Before You Leave
DOCUMENTS/PASSPORTS:
- U.S. citizens currently require visas for Kenya. Classic Escapes uses the services of Zierer Visa Service to obtain the proper visas. You will receive a packet of information and visa applications when you register for your safari. Please read over the instructions carefully. You will be responsible for sending the proper paperwork, photos and payment to Zierer directly.
- Applications for a Kenya visa will require two color passport-sized photographs. Home or machine photos are NOT acceptable.
- If you choose not to use Zierer Visa Service, you may elect to obtain your visa directly through the proper consulate office.
- A passport valid for at least 6 months after your travel ends is required.
- You may need proof of yellow fever vaccination if traveling to Tanzania.
Foremost, allow sufficient time (up to 6 weeks) if you need a new passport to be issued. You will need two recent photos, plus proof of citizenship or your expired passport. The fee for an adult is $85 for a first-time passport and $55 for a renewal, with delivery by mail in 3-4 weeks. Call the National Passport Information Center toll free at 877-487-2778 for information or email them at npic@state.gov. You can also visit their website at http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html for further information. Same day service costs an extra $30; frequent travelers should request a 48-page rather than the 24-page passport when renewing.
When you travel, we recommend that you make two copies of your first passport page; keep one copy at home in the unlikely event that your passport is lost, and take one copy along to use as an ID when cashing traveler's checks should you leave your passport behind in the hotel safe deposit box.
SINCE AIR TICKETS MUST BE IN THE SAME NAME THAT APPEARS ON YOUR PASSPORT, PLEASE MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU ARE REGISTERED ON YOUR CLASSIC ESCAPES PROGRAM IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required. Currently, visas are required for Kenya.
CUSTOMS: You may bring into East Africa all the personal effects that you need, including cameras, and any amount of film. You should bring proof of purchase and/or register your video cameras or extensive photography gear with U.S. Customs before you depart. Upon your return, the U. S. forbids the import of any product derived from an endangered species. Do not be tempted to buy ivory, tortoise shell, elephant hair bracelets, or any product derived from rhino, elephant or big cat. Some people in south and central Africa are not in agreement with the U.S. stance on CITES (Commission on International Trade in Endangered Species) with regard to ivory. Nevertheless, importing ivory into the U.S. is illegal.
INNOCULATIONS: No inoculations are required for Kenya, unless you enter after visiting an "infected" country, such as Egypt, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo. A Yellow Fever shot is no longer mandatory, but if your travel plans include traveling to or from an African country that is infected with yellow fever or is located in areas where yellow fever transmission has occurred (endemic areas), then the easiest and safest thing to do is to get a yellow fever vaccination and a signed yellow fever certificate, which you should carry with your passport. After immunization, an International Certificate of Vaccination is issued. It becomes valid 10 days after vaccination to meet entry and exit requirements for all countries. The Certificate is good for 10 years. You must take the Certificate with you.
In addition, hepatitis (A & B), typhoid, and tetanus inoculations are recommended but not mandatory. Consult your doctor for a prescription for a malaria suppressant at least two weeks prior to departure as tablets should be taken a week before you depart, as well as during and after trip. The best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. Wear long slacks and long sleeved shirts, use mosquito nets, and a repellent with 30% DEET, Skin So Soft, or oil of citronella. Malaria symptoms can appear as few as 8 days after exposure or a year later. Do not be misled by flu like symptoms of chills and fever. Since some U.S. doctors are unfamiliar with malaria, insist upon a blood test. Delays in treatment can have serious consequences. For further information, check out the CDC's web page on malaria prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malariadrugs.htm.
Please consult your physician, local health authority or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) or via their web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel for any additional health precautions. For outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/iht.
FOOD AND WATER: Food, even on safari, is carefully prepared, and the local cuisine is refreshing. In Kenya, you will find a strong Indian influence. Most meals will include a buffet of some kind, whether it is the entire meal or a portion of it. Generally, water throughout eastern Africa is NOT safe to drink directly from the tap. Fortunately, bottled water is readily available, so please do not allow yourself to become dehydrated. In remote areas water is usually boiled or bottled and is safe to drink but not from the tap. It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months. It is generally recommended that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres (4 to 6 pints) of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and actually contributes to dehydration. Classic Escapes provides bottled water for passengers in the vehicles and at each meal.
IN SHAPE: To enjoy your trip to the fullest, you should be in good physical and mental health. Your safari will not include strenuous activity. Your biggest workout may be at the buffet table at meals! It is an easy climb into the safari minibuses and open vehicles and your game drives allow you to sit back and take in the view around you. Rough roads may bounce you around so you should be prepared. Walking safaris (when available) are given at a decent pace in order to closely examine the flora and fauna of the area.
HEALTH ABROAD: Your program includes some of the most exciting and awe-inspiring areas of the world, yet they may not always conform to US health standards. You will receive information on optional health insurance coverage and we highly recommend you register for this coverage. There is sometimes a concern of contracting more serious illnesses while traveling, such as AIDS/HIV. As travelers come to Africa for the animals, the sun, and the chance to learn about the environment and culture, they very rarely use this opportunity to engage in unsafe behavior. You can remain healthy and not increase your risk factor by abstaining from unsafe sexual activity, not coming in contact with bodily fluids of others, and not sharing needles or razors. You cannot contract AIDS through casual contact, handshakes, insect bites, toilets, swimming pools, food, or water.
HIGHS AND LOWS: Eastern Africa holds many variations in altitude. At certain heights, the phenomenon known as altitude sickness can occur. There are no specific factors such as age, gender, or physical condition that correlates with susceptibility to altitude sickness. Some people get it and some people don't, and some people may experience it one visit and not the next time. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, lack of concentration, nausea, swelling of ankles, and in extreme cases, hallucination. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, heavy food and strenuous physical activity. Citrus fruits and bananas may diminish the effects. If you do not feel well, take it easy. Put your feet up, drink plenty of clean (boiled or bottled) water, and take a siesta after lunch. People with respiratory problems may be affected by the air pollution of the larger cities, although the local government has taken recent steps to curb emissions.
ALTTITUDE CHART:
| Kenya | Altitude (feet) |
| Aberdare | 9,800 |
| Amboseli | 3,782 |
| Maasai Mara | 5,000 – 6,400 |
| Mombasa | 3 |
| Mt. Kenya (peak) | 17,058 |
| Mt. Kenya Safari Club | 7,000 |
| Nairobi | 5,700 |
| Naivasha | 6,843 |
| Nakuru | 6,407 |
| Namanga | 4,461 |
| Nanyuki | 6,519 |
| Samburu | 2,600 - 4000 |
| Tree Hotel (Montain Lodge) | 7,198 |
| Tsavo | 1,446 |