Kenya General Safety Tips

PLEASE NOTE THAT CHANGES ARE MADE ALMOST ON A DAILY BASIS, PLEASE CONTACT YOU NEAREST KENYA EMBASSY FOR MORE ACCURATE VISA POSTING AND UPDATES

UYAPHI SAFARIS CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR CHANGES IN GOVERNMENT POLICY, SHOULD CHANGES TO THE BELOW OCCUR!

'A guide on basic safety practices while on safari and or in the African bush'

General Safety Tips:

If you're on a mobile, packaged safari and/ or tour, encountering safety risks are minimal - tour operators make it their business to know the areas they travel to so risk is kept to a minimum.

Avoid the border areas next to Sudan, Banditry still take place.

Try not to travel alone, always keep to small groups, never hitch hike or get a lift from a stranger when you are on your own. Always read the local news and keep up to date on current happenings around the world and in Africa.

Websites like www.news24.com, www.iafrica.com,www.africanews.org and www.iol.co.za are updated with top stories almost hourly.

Ask a few locals to give you a run-down on all safe and unsafe areas, dress codes as well as areas where the tourist are.

Safety Rules within Cities: The central areas of the larger cities (e.g. Nairobi, Mombasa) have a criminal element that preys on unwary tourists! Do not walk alone in apparently deserted places especially at night; wherever possible walk with a group. Be on the look out for pickpockets and bag snatchers. Do not carry more cash than required. Do not wear jewellery. Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes. Don't carry a lot of camera equipment especially in the major cities. Keep a photocopy of the first few pages of your passport, visas and air tickets, separately from the original documents. Beware of thieves posing as police officers.

Safety on Roads: When driving in Africa there are a few simple rules, drive carefully and slowly (speed kills), remember animals and humans can cross the road at any time (quite often just in front of you), try never to drive at night, stay alert as roads are often poorly maintained and pot holes are to be found. Another fairly common occurrence are vehicles with missing headlights. Always wear you seat belts. If you are renting a car, keep the doors and windows locked while driving in the major cities. Car-jacking occurs fairly regularly but may not end in violence as long as you comply with demands made.

Terrorism in Kenya: Sadly Kenya, like so many other countries striving towards development, is not free of terrorism. 243 People were killed and over 1000 injured during the 1998 attack on the US Embassy in Nairobi. November 2002 saw a car bomb explosion which killed 15 people outside a hotel near Mombassa. The militant group Al-Qaeda are thought to be behind the attacks. Despite these are scary statistics you can still enjoy your safari or the beach in Mombassa. After all, tourists haven't stopped going to New York city after 9-11 and security has improved in Kenya since 2002. For more information on terrorism check with your Foreign Office or Department of State for the latest warnings and developments and stay up to date with current world affairs (see top).

Generally people are very friendly towards tourists in Kenya and you will be humbled by their hospitality. However, poverty is rampant in Kenya and you will soon realise that you are far richer and more fortunate than most local people you meet. You will probably attract your fair share of souvenir hawkers and beggars, but try and take the time to meet ordinary people going about their day to day business too. The experience will be worth it. Don't be afraid to step out of that tour bus, just take some precautions. Stay aware of what's going on around you, you have a good chance of enjoying a problem-free safari!

Safety on Safari:
Always listen to your guide!

When visiting wildlife areas do not walk into the bush without your guide!

Do not approach any wild animals too closely: It is dangerous!

Do not swim in any rivers (presence of crocodiles and hippo's)!

Never feed any animals, however inquisitive they may appear to be!