What are the health precautions I should take before travelling to Kenya?

Kenya is an amazing safari destination where you can experience the wildlife in the different safari destinations spread across the country. While there are so many travellers willing to travel to Kenya for safaris, there are some health precautions that you need to take and put into consideration before travelling to Kenya. In this article, we are going to discuss the health precautions and the infections to avoid.

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Do I need vaccines when travelling to Kenya?

Yes, there are several vaccines that are recommended and required for all travellers travelling to Kenya. The WHO and CDC have recommended the following vaccines for all travellers to Kenya.

• Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap)
• Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi and spreads through contaminated water sources and food. The typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travellers especially those at risk together with maintaining food safety and hygiene.
• Hepatitis A, this is a contagious infection of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis virus and spread through contaminated food and water or close contact with infected people. The vaccine is administered in a series of shots and helps prevent the virus.
• Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and is characterized by severe dehydration and diarrhoea. It is recommended for travellers and is administered orally.
• Yellow fever is transmitted through mosquito bites leading to a series of serious illnesses. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for hazardous areas including Kenya as it provides lifetime protection.
• Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the spinal code and membrane caused by viral and bacterial infections. The virus helps to protect people against the bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis.
• Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis B virus and is sexually transmitted, through blood and during childbirth. It is chronic and can lead to chronic liver failure and cancer. The vaccine is also given in a series of vaccines through injections.
• Influenza
• Rabies, this is an extremely dangerous disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals and the vaccine is the best prevention. Pre-exposure and post-exposure vaccines are crucial especially if one encounters an infected animal.
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), are viral infections that are caused through close contact with an infected person and respiratory droplets. The MMR vaccine that are given in two doses strengthens your immunity and protects you from the disease.
• Polio is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted through faecal-oral contact leading to paralysis. The only way to prevent polio is by taking the vaccination and it provides long-term protection.
• COVID 19
• Chikungunya is also transmitted through mosquito bites and the vaccine is the best form of protection. It is recommended in mosquito-infested areas and you are advised to carry repellents as well.
• Pneumonia
• Shingles
• Chickenpox
• Malaria, is very rampant across the different states in Kenya and tourists need to be ready for the mosquitoes that are present throughout the year but more during the rainy season. All tourists are advised to take anti-malarial tablets before travelling to Kenya and also carry insect repellent to ward off the mosquitoes. The different clinics in Kenya have malaria tablets and accommodation facilities also provide mosquito nets for protection.

Other ways to keep safe in Kenya?

Besides ensuring that you follow all the safety precautions before travelling to Kenya, there are other ways in which you can keep safe in Kenya and these include the following:

Is tap water safe for drinking in Kenya?

No, tap water in Kenya is not safe for drinking unless when it is purified or boiled. Tourists are advised to carry a reusable water bottle with purification tablets or just purchase packaged drinking water for example the Grayl water bottle. There are many water bottle companies that are located in the country and most of the safari companies offer complimentary bottled water.

How is the food hygiene in Kenya?

Although it is not a major concern, beware of the food you purchase and eat and proceed with caution when it comes to purchasing the different food types in the country. Kenya has a variety of food types including fresh fruits like mangoes, watermelons, oranges, passion fruits, avocados, pineapples, and jackfruits, vegetables and is selective of where you are purchasing them from. Tasting the street food in Kenya is one of the best ways in which you can explore the country and you have to be cautious when tasting the different types of street food prepared by the locals.

Prevention of bug bites

 Kenya is widely known as a country that is filled with different insects/bugs that cause different infections to both the locals and tourists. The CDC has collectively told all tourists travelling to Kenya to travel with insect repellents because of the constant bug bites in the different safari destinations. There are several EPA registered repellents that are recommended but you can still carry an insect repellent that you are comfortable with.

Altitude sickness

For tourists whose safari activities involve high altitudes, you need to be aware of altitude sickness which causes dizziness, headaches and nausea because of the reduced oxygen levels. Altitude sickness can be prevented by keeping hydrated throughout the hike, a gradual ascent, and climbing high and sleeping low to properly self-acclimatize and some drugs are used to reduce the effects of altitude sickness like acetazolamide. Altitude sickness can be severe and you need to tell your guide for medical evaluation and evacuation.

Infections that you need to be aware of before travelling to Kenya

The tropical climate in Kenya is one of the main causes of the infections in the country providing the best breeding grounds for most of the bugs that cause the infections. We have a list of infections that you should know before travelling to Kenya and how to prevent them.

The Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever: The Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic fever is a viral illness that is transmitted through ticks and is spread through contact with bodily fluids. The fever can be prevented through tick bite infections, adhering to the healthcare settings of infection control and a vaccine to prevent the disease is being researched to control its transmission.

Schistosomiasis: this is a waterborne disease that is caused by parasitic worms and prevention of the disease is by avoiding the different safari activities that include contaminated waters and use of protective clothing. You also have to seek medical attention for timely diagnosis to reduce on the health risks.

 African tick bite fever: The fever is caused by tick bites and the best way to prevent the fever is by applying insect repellent, wearing protective clothing and checking regularly for ticks.

Rift Valley Fever: The public health education in Kenya has played a big role in raising awareness about the risks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF). To prevent the fever, there is a need to ensure the safety of the animals, control mosquito populations in the country and vaccinate the livestock.

Leishmaniasis: this is a parasitic disease that is spread by sand flies and poses a high health risk to humans. The effective measures that you can use for the Leishmaniasis include using insect repellents, avoiding outdoor activities, putting on long and protective clothes and use of insect repellents.

Marburg Haemorrhagic Fever: Marburg is spread through contact with the infected individuals and animals. Protective measures need to be met to be able to control the spread of the Marburg virus like safety burials of the infected animals and community education about the risks of transmissions.

Dengue: This is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes and the symptoms include joint pain and a rash. The prevention measures include reducing on the mosquito population in the country and reducing the breeding grounds. There are also treatments that are used to treat Dengue.

The climate in Kenya

Kenya has a tropical climate and is warm and humid throughout the year. The country has two rainy seasons the first one in March to May and the second rainy season is from October to December. There are two dry seasons in Kenya from January to February and June to September. The most popular destinations in Kenya experience the same tropical climate and this is because of the proximity of the equator and the neighboring countries also experience the same climatic conditions.

The different popular safari destinations in Kenya include national parks some of which include Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara Nature Reserve, Hells Gate National Park, Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Park, the coastal cities of Mombasa and Malindi and many others.

The average temperatures in Kenya range between 80 to 90 degrees between the long rains and dry season and short rains and dry season, especially along the coast. The national parks and reserves on the other hand vary in temperatures depending on their location and the altitude where they are located. 

Rules to follow when in Kenya for a safari

Kenya as a country has penalties that are levied on tourists especially drug possession, severe use of drugs and trafficking. There are also penalties levied on public intoxication, alcohol and sale of cigarettes and smoking is only allowed in designated areas.

Tourists who wish to import firearms into the country need to obtain a special permit.

Importing and exporting wildlife products, religious materials, currency and other items related to nature has been strictly prohibited.

Best time/when to go for a Kenya safari

Kenya is an all year round safari destination but the best time to go for a safari in Kenya is from June to September and January to February. This is also known to be the dry and peak season, it is the best time because the animals are best seen during the dry season as they gather around the river banks and watering holes in search of water. The best activities to be carried out during the dry season include game drives, guided nature walks, hot air balloon rides, cultural trips, hiking, and mountain climbing, watching the wildebeest migration and boat rides among others.

The wet season which is also the low season is from March to May and November to December and is the best time to go for bird watching and photography safaris. There are fewer crowds during the low season and the best time to travel to Kenya is when you are on a budget.

Following the safety health precautions is a must and you will not be allowed to access the country without showing proof of your vaccinations. These will be asked at the immigration office and in case you are not sure about the exact vaccinations to get, feel free to get in touch with tour operators like Encounter Africa Safaris to help you with a list of vaccinations that are needed before travelling to Kenya.

What should tourists pack for a safari in Kenya?

After getting to know the health precautions before travelling to Kenya, the next step is to know what to exactly pack for the different safaris in Kenya. Below is a list of things you should pack to have a good Kenya safari.

• Comfortable long-sleeved shirts and trousers. These should be lightweight and in neutral colours including green, brown and nude colours.
• Comfortable hiking shoes, evening shoes, sandals and sneakers.
• Insect repellent to ward off the bugs
• Sunscreen, a sunhat and sunglasses for sun protection
• A first aid kit fully packed with prescribed medicines from your physician.
• Bring cash because you will need it for the different transactions.
• A camera, binoculars and a waterproof camera bag to carry all your electronics.
• snacks and a refillable water bottle
• Guide books
• A day backpack to carry all the essentials that you might need for your day to day safari activities.

Healthy precautions in Kenya are extremely important and for more information about the precautions, get in touch with us and the experts will not only help with what vaccines are needed, but they will also help in planning a safari to Kenya.