Health guide

The decision has been made, the trip has been booked…and now start preparing and anticipating an adventurous holiday!

Well prepared for travel with regard to precautions. What can you expect in a country like Kenya in terms of malaria, typus, hepatitis and other diseases? What precautions can you take and what is the state of medical care in Kenya?

Here you will find the diseases that occur in Kenya, and what you can do to prevent them. Here you will find information about hospitals, their reliability and becoming a member of the flying docs.

You can avoid a lot of trouble if you follow the general safety rules. Don’t eat in local restaurants that look shabby and unsanitary, don’t eat unwashed or unpeeled fruit, don’t buy food from roadside stalls. Do not drink water from the tap, but only sealed bottles of water. Drink at least 2 liters a day! Protect yourself against insect bites and take your malaria tablets on time. If you unexpectedly have complaints that may indicate malaria such as high fever, shivering, sweating, muscle pain and headache, consult a doctor immediately. Malaria is generally treatable. You will be given a course of tablets or injections.

In the vehicles there are first aid kits with the simple means such as plasters, aspirin, bandages. If you use medicines, they can be kept in the cool box during the safari.

If you observe these measures, this is already a good preparation for a successful carefree holiday.

Common diseases: malaria, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, meningitis and dengue.
Also take into account rabies and diarrhea.

Vaccinations: recommended vaccinations are DTP, yellow fever and hepatitis A. Other vaccinations are personal and travel specific.
Malaria tablets recommended if you travel through malaria risk areas. There are different types of prevention tablets available.
For more information, visit the website of general health care information in your country.

About Malaria: Malaria is a common disease in Kenya. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches and headaches, often preceded by a flu-like feeling. Malaria is transmitted during a bite by females of the Anopheles mosquito. This mosquito is active between sunset and sunrise. The parasite is not directly transferable between humans. Malaria can be prevented by malaria pills. Wearing skin-covering clothing and the use of mosquito nets and anti-mosquito fluid during the period when mosquitoes are active can also reduce the risk of infection.

If you have symptoms, go to a clinic/hospital to be tested. Malaria can be treated quickly and well with a course of pills or injection.

Hospitals and clinics in Kenya. There are good reliable hospitals in Kenya both private and government hospitals. If you need a hospital please contact our local representatives for assistance. Also consult your insurer because not all insurers cover the costs if you choose a hospital yourself.

Nairobi hospitals: Kenyatta hospital in Nairobi
Private: AgaKhan hospital, MP Shah hospital.

Mombasa: Aga Khan Hospital Nyali Centre, Pandya Memorial Hospital Mombasa

Suppose you suddenly become unwell during a safari, then it is necessary to transport you to a hospital as soon as possible. Being in the middle of the bush is not easy. That is why we recommend you to register with Amref from the day of arrival. During your stay in Kenya or Tanzania you are assured of the care of Amref for 30 days. In case of emergency you will be picked up by an air ambulance.

We are more then happy to assist you with your registration and we pay the fee for you! You will feel even more secure knowing that in case of any emergency help is there right away!

For more information click here.