Dear Linda,
Congratulations--I think that this is a good choice.
Let me address some Kenya-specific issues that have come up, as I live in Kenya most of the year.
Malaria primarily is endemic near Lake Victoria and at the coast. Kenya is different from other safari destinations because many destinations in Kenya are at a much higher altitude. My house near Naivasha is at an altitude of 2,100 meters, so there is no malaria here. The same is true for other destinations like Nairobi, Nairobi NP, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate NP, Lake Nakuru NP, Aberdare NP, and so on. Even in Maasai Mara, malaria is rare. Generally, in altitudes above 1,500 meters the risk is much lower. In other, lower-lying destinations malaria is mostly seasonal: risk is highest during the rainy season and right after. Depending on where you go, bringing a good mosquito repellent and protective clothing will suffice. I am sure your travel provider will give you more information on that.
Other illnesses: I would check with your medical provider (or travel clinic) to make sure you have the necessary immunizations, like yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, cholera, and typhoid. If you start planning now you have plenty of time.
Food safety: your tour company will take care of that. I eat on the local economy all the time and never had a problem. When I eat out, I generally stay away from uncooked foods. Fruit at the market is fine. Always drink bottled water, which is easy to find in Kenya. Lodges, hotels, restaurants, even little stores, etc. have it readily available.
Climate: in higher elevations, Kenya has a moderate climate. In Naivasha, where I live, temperatures don't ever reach 30 degrees Celsius--a really hot day is 28 degrees (82F). The nights are generally cool and even cold, so bring long-sleeve shirts (also for malaria protection) and a light sweater. In lower altitudes temps are little warmer but not intolerable. Only the Lake Victoria area and the coast experience really tropical climates. Keep in mind that the sun is very intense so it may feel very hot and uncomfortable in the sun. Bring a good hat, sun screen, sun glasses, and protective clothing.
The main rainy season here is April and May (we are in a dry spell now, but a wet Easter is forecast). The secondary rainy season is late September to late November. Patterns can shift a little, particularly due to climate change. Since you plan to travel in September you will be at the end of the dry season--I assume you picked the date because it is migration season at Maasai Mara.
Scammers. Most people are honest here, just like everywhere else. Scammers do exist, with a bit of common sense they are easy to spot. On a safari, you will be mostly sheltered from that anyway.
Snakes: they do exist, obviously, and some are venomous. Frankly, I have seen only one so far, a harmless one. You will spend most of your time in your safari vehicle as in Kenyan national parks you are not allowed to get out except for in designated areas. There are some exceptions: you are allowed to walk in Hell's Gate NP because there are no big cats there.
If you have any questions please send me a private message.
Have a great trip, Peter
Dear Linda, br br Congratulations--I think that t... (
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