Kenya Gap Year Travel Info

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Kenya Travel Info

Kenya is the land where the word “safari” originated – translating from the native Swahili it means “journey” – when travelling in Kenya one will discover that it is the journey not the destination that brings the real experience. Hot equatorial climates, sun, sand and savannah, lined with one of the world’s most exquisite beaches.

When to go to Kenya

Kenya stretches over the equatorial belt. With seasons merging into each other, there is no clear-cut "best time of year to travel to Kenya" leaving you to decide when to go to Kenya on a safari expedition.

September-January: Summer season – Hottest temperatures in September cooling off towards January
March-May: Rainy season – Hot tropical thunderstorms – humid days – warm nights

Is it safe to travel in Kenya?

Kenya safety: please refer to our guidelines for advice however, we advise that you are an adequately prepared traveller and keep an eye out on all you belongings the majority of the time. Money exchange is not advised to occur on the streets with local merchants, rather use the national bank.

Please be advised that Pathfinders offers 24 hour ground support for all staff and volunteers to ensure safety in Kenya. Our co-ordinators will provide as much assistance and local knowledge as they can to integrating you into your country and programme.

Kenya Visas

All travellers require visas for Kenya travel. 90 day visitor visas can be obtained before arrival. Consult a Kenyan consulate nearest to you about 6 months prior to your departure. Visas can also be obtained upon arrival at the International Airport of Nairobi.

Costs are as follows:
US $50 for a single entry visa
US$100 for a multiple entries

Visitor visas can be extended for a further 3 month period but not seven day transit visas.

Kenya Health

Recommended vaccinations for Kenya: Hepatitis A, Polio, and Typhoid.

Vaccination for Yellow Fever is essential even if traveling from an infected area, and recommended even if you are not. Be sure to have your vaccination record of yellow fever with you when you arrive.

Malaria in Kenya: Consult with your local physician before departing and obtain prophylactics. When in Kenya sleep under Mosquito net and applymosquito repellent as needed. Pathfinders does advise that long sleeves shirts are worn and repellent is reapplied at regular intervals.

HIV/AIDS in Kenya: Kenya is a high risk area it is recommended that all necessary precautions are taken as the HIV/AIDS infection rate is 1 in 3 in Kenya.

Drinking water in Kenya: We advise not to drink local running water or tap water, bottled water where possible is recommended.