Kenya Travel Tips: Preparing for your Vacation
From packing tips to finding the right vacation packages, here are five easy ways to prepare for your Kenyan vacation
Infinitely expanding grasslands, rolling mountains and valleys flaunting verdant greenery and the experience of watching all the wildlife action unfold in front of you from very close quarters—Kenya has all the makings of every nature lover’s dream destination. Flocked by thousands of tourists every year, the country has highly developed tourism infrastructure capable of catering to travellers of all kinds, from glamorous campers (better known as glampers) to nomadic backpackers. However, just like every other travel destination, Kenya too comes with its own set of positives and challenges. Prepare yourself for both with these travel tips well before you embark upon your journey to this fascinating gem of the African continent.
Get your vaccination certificates
While it is recommended that your vaccinations are always up to date, vaccination certificates for certain diseases are mandatory when travelling to Kenya. These requirements vary from country to country, so make sure you get accurate information from the Kenyan embassy. Some of these vaccines must be obtained within a fixed time period before your travel. For instance, the Yellow Fever vaccine must have been administered at least 10 days before the date of travel.
Click here for more information on health requirements
Find a reliable tour guide
You will find innumerable tour and travel companies offering attractive deals for all-inclusive vacations. But you must settle on one that is reliable and experienced to make the most of your vacation in a safe and enjoyable manner. For instance, a knowledgeable and passionate tour guide will not only know the best timings and routes for jungle safaris but will also inspire and amaze you with exciting facts and anecdotes. Pay special attention to reviews, ratings and certifications of the tour company that you select, especially if you are planning to go on a hot-air balloon safari or indulge in any adventure sports.
Click here to read about Africa Keys’ travel itineraries for Kenya
Brace yourself for the Kenyan weather
On an average, Kenya has a temperate climate because of its location across the equator. It has two rainy seasons: from April to June and from October to December. However, rains, sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms, during the summer and winter months are not uncommon. Make sure that you carry a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof hiking boots. Also, bear in mind that mornings and nights in Kenya tend to get quite chilly. These are the times that you will most likely be going on safaris, so carry enough warm clothing with you.
Travel light but smart
Apart from your clothes, prescription medicines and foods that cater to your dietary restrictions, here are a few other essentials that you must pack: binoculars, high-quality camera with zoom lens (especially if you are interested in wildlife photography), universal power adaptor, power bank, flashlight with spare batteries, water bottle, insect repellant, sandals, sunscreen and a sturdy backpack. As of 2017, plastic bags have been banned in Kenya so make sure you neither bring them (including duty-free plastic bags) into the country nor use them while you’re here.
Click here for more information of items to carry
Come with an open mind and heart
The people of Kenya are as beautiful as the land they live on. They take great pride in their culture and wildlife heritage and are always willing to welcome tourists with open arms and wide smiles. One of the most fulfilling parts of travelling is getting to know the people of the land, so come with an open heart and mind and don’t hesitate to greet and talk to the people you come across on your journey. Not only will you get an authentic experience of what life is like in Kenya, you will also leave inspired by their love for nature and their tireless efforts to protect it and exist with it in harmony.
From packing tips to finding the right vacation packages, here are five easy ways to prepare for your Kenyan vacation
Infinitely expanding grasslands, rolling mountains and valleys flaunting verdant greenery and the experience of watching all the wildlife action unfold in front of you from very close quarters—Kenya has all the makings of every nature lover’s dream destination. Flocked by thousands of tourists every year, the country has highly developed tourism infrastructure capable of catering to travellers of all kinds, from glamorous campers (better known as glampers) to nomadic backpackers. However, just like every other travel destination, Kenya too comes with its own set of positives and challenges. Prepare yourself for both with these travel tips well before you embark upon your journey to this fascinating gem of the African continent.
Get your Vaccination Certificates
While it is recommended that your vaccinations are always up to date, vaccination certificates for certain diseases are mandatory when travelling to Kenya. These requirements vary from country to country, so make sure you get accurate information from the Kenyan embassy. Some of these vaccines must be obtained within a fixed time period before your travel. For instance, the Yellow Fever vaccine must have been administered at least 10 days before the date of travel.
Click here for more information on health requirements.
Find a reliable Tour Guide
You will find innumerable tour and travel companies offering attractive deals for all-inclusive vacations. But you must settle on one that is reliable and experienced to make the most of your vacation in a safe and enjoyable manner. For instance, a knowledgeable and passionate tour guide will not only know the best timings and routes for jungle safaris but will also inspire and amaze you with exciting facts and anecdotes. Pay special attention to reviews, ratings and certifications of the tour company that you select, especially if you are planning to go on a hot-air balloon safari or indulge in any adventure sports.
Click here to read about Africa Keys’ travel itineraries for Kenya.
Brace yourself for the Kenyan weather
On an average, Kenya has a hot and dry climate because of its location across the equator. It has two rainy seasons: from April to June and from October to December. However, rains, sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms, during the summer and winter months are not uncommon. Make sure that you carry a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof hiking boots. Also, bear in mind that mornings and nights in Kenya tend to get quite chilly. These are the times that you will most likely be going on safaris, so carry enough warm clothing with you.
Travel light but smart
Apart from your clothes, prescription medicines and foods that cater to your dietary restrictions, here are a few other essentials that you must pack: binoculars, high-quality camera with zoom lens (especially if you are interested in wildlife photography), universal power adaptor, power bank, flashlight with spare batteries, water bottle, insect repellant, sandals, sunscreen and a sturdy backpack. As of 2017, plastic bags have been banned in Kenya so make sure you neither bring them (including duty-free plastic bags) into the country nor use them while you’re here.
Click here for more information of items to carry.
Come with an open mind and heart
The people of Kenya are as beautiful as the land they live on. They take great pride in their culture and wildlife heritage and are always willing to welcome tourists with open arms and wide smiles. One of the most fulfilling parts of travelling is getting to know the people of the land, so come with an open heart and mind and don’t hesitate to greet and talk to the people you come across on your journey. Not only will you get an authentic experience of what life is like in Kenya, you will also leave inspired by their love for nature and their tireless efforts to protect it and exist with it in harmony.