All you need to know when traveling to Kenya

For a country of its size, Kenya sure packs a lot in: mountains and deserts, colourful tribal culture, beaches and coral reefs, and some of Africa’s best wildlife attractions. In fact, to say Kenya is Africa in microcosm would not be stretching the point. There are a million different reasons to come here, and picking just one is nigh impossible. Stunning landscapes set the scene, from Kakamega’s rainforests to Indian Ocean beaches by way of Mt Kenya National Park; the rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara to searing deserts on the shores of the Jade Sea; with The Rift Valley, home to Hell's Gate National Park, cleaving a massive gash through it all.

Wildlife safaris have been the mainstay of Kenya’s tourism for decades, and several Kenyan parks, like Tsavo National Park, are among the best places in Africa to see lions, elephants, leopards and the famous wildebeest migration. Kenya rates as one of the top five bird-watching destinations in the world; other activities for outdoor enthusiasts include trekking the glacial ridges of Mt Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara, snorkelling at the Marine National Park in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast, and much more besides. Kenya's biggest city, Nairobi, with the baddest of reputations, is sidestepped by many visitors, but, in fairness, has an interesting urban appeal with its cafes and nightlife.

The people, too, represent a wide cross-section of everything that is contemporary Africa, and everyday life brings together traditional tribes and urban families; ancient customs and modern sensibilities. Swapping the latest political gossip with the switched-on locals is just one more small pleasure that comes with the culture.
Visa & Passport Information

Before you buy your airline ticket to Kenya, you want to be sure that you either have everything you need or will be able to get it once you arrive in Kenya. Depending on your nationality or country of origin, you may need to apply for and receive a visa before visiting Kenya. It is important that you do so immediately upon making the decision to travel to the country, and that you make sure your visa does not expire during your travel. You can apply for and get a Kenya visa from your nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate.

Not everyone needs a Kenya visa. You can download a full list of nationals who need and do not need a Kenya visa. If you are an American or European citizen, you will need a visa to enter Kenya.

Also, make sure you have a current and valid passport, that it is not about to expire. 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 no sooner than six months before the end your travel.

When making preparations for your passport, it is advisable to make several copies of the actual passport or visa (in addition to the original). This is for your own safety because the last thing you want to do is to be out of your home country without any way to provide proof of your identity, should you lose your passport. You should leave one of the copies at home before you travel, just in case. When you travel with the original passport, always keep it locked up safely, in a hotel safe or other secure location.

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, make sure that you are up to date on all immunizations. Although there are currently no inoculations that you must have when traveling to Kenya, if you intend to visit other countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Egypt, or other such areas that may be deemed infected, you will need inoculations. In such cases, you should make sure you have the following immunizations (depending on the specific area you intend to visit):

* Hepatitis (A and B)
* Typhoid
* Tetanus
* Yellow Fever
* Malaria Prescription

Other health advice when traveling to Kenya is to make sure you protect yourself from mosquito bites, which could lead to malaria. Some protective measures against mosquito bites include wearing long sleeved shirts/blouses and long pants, using mosquito repellent with a minimum of 30 percent DEET, and using mosquito nets. If you will be traveling to the Kenyan coast or Western Kenya, it is advisable to take anti-malaria pills.

Look into purchasing travel and medical insurance while abroad, just in case something happens. These types of short-term insurance services are available through some travel agencies and medical insurance companies. They may also be part of the services you already receive with your credit cards, so check with your credit card company. It is better to play it safe than end up sorry.
Incase of a health or emergency situation while in Kenya, you may need this contact information.
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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.

Remember that Kenya has a tropical climate. You should prepare yourself for a wide variety of conditions that may include dust, and wet, hot and/or cool weather. Put careful thought into your preparations and pack accordingly depending on your reason for traveling to Kenya and the activities you intend to participate in.

Furthermore, make certain that your luggage can withstand harsh conditions as well, particularly if you intend to travel to different parts of the country. You also need to keep the requirements of the airline you will be flying with in mind. And don't forget to leave some space to bring back gifts!

Here are some basics to have when packing for your trip to Kenya:

* 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 / Occasional wear (depending on your reason for travel)
* 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 - passport, visa, others
* Vaccination Certificates
* Insurance Documents
* Traveler's cheques
* Credit / Debit cards

Safety & Security

You always want to be aware of your surroundings when traveling away from home. Traveling to Kenya is no different. Be vigilant when in public places and even more when venturing out at night. Incase of robbery, report the incident at the nearest police station. Kenya has a Tourist Safety and Communication Center that is always on call. They offer a 24hr tourist helpline (02-604767) where you can seek assistance if needed.

The Tourist Safety and Communication Center is available to help with updates, travel advisories, road conditions, health issues, and security. Please contact them if you have any trouble during your visit to Kenya. Incase of a health or emergency situation, you may need this contact information.