Traveling to Kenya – What You Need to Know
Travel visas can be sourced at the airport by visitors arriving from Europe, America and Asia. The visa is obtained at a fee whether on arrival or beforehand. Commonwealth country citizens except for those with exceptions do not require visas to enter Kenya. It is advisable to confirm about the travel visas from the Kenyan embassy, consulate or high commissioner in your country.
Its is recommended that all travelers to Kenya and neighboring countries ensure validity of their visa, at least 6 months beyond protracted end of their visit and that their passports have plenty of blank pages to accommodate the immigration stamps. This info can be sourced by travelers from the Embassy of Kenya in the various countries.
A word of caution to the travelers planning to visit Kenya, ensure you get your yellow fever vaccination 10days before you travel. Evidence of this vaccination may be requested on arrival at the airport. It’s also wise to have the routine vaccines administered like poliovirus, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine
A prescribed anti malarial drug as well as protection against mosquito bites by using nets that have been treated with insecticides(especially in game parks) at altitudes below 2,500m. It should be duly noted however that chloroquine is not considered to be an effective antimalarial drug hence no need to take it as a preventive measure.
A few countries have circulated travel advisories to their citizens traveling to Kenya. Such travel advisories are categorized as ‘park at your own risk’ notices usually found in public venues, the decision to visit is solely the visitor’s. Kenya went through some political hitches due to the disputed December 2007 elections that might have created some feeling of insecurity though it’s gratifying to note that things are calm and some of those travel advisories have since been rescinded. Even during that difficult period all tourist sites and hotels remained safe and secure free from any incidences.
Hotels, lodges and park are relatively safe because it’s to the interest of the management in those locations to ensure security. The Kenya boarder with Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia are risky but this in not a major concern because they are far away from the tourist routes in Kenya.
In Kenya, one drives on the left side of the road, which can be very disorienting to those not accustomed to it also, vehicle travel outside major cities at night should be avoided due to the poor road and street light conditions, during the rainy season, some unpaved roads are impassable even with four-wheel drive vehicles. But, with good driving skills, and common sense you’ll get through. Traffic jams are common especially in the morning and evenings.
The use of plastic money i.e. credit cards or traveler cheques is advised. Major credit cards are accepted as a means of payment in hotels, lodges and shops. ATM machines are located in all major towns and are situated in secure and well lit places
As your journey continues keep your friends and family back home and friends informed of the progress your making. Mobile phone companies are reliable enough, though in locations like camps and lodges there may be a weak or no signal. There are cyber cafes in all of the major towns, some public venues offer WiFi hotspots. To those who love blogging do not forget to include your world of loved ones in your journey by uploading exciting pictures or videos of your travels.
Tags: destination, kenya tour, kenya travel, kenya vacation, safari, tour, travel, vacation, Vacations
January 19 2009 04:26 am | Vacations
lexxassafaris on 28 Jan 2009 at 4:50 am #
Lexxas Adventure Safaris is operating a new seven nights, “Roots of Obama Safari” , exploring the African roots of new US president Barack Obama. The Safari will features a visit to Kisumu City then to the Kogelo village, the president’s father’s birthplace, guided by one of Obama’s relatives who will take the tour members to Senator Obama High School and the home of Mama Sarah, Obama’s step-grandmother. The Safari will comprise visits to the game parks of Lake Nakuru the home of millions of flamingos and Masai Mara Game Reserve. Tourists can experience some of Africa’s most spectacular nature and wildlife. “Roots of Obama” includes transportation by safari minibus, guide, all breakfasts, six lunches (including one with the community in Kogelo) and seven dinners. The tour costs $2,750. Accommodation is in a combination of Lodges, Hotels, and tents.
Skype; lexxassafaris