An East African destination at the crossroads of Indian and African cultures, Kenya is a diverse, culturally rich, and must-visit country. From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the distant grasslands of the Maasai Mara, the country is full of contrasts. And if you’re about to explore this country, you must be vary of the different rules, etiquettes, local culture, and other things to make sure that your Kenya trip goes on as smoothly as possible. Which is why, team unstumbled is here to help you out with Kenya travel tips for first-timers from India!
Visiting Kenya From India For The First Time? Here Are 7 Kenya Travel Tips
Before we dive deeper, know that our intention with these pointers is not to label Kenya as an ‘unsafe’ country, but to help first-time travelers familiarize themselves with the way Kenya functions. These pointers are for awareness and not for maligning the image of any country.
Plan Your Itinerary After A Thorough Research
We all admire Bunny’s wanderlust and his spontaneous plans – but trust us, that looks fun only in movies! If you’re setting foot in a new country, and that too for the first time, we recommend conducting a thorough research of the places you’re planning to visit. Note down their timings, entry fees if any, and other details. Also, plan a rough itinerary outlining a plan of your day-wise adventures in Kenya if not a detailed one. Keep contacts of your travel agents, local tour operators, and guides handy. Also, download offline maps of important locations in Kenya, like Nairobi and Mombasa, if you’re planning to visit them. Planning your trip goes a long way – it helps you stay organized and stress-free during the trip!
Get Health Checkups Done And Vaccinations Administered
It is essential that you get your health checkup done and necessary vaccinations administered before entering Kenya. This is not only important for your safety but also for the health of the locals. Travelers are already required to get a Yellow Fever vaccination, with the Kenyan Government also recommending travelers to get vaccinations for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies among others. While vaccinations are essential before entering Kenya, we also recommend getting a general health checkup done before your trip for general awareness about your own body.
Secure A Beneficial Travel Insurance
An integral part of international travel is securing a good travel insurance – one that covers most of your travel grievances. So, we highly recommend that you secure a beneficial travel insurance that will guarantee you compensation in unfortunate situations. These include situations like mishandled or delayed baggage, cancelled flights, emergency evacuation, theft, mishaps related to adventure activities, and a few other unfortunate circumstances. A good travel insurance is like a safety net that will allow you to explore Kenya without the need to worry about any unfortunate mishaps.
Practice Necessary Health Precautions In Kenya
When visiting a foreign country, it becomes extremely important to prioritize your health and safety. Follow these pointers to ensure that your stay in Kenya is as safe as possible:
- Drink clean/boiled/bottled water: Tap water in Kenya is not the most suitable for consumption due to the risks of waterborne illnesses. So, we recommend sticking to boiled or bottled water during the entirety of your trip. Also, we suggest carrying water filtration tablets or a portable water filter that can be fitted on taps, just in case.
- Maintain body hygiene: Wash your hands with soap frequently, and especially after you’ve been in contact with an animal. This is to prevent the spread of germs and alien bacteria in your body. Also, carry hand sanitizer for maintaining hygiene on the go.
- Protect yourself from mosquitoes: You thought mosquitoes in your balcony are a nuisance? Wait till you encounter them in Kenya! To protect yourself from mosquito bites (that can be dangerous some times), carry mosquito repellent cream and if possible, carry an insect net. Also, get antimalarial injection after consulting your doctor.
- Ensure food safety: Along with the safety of the water that you drink, it is essential to ensure food safety as well. Avoid raw or undercooked meals as well as seafood if you’re not used to consuming it. Eat fruits and vegetables only after thoroughly washing them.
Don’t Overpack, But Carry All The Essentials
Overstuffing your luggage will only end up in more problems and make the journey uncomfortable and unorganized, so we recommend packing all the essentials and consciously planning your luggage by packing only as much as you need. Carry a few extra pairs of clothing, especially innerwear, but don’t carry too many pieces of clothing. Make sure to carry high-quality trekking shoes or athleisure shoes for safari rides. And don’t forget about sun protection! Carry a hat or scarf as well as a high SPF sunscreen to protect yourself from the harsh sun. Roll your smaller clothes instead of folding them and use vacuum-sealed bags to further create more space in the suitcase.
Organize Travel Documents
It is needless to say that you must keep all your travel documents safe and organized, especially when traveling to a foreign land. Make sure to have multiple photocopies of all the documents you are carrying. Keep your original documents, including your passport and visa in a folder or a small bag and do not handle them irresponsibly – keep them close with you or in the hotel room locker. For additional safety, scan all your documents and email these virtual copies to your own email ID or a trusted friend.
Respect Local Laws And Culture
This is one of the most important Kenya travel tips for first-timers, after all you wouldn’t want to end up embarrassing yourself or hurting someone’s sentiments! Respect the local traditions and customs, even if they seem odd or bizarre to you. By respecting their customs, you are more likely to connect with the locals. Also, dress modestly when in Kenya. No, it is unlikely that anyone will explicitly criticize you for your clothes, but you might get unwarranted stares, just like in many other corners of the world. So, it is better to dress modestly and respect local laws and cultures to avoid stepping into awkward, uncomfortable situations.
Summing Up
We hope you found these Kenya travel tips for first-timers super useful! Visiting Kenya can be a rewarding experience, be it the diverse wildlife or the rich local culture that is more or less similar to ours. Following these tips will make your experience in Kenya more enjoyable, stress-free, and memorable! So, when are you planning a visit to Kenya?
