Kenya has a lot to offer and it’s no surprise that every year, over a million visitors reach the country. The varied nature of this land does not only make for a perfect holiday destination but also requires smart travel planning and packing.
Whether you’re flying to Kenya for a safari or to spend time on beautiful beaches, the below is a Kenyan checklist of items that all travelers should complete before leaving.
Get Your Documents for Kenya Ready
Most foreigners must obtain a visa in order to enter Kenya. Fortunately, citizens of 141 nations worldwide can now apply for the Kenyan visa online.
In order to submit a request, check the Kenyan evisa requirements for your nationality and fill out the application form online. You will be able to lodge your application within minutes.
Other documents that foreign citizens need in order to visit Kenya are:
● An eligible passport that is valid for at least 6 months after entering the country (remember that you must show the same passport that you used during the visa application)
● A recent photograph that meets the official Kenyan guidelines
● A return ticket to show that you intend to stay in Kenya for a limited period
● Enough funds to support yourself during your stay
Travel Vaccines and Health Advice for Kenya
Vaccinations required for Kenya may vary depending on a number of factors including your itinerary, specific health conditions, recent travels, nationality, and more.
It’s paramount that you book an appointment with your doctor about 8 to 10 weeks in advance so that you can receive personalised advice and relevant vaccinations.
In general, recommended vaccinations for Kenya include the following:
● Tetanus: Especially useful if you will come into contact with animals
● Hepatitis A: Most infections occur via contaminated food
● Polio: This viral disease has particularly severe consequences for children
● Typhoid: This bacteria usually reside in contaminated food or water
Traveling to Kenya: What to Pack
Besides getting your shots done, there are a series of over-the-counter medications and toiletries that will come in handy during your time in Kenya:
● Insect repellent (make sure it protects against mosquitoes)
● Sunscreen
● Anti-allergy medication
● First-aid essentials
● Common drugs like ibuprofen and paracetamol
● Antimalarials (the risk of malaria depends on the regions you intend to visit and the time of the year you’ll be in the affected areas)
Moreover, you will want to make sure to have the following items in your luggage so that you can enjoy your trip hassle-free and experience the best Kenya has to offer:
● Binoculars
● Power adaptor
● Torch
● Swahili phrasebook
● A beanbag to steady your camera as you are on safari
Kenya Packing List for Clothes
Although many visitors think that it’s always warm in Kenya, travelers should note that the rainy season runs in late spring. Moreover, hikers and those exploring areas sitting at higher latitude will need to pack with cooler temperatures in mind.
For all others, loose-fitting, cool clothes are recommended. Must-bring items include:
● Sturdy, comfortable shoes
● A windproof jacket
● A hat
● Sunglasses
● Light trousers and cotton t-shirts in neutral colors
What Should You Not Wear in Kenya?
Regardless of the season and area of your choice, respecting the local culture is just as important in Kenya as anywhere else in the world. Except for beach areas, the following should be avoided:
● Shorts leaving the thighs exposed
● Singlets and other shirts leaving the shoulders uncovered
● Tops showing excessive cleavage
It’s also important to be mindful of what not to bring into Kenya. Besides the obvious articles that are prohibited all over the world (weapons, specific drugs, certain types of food, etc) foreign visitors are advised that it’s forbidden to import single-use plastic bags into Kenya.
