Planning a Trip To Kenya – Requirements and Advise
Many tourists who have managed to visit Kenya before are usually eager to make a return trip while it is a dream trip of a lifetime to those who have never set foot on the Africa’s King of nature and wildlife. As you strive to make that dream trip to Kenya a reality, there are some basic necessities and considerations that you have to look into.
Visas and Passports: This is rather obvious. You need a passport to cross the border to any other country in the world. Most foreigners are further required to acquire a visa before legally being granted access to the country. However, commonwealth citizens don’t need a visa to visit Kenya. Visas are given at Kenya’s International Airports and key border crossings. You can as well obtain one in advance from your country (highly recommended.)
If you intend to cross over to another country like Tanzania say to climb the Kilimanjaro or a trek through the Serengeti, then you are advised to take a multiple-entry visa so that you don’t face any hurdles on your way back. Tourist visa are usually valid for thirty days.
Immunizations: Unless you are from a country with reported cases of Yellow Fever, you don’t require any immunizations. If you have been immunized, carry the card showing the inoculation. If you are from the USA and Europe, you don’t have to worry about any immunization but medical professionals recommend immunization against Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid,Yellow Fever, Polio (update) and Tetanus (update). Since malaria is a huge risk in the country, you are advised to carry some anti-malarial drugs; please talk to your doctor before making the trip as the disease is resistant to some medication like chloroquine.
Safety: Kenyans are friendly people and you will be warmly received by the local communities. You will however encounter locals selling their goods and some cases handout solicitors. If you are uninterested in any of the products being sold, politely decline and continue with your journey. You are also advised not to go out alone and keep your passport safely. Don’t walk around with wads of cash, even if you intend to spoil yourself on your trip. Please leave the jewelry in your hotel room and be careful with other valuables like cameras phones lest you lessen the work of petty thieves.
When to Travel to Kenya: Kenya be visited almost all through the year but for the best African wildlife safari, the period between July and September is perfect. This is during the phenomenal wildebeest migration from Serengeti to the Maasai Mara.
From the Mara, you might want to relax in Diani beach, Kenya’s number one beach destination at the South Coast. There you have it, make that dream a reality by making that dream trip to Kenya, the number one tourism destination in African, “karibu sana” (welcome!)