What Vaccinations Do I Need For A Kenya Safari?

Kenya is a country in East Africa and it is home to some of the most beautiful wildlife in the world. There are only two important vaccines or health requirements that are required for you to have taken before you enter the country as a visitor. These are:

  • Yellow fever vaccine
  • Have a valid COVID-19 negative PCR test certificate

These are the ONLY requirements as of 2022. There are a lot of articles out there telling you need to get injected with a myriad of vaccines before you travel into the country but I’m here to assure you (as a Kenyan running a tourism company), that is not the case.

Any other vaccination that you take is NOT A MUST but you can do so at your own descretion and piece of mind.

Yellow Fever Vaccination in Kenya Before Your Safari

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne illness that is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The virus causes symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and vomiting. Yellow fever is endemic in tropical regions of Africa and South America. It can also be found in some countries in Asia and the Pacific Islands.

There is a lot of misconceptions regarding Yellow fever in Kenya and I’m here to set the record straight.

Many of the tourist destinations in Kenya (Masai Mara, Nakuru, Amboseli, Nairobi, Mombasa, Malindi, Samburu) are not affected by mosquito transmitted diseases like malaria and Yellow fever. Its extremely rare to get Yellow fever if you move around in these regions.

Regions like Western Kenya like Kisumu, Kakamega, Bungoma, etc (which are not heavily promoted for tourism), are the areas that are affected by mosquito related diseases so if you are traveling to such areas then yellow fever vaccination shots will really protect you.

Since the Kenyan government has stipulated that you need to take a yellow fever vaccine before you travel to the country, I’d readily recommend you do so. You are required to take the vaccine shot 14 days before you travel to Kenya.

Valid COVID-19 Negative PCR Test Certificate Traveling to Kenya

All fully vaccinated passengers arriving in Kenya will be free from the PCR test requirement. Regardless of the method of entry, all eligible unvaccinated travelers must have a genuine COVID-19 negative PCR test certificate acquired within 72 hours before departure from their country of origin. This rule does not apply to children under the age of five (5) years.

Unvaccinated tourists arriving at any point of entry will be subjected to a 30-dollar quick antigen test. Anyone who tests positive on an antigen RDT will have to pay an additional $50 for a PCR test and self-isolate.

Kenya has relaxed its covid 19 rules and does not require one to wear a facemask in public or private space nor limit the number of persons within restaurant and other entertainment establishments.

Health Precautions While On Kenya Safari

Like any other place that you’d visit (even in your own country), I’d recommend you

  • Buy bottled drinking water. Bottled water is cheap in Kenya. Do not drink tap water
  • Be cautious of eating food prepared in open spaces eg by the roadside or kiosks where food safety standards are not stricly observed. We dont want you spoiling your holiday by coming down with a bacterial infection in a foreign country.
  • If you buy local fruits, thorougly clean them first with running water before consuming them.

The Best Things to Do and See in Kenya

Kenya is a country in East Africa. It is the largest country by population in East Africa. Kenya has a diverse culture, with different ethnic groups and languages. Kenya is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world, especially for those who love nature and exploring new places.

The country has many natural attractions and beautiful beaches. If you are planning on visiting Kenya, here are some of the best things to do and see in Kenya!

The Masai Mara National Reserve: this is one of the most famous safari parks in Africa. It’s home to lots of wildlife – lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and more! While in there, why not take a Masai mara hot air balloon? See the pricing. I also discuss Masai Mara safari costs associated with your trip

The Nairobi National Park: The Nairobi National Park is a national park that is located in the city of Nairobi, Kenya. The park was established in 1953 and covers an area of about 1,000 square kilometers.

Nairobi National Park animals are some of the most iconic animals in Africa. They include lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos and giraffes.

The Nairobi National Park is a huge tourist attraction and has been listed as one of the top 10 places to visit in Africa by Lonely Planet.

Diani BeachDiani beach is a beach located on the along the Indian Ocean in Kenya. It is a popular tourist destination and a place where many people visit for their all inclusive Kenya Beach holiday. Diani Beach is one of the most famous beaches in East Africa, with white sand and clear water.

The Diani Beach has been featured in many travel magazines and online articles over the years, including Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s list of Africa’s best beaches and Lonely Planet’s top 10 beaches in East Africa.

Check out my other article where i give you information on the best time to visit Kenya.

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