Though not quite as popular as legendary tourist destinations like France and the United Kingdom, Kenya has been one of the world’s 20 most visited countries thus far in 2023.

It’s really no surprise. Kenya is home to incredible wildlife reserves, fascinating Bantu and Swahili culture, and stunning tribal and Portuguese architecture. 

But before you start booking your Kenyan vacation, it’s a good idea to do some research. Follow these tips to have a wonderful and safe time in Kenya.

Shop Kenya Travel Medical Insurance

This should be your first step.

Though Kenya is a relatively safe destination, there certainly are risks. The country is home to dangerous wildlife, and there can be unrest near some border areas. None of this means you shouldn’t go to Kenya; it simply means you should be prepared with the right travel insurance.

Travel medical insurance for Kenya can be an ideal solution. If you get hurt or become sick during your trip, it can help you get the best medical care available for an affordable price.

This is important because not all areas of Kenya will have public hospitals that are up to modern standards. The best care available is usually at a private facility, which can be quite expensive. Since your domestic health insurance is unlikely to be accepted, you’ll need a way to pay for treatment that doesn’t drain your bank account. Travel medical insurance is the answer.

In addition, most travel medical insurance plans can provide coverage for necessary emergency medical evacuation. This is essential to have in a destination like Kenya. If you get injured while hiking in the bush, you may need to be evacuated to the closest medical facility. In especially dire circumstances, emergency transport to a different country may be required for proper treatment. In either case, this cost can exceed $100,000. If you don’t want to pay that entire cost yourself, you should get travel medical insurance instead.

Visit Maasai Mara Reserve

Maasai Mara Reserve may be the most famous wildlife reserve on the planet, and should be near the top of your Kenyan trip itinerary. A safari here can let you see gazelles, hippos, zebras, and crocodiles up close.

However, getting up close and personal with wild animals comes with an extra bit of risk. Be sure to research hazardous sports travel insurance before any safari, as this activity may not be covered by standard travel medical insurance plans.

Apply Insect Repellent Liberally

Kenya is home to a lot of things that buzz, bite, and sting. Wasps, scorpions, and mosquitoes are common in the country. And they don’t just live in natural areas. The cities of Kenya are also home to healthy insect populations. Buy quality insect repellent and apply it regularly. You should also invest in a good first-aid kit with bandages and antiseptic in case of any especially painful bites or stings.

Make Sure Your Permits Are In Order

Kenya has a lot of national reserves, and most of them require the proper permits to visit. The last thing you want is to travel so far and be denied access to the places you wanted to see most. Get your paperwork in order well ahead of your trip so there are no surprises.

Watch for Petty Crime

Crime is a fact of life in most countries, and Kenya is no different. Avoid walking alone at night, and keep your wallet in your front pocket to prevent crimes of opportunity. If you carry a purse, be sure to wear the strap across your body. You can even invest in a money belt for extra security.