Travel To Kenya Simplified
Upon arrival to Kenya, visitors from Europe and Asia can obtain travel visas at the airport. Travel visas are obtained at a fee either at the airport or in advance. Citizens from common wealth countries with the exception of a few d not require visas to enter Kenya. It is convenient to consult with the respective countries consulate, high commission or Kenyan Embassy before traveling.
Travelers to Kenya and neighboring African countries should ensure that the validity of their passports is at least six months beyond the end of their intended stay, and that their passport contains sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps. Travelers may obtain the latest information on visas as well as any additional details regarding entry requirements from the Embassy of Kenya in there respective counties.
Vaccination is a key requirement when traveling. Kenya is no exception to this. Yellow fever vaccination is required to be administered ten days prior to the day of travel. Evidence of the yellow fever vaccination is required on arrival at the airport. Its also wise to have routine inoculations for diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine and measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine.
A prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites insecticide treated nets (in the camps including game parks) at altitudes below 2,500 m (8,202 ft). Chloroquine is not an effective antimalarial drug in Kenya and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region.
Several Western countries have travel advisories for their citizens traveling to Kenya. In as much as I do not want to categorize travel advisories as those, ‘park at your own risk’ notices, the decision to visit Kenya remains solely the visitor’s. Kenya experienced turmoil in early January due to the disputed December 2007 elections. But even at that difficult time, the tourist sites and hotels remained safe.
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.
The driving rule in Kenya is ‘keep left’, this could prove daunting especially to those who are not accustomed. Vehicle travel outside major cities at night should be avoided mainly due to poor lighting on the roads plus poor road conditions. Some roads become virtually impassible especially during the rainy season. Road jams are usually a norm during the mornings and evenings.
A host of establishments accept credit cards as a form of payment but those which don’t can also be paid in cash which can be withdrawn from an elaborate network of ATM’s all around the country. They are located in a safe and well lit environment.
Its good practice to keep in touch with your friends and family back home or even your local embassy in Kenya; just keep them updated on your journey. Phone companies offer reliable services, though mobile phones may be out of range in some camps and lodges in the parks. Most hotels especially in the major towns of Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru have internet cyber cafe or have Wifi hotspot in public areas. For writers, or photographers who blog, or send videos you can at least upload your video to your friends or onto your website while still in Kenya. Your friends or family will share part of your experience!