Malaria: where and how to protect yourself
Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes (mostly at dusk and at night). According to travel health advice, the risk is low in Nairobi and the highlands, and higher in most other low-altitude regions: the coast (Mombasa, Diani, Watamu, Lamu), the Masai Mara, Tsavo, Samburu or the Lake Victoria region. A doctor will decide on a prophylaxis suited to your stops; the usual drugs (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine depending on the case) each have contraindications.
Simple habits matter as much as the tablet:
- suitable repellent on bare skin at sunset;
- long, light-coloured clothing in the evening, and a bed net if the room is not closed or air-conditioned;
- see a doctor quickly in case of fever, even after you return, mentioning your trip to Kenya.
Yellow fever: the certificate at entry
Kenya asks for a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers aged one year and over arriving from a risk country (or who had a layover of more than 12 hours there). Coming directly from Europe, the certificate is generally not required, but check before leaving, as the list of countries changes and the certificate must be at least 10 days old. Vaccination may also be recommended for some areas; ask your doctor. See also visa and eTA for Kenya.
Vaccines to discuss with a doctor
Beyond your usual up-to-date vaccines (tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, etc.), professionals often suggest discussing hepatitis A, typhoid and, depending on the trip, hepatitis B or rabies (if you travel for a long time or far from care). Only a doctor can set the list that suits you.
Water, food and sun
- Do not drink tap water: use sealed bottles or filtered water; avoid ice of uncertain origin.
- Eat hot, well-cooked dishes, and avoid salads washed in tap water outside good lodges and hotels.
- Equatorial sun: high-protection cream, hat, sunglasses. Nairobi is at about 1,700 m altitude: nights are cool, especially in July-August, and some people feel slightly breathless for the first days.
Kit and insurance
Bring your personal medicines with the prescription, an anti-diarrhoeal, antihistamines, paracetamol, plasters and an antiseptic. Travel insurance with repatriation is very useful on safari, far from hospitals. In an emergency call 999 or 112, or alert your lodge. In the regions, medical rescue is often by air ambulance: your insurance must cover it.
Going further
See scams and safety in Kenya, the best time for a safari (the rainy season means more mosquitoes) and the budget for a trip to Kenya.
