Kenya is a nation full of wonders. Travel here and you’ll see some truly breathtaking sights, from stunning untouched landscape to wild animals in their natural habitat. There are also plenty of eye-opening sights to see in the country, which is home to some of the world’s friendliest people.
Before visiting Kenya, there are a few rules to brush up on that will help ensure a comfortable experience. They will also help to make sure you have the best time in the country and get the most out of your trip. Check out these 10 things to know before traveling to Kenya.
10 There Are Two Rainy Seasons
One of the most important things to know before traveling to Kenya is that there are two rainy seasons. The long one normally lasts from the end of March into May, while the shorter one occurs in November. It’s not crucial to avoid traveling to Kenya during the rainy season, but it might make things more convenient!
During the dry season, spotting animals during a safari is usually a lot easier. Also, if you plan on driving while in Kenya, some of the roads can be damaged thanks to large amounts of rainfall.
9 Be Sure To Go On Safari
Going on safari is something that you have to do while in Kenya, even if you’re not a huge animal lover. It’s a thrilling and, for many people, once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are many countries in Africa where you can go on safari, but Kenya is one of the best.
According to Africa.com, safaris in Kenya have been taking place since the 14thcentury. The most popular reserve in the country, the Maasai Mara, is found in Kenya and this is where you can witness the great wildebeest migration.
8 You Will Probably Need A Visa
Depending on where you’re coming from, you will probably need a visa to get into Kenya. Tourist visas generally last 30 days. Things like this are better to organize before you leave home so you’re not facing unplanned obstacles once you’re on route.
All travelers from the US will need a visa to visit the country, although these can be purchased at the airport or border crossing. You won’t need a visa if you’re coming from a Commonwealth country, which includes Canada, the UK, and Australia. It’s best to check out the website of the Kenyan Embassy to know exactly what you need.
7 You’ll Need To Get Your Injections
There are some countries where getting immunized beforehand is recommended. With Kenya, some of the vaccines are compulsory. Others are strongly recommended. To keep yourself and the people around you safe, it’s always best to follow this advice and make sure you are up to date on your immunizations and medications before leaving for Kenya.
Some of the illnesses for which you might have to get immunized include Tetanus, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Yellow Fever, Cholera, and Rabies. According to World of Wanderlust, you might also want to purchase Malaria tablets.
6 Don’t Draw Attention To Yourself
It doesn’t matter where you travel to; a certain level of common sense is always required. In a country like Kenya, where there is widespread poverty, visitors should exercise some degree of self-awareness.
Nearly all travel blogs advise against drawing unnecessary attention to yourself while in Kenya. This means not carrying expensive items like phones and cameras (unless you’re on a safari) and not wearing flashy jewelry. These things will make you look like a rich tourist and you may become a target for thieves.
5 The Food Might Affect Your Stomach
One thing to keep in mind while in Kenya is that the food is often very different from what is typically found in many western countries. While Kenyan cuisine is delicious, it may take your stomach a while to adjust to the new and foreign ingredients.
There might also be differences in hygiene practices between Kenya and your home country, as well as the quality of the food. This is especially true with meat. Be cautious when trying street food, and be aware that some things may affect your stomach.
4 Watch Out For Insects
The chances are you’ll probably encounter quite a few insects while in Kenya, and some of them can be more dangerous than they look. Because of this, it is best to come prepared. You can’t get rid of all the insects but you can protect yourself against them by wearing long-sleeved clothing spraying insect repellant.
It’s important to spray your room before you sleep, although this might not stop every kind of insect. If you see a gecko in your room, keep in mind that these are harmless and actually reduce the number of insects!
3 Don’t Miss Out On Nairobi
A lot of travelers choose to stay away from Nairobi because of its unsafe reputation. There are even some who refer to it as “Nairobbery!” But it’s a mistake to omit this beautiful city altogether. Although it has its bad neighborhoods just like any other city, it also has areas that are developed and full of shops and eateries.
If you’re interested in seeing animals, there are orphanages throughout the city. There is also the Nairobi National Park right next to it. World Pursuit advises simply applying the safety techniques you’d use in any other major city, including not walking by yourself at night.
2 Keep In Mind That The Roads Aren’t Like Those In The U.S.
If you’re planning on going on a road trip while in Kenya, you should be aware of what condition most of the roads are in. The roads are often plagued by potholes, animals, and other obstacles, including people.
Driving at night can be dangerous due to poor lighting because your chances of running over a huge pothole are high. Always lock your doors and windows while driving, especially in major cities, as car theft is quite common.
1 Bartering Is Mostly Accepted
If you enjoy bartering, Kenya is the dream destination for you. According to Trip Savvy, bartering is accepted throughout the country. In some places, you can trade things like a watch, a pair of pants, or another item of clothing for souvenirs. Keep this in mind while packing, as it can be a good way to get rid of things that you no longer want but are still in good condition.
It’s also common to gift items like watches in Kenya. If someone has been especially helpful to you, it is polite to give them a gift such as a t-shirt or something else from home.