TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums Africa What do I need for Kenya travel?

I'll be traveling to Kenya on Safari. What do I need to have prior to travel? any tips and information that can help make my Kenya stay fun will be helpful. I'll be there for 2 weeks.

I presume your agent has told you about any needed vacinations and possible luggage restrictions, depending on how your getting from place to place?

Make sure you have appropriate anti-malarials (not Lariam/Mefloquine).

Take a lot of cheap ballpoint pens - they make great gifts for kids and others. Notebooks are also welcomed but take up more space!

Don't take flashy jewelry or anything that is too expensive - crime is generally opportunistic so don't flaunt your wealth.

Enjoy!

A visa stamp for your passport?

~Stiv

First off, know that you are about to have the experience of a lifetime. Safety is a bit of an issue in Nairobi. For example, keep your car windows closed. We didn't know that and at a traffic light a young man made a grab for my wife's necklace (which wasn't anything fancy.) It was a bit scary. We pretty much stuck to areas around the hotel and close to the guides on the city tours.
We did get a full battery of shots and pills for malaria, but, we really never saw much insect life. We assumed that we would be going into humid jungles. It is just the opposite. Mostly, we were on high, broad planes (you are frequently at 9,000 feet or more above sea level so it is quite cool in the morning and under covers in the evening.) We found it best to layer our clothing and be down to shorts and shirt by noon but always started with long pants and a jacket - sometimes sweaters. Bring a good camera with extra memory cards and don't forget your charger if you are digital. You may want to have a backup as well just incase something goes wrong (as happened with us on a recent Amazon trip). We went with Micato Safaris and they were first rate in all respects. We were the only couple on the Tour because it was rainy season (there wasn't that much rain) but they provided us with our own guide and driver - truly first class. Some of the places we wish to visit again are the Mount Kenya Safari Club, Ambesoli National Park, Masi Mara and Sweetwaters. The lodges were all beautiful, but we loved the tented camps with four posted double beds and oriental rugs on the floors. At knight on the Mara River, below our camp, you would go to sleep listening to the grunts of the Hippos. In particular, we fell in love with the gentile and amazing giraffes.
As Eric suggests, there are weight restrictions on the small planes which you may be taking within the country - and they take it seriously so pack accordingly. Micato provided binoculars so you may be able to take that off your list of things to bring. We didn't get to the coast, but everyone tells us that Mombasa and Zanzibar are amazing and not to be missed. We missed – so we’ll have to go back. Actually, can’t wait to.
Be careful on your shopping as they like to negotiate price. Some of the markets the tour brings you to do not offer the best bargains. We greatly overpaid for many items at a rest stop preselected by our guide and found the same items the next day at considerably cheaper prices. We insisted on canceling the purchased and did most of our gift shopping at the beautiful shops at the Mount Kenya Safari Club where – for a very posh destination – we found the pricing to be eminently fair.

Have a great trip. Send a PM if you need any other suggestions.

Sorry, the previous post was mine. I neglected to log in. I'm happy to help with additional information if needed. Good luck.

I didnt realise you are an African fan Mike. I met Monica on the coast in Melindi, just a short trip from Nairobi. Everytime we go, thats not many times now, Monica can smell the murum from the plane, she lived there for long time. Talk when you get here.

Nick

Yeh - maybe our best trip ever - its on our list to go back. See you in 10 days!

Excellent suggestions already made. We have been to Kenya several times, in Nairobi and in the western villages, as well as at safari camps. Where in Kenya will you be, and with what company? Several provide toiletries,notebooks and pens. Some also have free laundry service. I'd recommend modest dress, with longer shorts or capris and shirts over tank tops. Have something warm for early morning game drives. Kenyans are very modest and the only people wearing shorts and sleeveless tops are clearly tourists. My husband, in shorts and Birkenstocks, was an entertaining Muzungu (white person) for the children. Our luggage was the most lightweight barrel bags we could find. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

RE clothing, what time of year are you going? Remember that their seasons are opposite ours. We went in August to northern South Africa (winter there) so we needed several layers for the early morning rides but by 10-ish, could be down to tee-shirts and be by the pool by noon.

Also, the insects are less, and the bush is skimpier so the viewing of animals is better/easier.

Have a great time; it was easily the most exciting trip we have taken. Enjoy.

Hey, Judy, did you do a trip report here, as I don't remember seeing it. Any pictures online??? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

Carole....my DUD <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> we did go in August...of 1996 <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" />

There are so many things to do in Kenya. From great safaris to meaningful volunteer work. It has been a year since I had visited the place. The people are friendly and hospitable. They would love to have someone like you in their midst.

My daughter just returned home from three weeks in Kenya, living on the Masai Mara in a Masai village. She was there with Save the Children, helping to build a maternity ward. I haven't seen her yet (she lives 4 hours from me) but I have talked to her and she, by all accounts, had a life-changing experience and is sad to be home. She went on safari one day and ended up having a private tour and says she got some amazing photos. I can't wait to see them and hear all of her stories.

When I went to Kenya and Tanzania this past july,someone recommended a headband flashlight.I purchased a good one from an outdoor store (about 65$ u.s)and it was the most important thing I could have taken. While on safari, the ground can be rocky and uneven and the tents are not always 10 feet from the dinner spot and campfire. I used it for walking back to my tent, in the dark, reading in my tent and occasionally during the night when duty called and I stepped out of the tent.

p.s. if you do step out during the night, take time to turn off the light and look up at the most wonderful night sky you have ever seen. Say hello to the southern cross for me.

We stayed in some really upscale safari accomodations, and they always escorted us to our tents, so we didn't need that, but I could see where you would need it otherwise. When you get a chance, I would love a bit of a narrative regarding your trip and some pictures.