Type of vaccines
Vaccines are recommended when travelling to Kenya and Africa in general. Only yellow fever is compulsory.
Please contact your doctor or vaccination clinic for advice and decisions on vaccines.
Normally it is advisable to take vaccines against polio, Hepatitis A and diphtheria, in addition to yellow fever.
The most discussed issue is probably malaria. There are a lot of different views on the best type of preventive medicine. Again consult your doctor. Be sure to bring you mosquito repellent as well, and use long sleeves and trousers during evenings/night times.
The existence of malaria is mainly a issue on the coastal area.
You should have a vaccination card/yellow book from WHO upon arrival.
Some practical information
Bring your required rolls of film, sunglasses, sun cream with high factor, a small torch. And your favourite books for the hammock…
Remember to ask people before you photography them.
When travelling to Lamu, people often bring wine and/or liquor with them - such items are in general not available at Lamu/Shela, being a muslim culture. Beer is available at some stores. Some restaurants offer wine and liquor, but it is fairly expensive.
Most nationalities need visa both for Kenya and Tanzania/Zanzibar.
Currency/cash requirement and payment
Usually most are prepaid. If so, a couple of thousand Kenyan Shillings (approx USD 20 pr day) pr day is enough, depending on your shopping mood… Be sure to get smaller notes.
At Lamu, people often book and prepay the accomondation with chef/cook - who will buy the food at your choice (mainly seafood). You then need to bring cash for the food, say around USD 20 per day per person. If you want excursions such as sailing trips, donkey rides etc, you usually need around USD 20 per person for full day. You pay directly to the local guides.
You can change USD at the only bank at Lamu town, but exchange rate is not the best. Credit cards only at special souvenir shops and some restaurants.
You can use credit cards at Basecamp Masai Mara, without surcharge – normally you pay 5% on the price for such use. There are mini bank at the airport and also in Narok town if you are driving to Masai Mara.
If you apply for the visa to Kenya at the airport (most people prefer this) , you need USD 50,- in cash per person!
Tipping is normal in Kenya – if you are satisfied, say around 10%.
Safety
Safety is our highest priority. Besides wandering around in Nairobi on your own at night time (and where else would you do that?), we consider a visit to be a normally safe journey.
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