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- Passport & Visas Your trip requires a passport that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Kenya requires citizens of most countries to obtain a visa for entry. Apply to the Kenya Consulate or Kenya Embassy in your area. If you are visiting Tanzania during your safari, a visa is also required.
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- Required Inoculations There are no inoculations required for travel unless you are coming from certain sub-Saharan African countries or certain countries in South America. In this case a yellow fever inoculation is required. The yellow fever shot needs to be administered at least ten days prior to your departure for Africa. It is valid for another ten years after you receive it.
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- Recommended Vaccinations & Medication A good source for health information is the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. www.cdc.gov. Check on their International Travel link. Whether traveling or not, it is recommended that you have your adult boosters (MMR-measles, mumps, rubella) updated & that you receive an inoculation for hepatitis A & B. If you have not had a polio booster as an adult, you should ask your physician if he or she recommends one for you.
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- Medications Ask your physician for a prescription for a broad-spectrum antibiotic such as Cipro in case of illness or gastro-intestinal disorders. Ask your physician for a prescription for Tylenol with codeine or similar pain medication in case of minor injury, sprain or abscessed tooth. For women, malaria medication or antibiotics can trigger a yeast infection. Ask your physician for a prescription for this (the single tablet Diflucan is recommended), or bring along an over-the-counter cream. Bring along an ample supply of any prescription medication that you normally take.
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- Malaria & Mosquito Bites The risk of contracting malaria can be significantly reduced by taking the proper medication. Take the tablets weekly, beginning one to two weeks before your departure and continuing for two to four weeks after your return. Ask your physician for medication to combat chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria. Mefloquine (a sulfa-based drug) and doxycycline (for those with sulfa allergies) are the generic names of the two medications usually prescribed. If you take either of these, there is no need to additionally take chloroquine. The only way to 100% prevent malaria is to not get bitten by mosquitoes. The CDC recommends a solution with a high percentage (as much as 30%) of DEET (diethylmetatoluamide).
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- Drinking Water Do not drink tap water. Many hotels and lodges will supply a container of good water in your room. Bottled water is available for purchase throughout the country.
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- Eyewear Bring an extra set of contacts and/or pair of glasses, in case yours get lost or broken. If you wear contacts, you should also bring along a pair of glasses.
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- Sunburn The sun at the equator is deceptively strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
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- Weather Kenya is located on the equator. Anytime is a good time to visit. The short rains fall in November & the long rains in April/May. In spite of the rains, these are good times to visit because of less dust and fewer tourists. Please note that you can experience rain at any time of year.
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Otherwise, Kenya's weather remains fairly constant year round, and varies according to geography and eco-system. In general, days are sunny and pleasant and evenings are cool. Some areas lie at fairly high altitudes (Mt. Kenya, the Aberdares, Nairobi), and evenings can be quite chilly. North of Mt. Kenya (Samburu, Shaba, Buffalo Springs) are in a semi-arid desert region. Days can be quite hot, though evenings are still cooler. The coast (Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi) are much more tropical and humid.
- Clothing You can have your clothes laundered at virtually every lodge, so you need less than you might think. Bring muted colors (khaki, greens, etc) made of lightweight breathable cotton. Some shorts & shirts as well as at least one pair of long pants and some long-sleeve shirts. Dress is very casual, but you might want a smarter casual outfit for dining at night and in Nairobi. A warm sweater and lightweight, water resistant jacket. Swimwear.
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- Footwear One pair of good walking shoes, sneakers/trainers or desert/safari boots. One pair of sandals or nicer shoes. Pair of rubber thongs/flip-flops for swimming pool. Unless you have booked a walking safari or Mt. Kenya trek, you do not need hiking boots.
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- Camera & Photography You will want to bring a camera. (That's part of our name, of course). It should preferably have a good zoom lens. If you have a film camera, bring lots of film.
You will have many opportunities for once-in-lifetime photos. If you have a digital camera, bring extra storage of whatever type your
camera requires. Also bring extra batteries. You won't be able to stop at the local store and
get batteries or film. Don't forget a recharger and electrical adapters. Here's a link with some tips and techniques for photography while on safari.
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- Binoculars Bring a good set of binoculars. We recommend at least 7x magnification. Larger lenses and coated optics will improve
your ability to see animals in the early morning and evening.
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- Field Guides Bring a good bird and animal field guide. National Audubon Society publishes an excellent combination guide.
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- Language English and Swahili are the official languages of Kenya. English is spoken widely throughout the country. Additionally, many people in the tourism industry are likely to have a basic grasp of other languages. Go to www.foxsafaris.com to learn some basic phrases in Swahili.
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- Miscellaneous A very good gift item if you visit a school or family with children are some basic school supplies. Reading material, journal, your address book, flashlight with extra batteries, daypack for your daily needs while on game runs, small supply of candy or snacks. In some places you can trade for souvenirs-pens, t-shirts & baseball caps.
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- Map Click here if you would like to see a simple map of Kenya
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