pineapples, mangoes, apples, oranges berries are bought seasonally from local markets.
Travelers are advised to often have meals at reserved hotels or camping sites. Avoid eating street food to avoid poisoning. Bush meat is insecure as it puts one at risk of contracting diseases like monkeypox, Ebola anthrax, and other animal-related diseases.
Visitors are advised to avoid eating raw foods, especially fruits and vegetables, and refrain from undercooked meat and seafood. all food should be served well cooked and when still hot.
What to consider before traveling to Kenya , In Kenya, tap water is not safe for drinking. Visitors are advised to use sealed bottled water and if possible, carry chemical water treatment tablets where there is no access to bottled water.
Visitors are advised to carry reusable water bottles to ensure proper sanitation. Kenya banned single-use plastic bags so be aware of the material in which you pack your property.
Safe ways of getting around in Kenya.
You can travel through Kenya using different means of transport which include,
By Air
Kenya has three safe major international airports. They include Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Mombasa’s Moi International Airport, and the Kisumu International Airport.
The country also has 38 other small airstrips that can be used by tourists to catch domestic flights to their appropriate tourist destinations.
Air travel is often used by tourists who have limited time for their trip and those who wish to cover much of the ground scenery in the shortest time.
By road
When using road transport, Kenya has different means like matatus, buses, and taxis.
Budget travelers often opt for matatus for shorter distances but at times they get crowded creating crimes of pickpocketing. Visitors should avoid poorly maintained vehicles, avoid moving at night is risky, and avoid leaving their luggage unattended.
To avoid any hassles on your safari, it is advisable to go in for car hire to ensure privacy and flexibility. If you do not have an international driving permit, hire a car with a driver to take you safely around for your safari.
What to consider before traveling to Kenya , You should be aware that all major roads connecting to major towns are well maintained unlike in the rural areas that require a 4×4 WD vehicle for a successful trip.
By Railway
Kenya possesses the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connecting from Mombasa to Nairobi and is considered the safest and most convenient way when traveling between the two cities. The SGR offers modern, comfortable, and air-conditioned coaches with several seating options. Tickets can be purchased at both stations and online for convenience.
The country also has smaller railways connecting to major towns like Nakuru, Kisumu, and Eldoret. These railways are more suited for locals, though tourists who wish to explore the interior parts of Kenya can access them too.
Photography and respect for the local community
Taking photos is not prohibited in Kenya but should be done after making a requisition from the authorities. Taking photos of government buildings and different recognized places in the country can lead to confinement. Ever since the terrorist group al-Shabaab attacked Westgate which led to agitations, the Kenyan government instituted regulations against photography on streets and public buildings. Many Kenyan citizens feel agitated when they notice someone taking photos of them in public areas.
Therefore, if you want to take any photos, it is always best to seek permission. Be careful when it comes to children and vulnerable groups. Avoid visiting communities like schools without any prior information.
Greetings
The greeting is the best symbol of showing respect for someone, so when greeting in Kenya, “Jambo” is commonly used. Alternatively, when you say ‘mambo vipi’ the response will be “poa”. In any community, the elders are greeted first then the other members follow.
Tipping behaviour
Tipping in Kenya is not obligatory, but you can appreciate any good service rendered to you by giving a tip to your service provider. Tips are usually given to porters, game guides, and rangers in national parks and attendants to hotels and restaurants.
What to pack for your safari
What to consider before traveling to Kenya , Before deciding on what to take on a Kenya safari, make sure you know the details of your itinerary. This will help you know what to pack for your safari based on the weather of the place.
Look out for the weather changes in the country and pack the necessary clothes. The following should not miss your suitcase. 2 pairs of trousers, 2 long-sleeved shirts and blouses, good hiking boots, waterproof jackets, sweaters, long warm stockings, sneakers, sandals, and night pajamas. If you wish to enjoy beach life, simple soft and light clothes are fit. However, you need to dress decently while moving in towns and other places with many people. Dresses, shorts, and sleeveless shirts are fine to wear.
Try to respect the local community’s ways of dressing, say if you visit areas dominated by Muslims like the Lamu area, loose and flexible clothing makes you look decent,