Kenya Travel Forum

Hi guys,
We're going to Nyali Beach in October for our honeymoon - we've not booked a safari yet but will get one when we're out there. Does any one know if there are locals who run their own safari tours out there? And do you recommend using them or going with the tour operator?!
Also, what injections do we need to get? We've just been told polio and typhoid.
Do hotels provide mosqito nets as standard or should we take some?!
We're going for 2 weeks, is there anything you recommend seeing? We'd love to go to the Masi Mara but think it'll take days to get there!
Is it best to get our visa in England or get them in Kenya? (they are cheaper in Kenya)
Any help would be brill!! (sorry for so many questions!)
Thanks.
Kate&Sam

That are a lot of questions, but I'll see what I can do :-).

If you just want to go on safari for a couple of days you are better off booking it locally in Kenya rather than from home, you'll get much better deals. There are lots of local tour companies, and your hotel may be able to recommend one. Beachboys also often sell safaris, and but you should not pay them directly. Rather get them to take you to the office of the tour company they are selling the safari for, and pay there.

For injections your best bet is to go to your local Tropical Medical Bureau for advice, also in relation to malaria prophylaxis.

I would have assumed that mosquito nets are standard in most hotels, but that is something you should probably ask the hotel directly.

Regarding the visa you're better off getting it in Kenya as it's much less hassle, and you don't need a photo for it either. You can fill out the form in advance as there is usually a scramble at the airport for the few available pens. Here is a link where you can download the form: http://www.kenyahighcommission.net/pdfiles/V12007.pdf

For something to see around Mombasa you could go to Fort Jesus and to Haller Park. I've tips on them on my main Kenya page, if you want more info on those. What parks you want to see probably will depend on the time and money you want to spend. The Maasai Mara is the most popular park, where you will probably get to see the most variety of wildlife, but it is also the most touristy and busy park. It is also a long way away from the coast, but your safari company should be able to organise a flight for you. No idea though what sort of money they cost. Closer to the coast you could visit Tsavo or Amboseli.

By the way, I'm going back to Kenya in October myself, but I'll be a bit further north on the coast in Watamu :-).

Hope this was of some help to you. Let me know if you have any other questions and enjoy your honeymoon!

Birgit

http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/kenya.htm

will tell you everything you need to know about what injections you need. Take it seriously and talk to your own GPs.

Also read this:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/kenya2/

which contains health info etc.

Hi, haven't been myself but my husband has been to kenya and I am sure it is the resort you said.

The only thing I know for sure is that he had to have a Yellow Fever vacination. So I would check with your tour operatator and go to your GP for more advice.

Take care

Mosquitoes, Malaria and Dengue Fever.

This is a question that appears quite a lot here on VT.
You will hear from people who never take any kind of medication.
You will hear from those who do.

May I suggest that you contact your own doctor, practice nurse or travel clinic and ask for their advice?
If they recommend that you use some form of medication, get them to recommend the treatment.
You may find that some treatments you make you ill, if so, ask the doctor for an alternative.

Different anti malaria medication effects different people in different ways, what is good for one person is not always good for another. You won't know this until you have tried a particular medicine.

At present, there is no cure for Dengue Fever.
Unlike the mosquitoes that cause malaria, dengue mosquitoes bite during the day.

Is prevention better than the cure?
Of course it is.
DEET based products are the most effective way of repelling mosquitoes.
Available in different forms and strengths, users should always read the instructions carefully

“I will only be there 3 or 4 days, do I really need to take the medicine”
It does not matter, if it is an infected area, 3 or 4 minutes is all it takes to get Malaria.

Either way, you can return from your holiday with some great photographs, a sun tan and good memories or in a body bag.
The choice is yours.

True fact: - Malaria has killed more than half the people who have EVER lived.

This reply may appear to be a little melodramatic and over the top.
IT IS MEANT TO BE.
Too much irresponsible and bad information is given out over forums regarding the mosquito and its potential to kill.

There are loads of people who will offer you a safari - just walk along the beach and the beach boys will pester you to buy one. What you get is another matter! My friend is still waiting for her safari bus to turn up and that was more than 2 years ago! I would advise you do your homework now, to save the legwork in resort. Booking in advance means you get exactly what you want rather than what's left. Book independently of your tour operator - that way you won't have to pack up and move out of your room. They are also cheaper! Use a recommended company and compare exactly what's on offer:

Is it private or shared (pay the supplement to avoid seat rotation and other people's travel sickness)
Road or air - air to the Mara is more expensive than a road safari to Tsavo
What lodges? Some lodges are far superior than others.
Time of pick up/ drop off - what's sold as 3 days turns out to be only 2.5 with late pick ups/early drop offs
Is KWS fees included?
Any extras thrown in? Some offer drinks or a tour of Mombasa for free.

We've been going to Kenya for 18+ years and done many safaris - some far better than others! Let me know if you want some good contacts as we've used Gamewatch Safaris, Kuldips Tours and Rhino. You do get what you pay for - cheap isn't best with safaris!

Innoculations - only your GP or travel nurse can advise you on that as it does change.

Mossie nets - some provide - if not just ask for one. Advisable to sleep under them.

Visas - get them on arrival. Download the form from the Kenya High Commission website and hand it on arrival with your $50 - no photos. Its the same queue whether you get it in advance or on arrival. In the UK it costs £30 so with the good exchange rate its cheaper in dollars.

Hope I've answered everything!