Health

Travellers should get the latest medical advice on inoculations and malaria prevention at least three weeks prior to departure. A malaria risk exists all year round, including in Nairobi and on the high central plateau but more around Mombasa and the lower coastal areas.  You are advised to avoid mosquito and other insect bites by using insect-repellents and by wearing suitable cover-up clothes in the evenings and at night.  Most Hotels will spray the rooms at night and close windows and doors to keep out insects and/or provide mosquito-nets to cover the beds at night.

Hotels and lodges supply clean drinking water but as much as possible, please insist on bottled mineral water from a certified source - this is readily available from most hotels and stores. Outside Nairobi and Mombasa, drinking water from the tap is not encouraged. And be cautious of food prepared by unlicensed roadside vendors.

The tropical sunshine here is wonderful for a natural sun-tan.  However, you are advised to always use sun-cream to keep away harmful rays, avoid sun-burns and dehydration.

A Certificate of inoculation against Yellow fever is required from travellers, older than one year, originating from yellow fever endemic areas (i.e. along the tropics 20 N and 10 S). Visitors from the rest of the world are not affected.

There are very good hospitals in the main towns of Kenya.  The main private hospitals in Nairobi with modern facilities are Nairobi Hospital, Aga Khan Hospital, Karen Hospital, Mater Hospital (some of which have branches in bigger towns like Mombasa and Kisumu). The rural areas have small health centres where one can get first aid.

It is highly recommended that all visitors carry a comprehensive medical insurance cover to cater for any eventualities. For further details kindly visit the web site www.aigkenya.com. 

We also recommend taking an optional flying doctors service cover for the duration of your safari in East Africa, for emergency evacuation by flight to a local hospital www.amref.org.