African Kenya Safari Health Facts

Africa Kenya safari Health information

Hospital and doctors in Kenya vacation

Major hotels have some kind of medical officer. Nairobi Hospital is considered equipped. The flying doctors service the more remote areas. You can buy travelers insurance for medical evacuation from them or from international companies in advance or after your arrival. There are American and European trained doctors and dentists in Nairobi.

Malaria in Kenya safari

A mosquito bite can kill. Take appropriate precautions. Follow updated medical advice on which prophylactic to take, and remember to complete the dose when you get back home. If you do get sick, especially with flu like symptoms of fever headache, or stomach problems, be sure to tell your doctor you were in a malaria area.

These malarial mosquitoes tend to bite in the evening and at night. You can help protect yourself in the evenings by using mosquito repellant and by covering arms and legs. Most hotels and lodges in malaria areas do their bit to help protect you. They often provide mosquito nets, spray the rooms, and leave a sachet of mosquito repellant by your bed.

Malaria is more prevalent in low lying areas. The coast, the game parks, and Lake Victoria are the most affected areas.

AIDS in Kenya travel

Come for the animals, come for the sun, and come for the panoramas. Kenya has one Africa’s incidence of AIDS.

Clean Water in Kenya safari

As a rule of thumb, don’t drink the tap water. Most hotels/lodges provide a thermos or flask or drinking water in the rooms or tents. You can also buy bottled mineral water-local or imported. Carbonated club soda is an inexpensive alternative.

Food in Africa Kenya Vacation Safari

Most travelers are impressed by the quantity and diversity of food offered in Kenya. Even when you are deep in the bush and miles from any agricultural or commercial center, you are almost always assured of finding a buffet groaning with appetizing looking food including many salads. These elaborate “safari buffets” usually looks better than they taste and become repetitive after several times through the line. It is relatively safe to try most of the food offered by hotels and lodges which cater to international tourists.

Rays

Beware of the tropical sun. Wear sun block. Bring a hat, or better, two. You burn faster at high altitudes and near the equator. Many parts of Kenya meet both of these criteria.

Highs and lows

In Kenya, altitude range from sea level to over 5000metres. Be alert to the fact that quick altitude changes can be dangerous to your health. Mountain climbers-beware!

African Kenya safari Weather/climate- Rain or Shine

Kenya is not all hot, or all dry.

Early morning game drives in an open vehicle can be very cold-come prepared. There is snow on the summits of Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Staying in the vicinity of the mountains or on the highlands can be very cold, especially at night.

Kenya’s seasons are classified by “rainy” and “dry”. The “long rains” usually come in April and May, and the “short rains” in November. The rains are not always neatly confined to the months “allocated.”