Travellers should get the latest medical advice on
inoculations and malaria prevention at least three weeks prior to
departure. A malaria risk exists all year round, but more around
Mombasa and the lower coastal areas than in Nairobi and on the high
central plateau. Immunisation against yellow fever, polio and
typhoid are usually recommended. A yellow fever certificate is
required by anyone arriving from an infected area. Other risks
include diarrhoeal diseases. Protection against bites from
sandflies, mosquitoes and tsetse flies is the best prevention
against malaria and dengue fever, as well as other insect-borne
diseases, including Rift Valley fever, sleeping sickness,
leishmaniasis and Chikungunya fever. AIDS is a serious problem in
Kenya and the necessary precautions should be taken. Water is of
variable quality and visitors are advised to drink bottled water.
Cholera outbreaks occur frequently, and travellers should take care
not to drink contaminated water and be cautious of food prepared by
unlicensed roadside vendors. There are good medical facilities in
Nairobi and Mombasa but health insurance is essential.
Cities & Regions:
Nairobi |
The Great Rift Valley |
The Coast