Travel Tips – ConQuest Adventures Ltd

Travel tips highlight some useful information that a client is supposed to know before traveling to a foreign country either for leisure or work.

A passport and a visa are required. Visas should be obtained in advance, check the process in the link Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested. Travelers may obtain the latest information on visas as well as any additional details regarding entry requirements from any Kenyan Embassy in their country. Personal effects, including cameras, binoculars, and film are allowed into the country duty-free.

Healthy Travel Tips East Africa

Immunization against typhoid is highly recommended in East Africa ( Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda). A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age. For such visitors the vaccine is mandatory. Travelers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported. A cholera vaccination certificate is not mandatory for entry to Kenya. Malaria risk exists all over the country. It is advisable to take anti-malaria tabs before traveling to Kenya and especially the coast or western Kenya. Nairobi is relatively safer when it comes to malaria attacks.

Water

Bottled water is available and the only guaranteed safe drinking water. Make sure your food and drinking water are safe. Make sure you swim in swimming pools whose water has been treated.

Insect bites

Diseases carried by insects can be prevented by protecting yourself against insect bites. Carry insect repellants to apply on your body before going out and especially at night. Take a kit of sterilized syringe needles for any possible injections needed, as well as drip needles for emergencies. If you are on medication, carry all the medicine you require as you may have a problem getting some of the medicines here.

You could also carry a pack of painkillers, first aid kit, and creams for insect bites, etc. There are good medical facilities in major towns in Kenya.

More Travel Tips in East Africa

- Always ask for permission before you photograph people or their houses. Some communities might demand a tip after taking a photograph!
- Always change your cash at reputed banks, foreign bureau, or hotels. Never change your money in the black market.
- Don’t expose your cash in public or hand over money to someone especially along the city streets.
- Avoid isolated streets and dark alleys.
- Don’t carry more money than you need when going out.
- Don’t display expensive jewelry.
- Be aware of the possibility of pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas.
- Keep copies of all your important documents separately from the originals in case of loss.
- While staying at the hotels, keep your money in the safe-deposit boxes.
- Don’t leave valuables in the room.
- Keep your distance from wild animals ls however harmless they may appear.
- It is advisable to take out emergency medical insurance prior to entering Kenya.
- Tipping is allowed although it is not mandatory. Tipping depend on individuals and services provided.
- Drive on the Left-hand side.
- If on a long journey carry a torch and at least 2 spare wheels.
- Never leave your car opened especially in public places. Try to conceal your luggage e.g. by keeping it under the seat.
- Taxis are readily available at the airport for about 15 dollars to the city Centre.
- Kenya is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time +3.
- Always try to have loose cash for small purchases.
- Carry a money belt or pouch under your clothes to keep your money.
- Plan your itinerary in advance to avoid disappointments e.g. lack of transport or hotel room.
- Always settle on a fare before hiring a taxi to avoid exploitation.
- Reconfirm all airline flights along the way.
- It is possible to show up for a flight and not have a reservation because you did not reconfirm.
- Don’t ask for directions from strangers idling in the streets.
- The administration is discouraging handing out money to street kids.

Items to Pack In Your Hand Luggage

Passports, money, tickets
Sunglasses
Medication you use at home (always in your hand luggage, just in case you lose your suitcase!)
Hand Medicine: analgesic, allergy pills, remedy for diarrhea (maybe Imodium), malaria pills, plasters and disinfectant wipes.
Binoculars (so you get to see the leopard way out there in the tree!)
Camera and memory cards more than you expect to use, including a battery charger and a bag to protect the camera from Africa’s fine, red dust.
Shoulder bag with sturdy strap and zip. A money belt or good inside pockets that
can be zipped up
A few photocopies of all personal documents such as passports, visas, flights, travel insurance, vaccination card, international debit cards, (Master Card, Visa credit cards etc.) driving license
Telephone list for the immediate blocking of lost debit card and insurance
Mail addresses of those you wish to send postcards or send messages too.
Notebook and pens
A good book or something to keep you entertained