Kenya Travel Checklist: What To Know
Here’s a Kenya travel checklist to help you prepare for your trip:
Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months after your arrival date with at least two blank pages
- Visa (if required) – You can obtain a visa on arrival for most nationalities, but it’s always best to check with the Kenyan embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel.
- Airline tickets and confirmation emails
- Travel insurance
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination (required for all travelers)
- Other vaccinations recommended for Kenya include: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), diphtheria and tetanus (DTaP), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, and typhoid.
Essentials
- Currency exchange – The Kenyan shilling (KES) is the official currency of Kenya. You can exchange your currency for KES at the airport, banks, or forex bureaus.
- Credit cards and debit cards – Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but debit cards may not be as widely accepted. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case your credit card doesn’t work.
- ATM card – ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. However, it’s important to let your bank know that you will be traveling to Kenya so that they don’t block your card for suspicious activity.
- Converter plug – The electrical outlets in Kenya are different from the outlets in North America. You will need a converter plug to use your electronics.
- Phone charger – Make sure you have a phone charger that is compatible with the electrical outlets in Kenya.
- Universal adapter – If you are traveling from a country with a different type of electrical outlet, you will need a universal adapter.
Clothing and Footwear
- Neutral-colored clothing – This will help you blend in with the locals and avoid unwanted attention.
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirts – These will help protect you from the sun and mosquitoes.
- A hat – A hat will help protect you from the sun.
- Sunglasses – Sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the sun.
- Sunscreen – Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from the sun.
- Insect repellent – Use insect repellent with DEET to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes – If you plan on doing any hiking, you will need hiking boots or sturdy shoes.
- Sandals – Sandals are a good option for wearing around the hotel or at the beach.
Other
- First-aid kit – Pack a first-aid kit with essential supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
- Hand sanitizer – Hand sanitizer is a great way to stay clean and healthy on the go.
- Water bottle – A reusable water bottle is a must-have in Kenya. Tap water is not safe to drink in most parts of the country, so you will need to buy bottled water or purify your own water.
- Ziplock bags – Ziplock bags are useful for storing food, toiletries, and other small items.
- Camera – Don’t forget your camera to capture all of your memories in Kenya!
- Binoculars – Binoculars are great for wildlife viewing on safari.
- Swahili phrasebook – Learning a few basic Swahili phrases will go a long way in Kenya.
Additional tips
- Be respectful of the local culture.
- Dress modestly, especially in rural areas.
- Bargain when shopping at markets.
- Tip generously for good service.
- Learn a few basic Swahili phrases.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
- Don’t litter.
- Enjoy your trip!
I hope this checklist helps you plan your trip to Kenya!
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