Your Complete Guide to Travelling in Kenya: Health, Vaccines, and Expert Advice
Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife safaris, and rich cultural heritage make it a bucket-list destination for travellers of all kinds. Whether you’re embarking on a family holiday, a gap-year adventure, or a business trip, preparing your health is as important as packing your camera. At Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy, we specialise in travel health, ensuring you have all the protections you need before you board your flight to Nairobi, Mombasa, or the Maasai Mara.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about health risks, recommended vaccines, malaria prevention, and local travel advice for Kenya. We’ve included strategic internal links so you can easily book your appointment, learn about specific vaccines, and explore related destinations—all right here in Cambridge.
Contents
Why Visit Kenya? Highlights & Experiences
Health Risks in Kenya: What to Watch For
Essential Vaccines for Kenya
Malaria Prevention Strategies
Travel Health Kit Essentials
Local Medical Facilities & Emergency Care
Further Resources
Why Visit Kenya? Highlights & Experiences
Kenya offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion:
Safari Adventures: Witness the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara or spot Big Five in Amboseli National Park.
Coastal Escapes: Relax on white-sand beaches in Diani or Lamu, snorkel the coral reefs, or explore Swahili culture.
Mountain Trekking: Challenge yourself with a climb up Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak.
Cultural Journeys: Engage with Maasai, Samburu, and Turkana communities to learn traditional customs and crafts.
Urban Experiences: Discover Nairobi’s National Museum, eclectic dining scene, and vibrant markets.
Before you embark, ensure you’re medically prepared for both urban and remote settings.
Health Risks in Kenya: What to Watch For
Travelling in Kenya presents some common and region-specific health risks:
Mosquito-borne diseases: Malaria, Yellow Fever, Dengue
Water- and food-borne illnesses: Typhoid fever, Traveller’s diarrhoea, Hepatitis A
Animal exposures: Rabies from stray dogs or wildlife encounters
Environmental hazards: Sunburn, dehydration, altitude sickness (in highland areas)
Professional preparation minimises these risks. A personalised consultation at our clinic will review your itinerary—whether you’re in Nairobi or venturing off-road in the Rift Valley.
Essential Vaccines for Kenya
Yellow Fever
A mandatory vaccine for entry into Kenya and many African countries. You’ll receive an International Certificate of Vaccination valid for life. Learn more about our Yellow Fever vaccine.
Typhoid
Protects against typhoid fever caused by contaminated food and water. Choose between the injectable or oral vaccine. Book your Typhoid vaccine at our clinic.
Hepatitis A & B
Hepatitis A is spread via the faecal-oral route, while Hepatitis B transmits through blood and bodily fluids. A combined vaccine simplifies your schedule. Details at Hepatitis A & B vaccine.
Rabies
Pre-exposure vaccination is strongly advised if you plan to interact with animals. In case of a bite, your immune system will be primed, reducing reliance on rabies immunoglobulin in remote areas. See our Rabies vaccine page.
Tetanus Booster
Even minor wounds can become infected; a 10-year booster ensures your protection is current. We offer the combined Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio booster: Tetanus vaccine.
Japanese Encephalitis
If you’ll stay in rural areas for over a month or travel during the rainy season, this vaccine is crucial. Find out about the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine.
Malaria Prevention Strategies
Malaria affects thousands of travellers each year. Combine these measures for maximum protection:
Chemoprophylaxis: Malarone®, Doxycycline, or Atovaquone-Proguanil—prescribed based on your health profile.
Mosquito avoidance:
Use long-sleeved clothing and insect repellent (DEET or Picaridin).
Sleep under insecticide-treated nets.
Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms.
Rapid diagnosis: Seek immediate treatment at any sign of fever—malaria can progress quickly.
Discuss your prophylaxis options when you book your travel health appointment.
Travel Health Kit Essentials
Pack a kit tailored to Kenya’s conditions:
Prescription medicines (anti-malarials, antibiotics for traveller’s diarrhoea)
Oral rehydration salts and probiotics
Insect repellent, sunscreen (SPF 30+), and after-bite relief
First-aid supplies: plasters, antiseptic wipes, a small wound-care kit
Hand sanitiser and water purification tablets
A printed copy of your vaccination record and ICVP (Yellow Fever certificate)
Our clinic can advise on specific medications and travel-safe brands.
Local Medical Facilities & Emergency Care
In major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, you’ll find international-standard hospitals. In rural or safari lodges, medical resources may be limited:
Nairobi: Aga Khan University Hospital, MP Shah Hospital
Mombasa: Coast Provincial General Hospital, Aga Khan Mombasa
Safari lodges often have basic first-aid; emergency evacuation plans are recommended
Keep our clinic’s emergency contact details handy and register your trip with your embassy.
Why Choose Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy
When preparing for Kenya, trust the local experts at Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy:
GPhC-registered travel health specialists with deep knowledge of East African health risks
Same-day and next-day appointments for urgent travellers
Comprehensive service: vaccines, malaria prophylaxis, bespoke health advice
Family-friendly environment: experienced in paediatric and adult vaccinations
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Central location: 56 Mill Rd, Petersfield, Cambridge CB1 2AS—just minutes from the city centre
Read more about our team on the About Us page.
How to Book Your Consultation
Visit our booking page to choose a convenient slot.
Call us on 01223 354383 for same-day or urgent appointments.
Prepare your travel details: destinations, duration, planned activities.
Bring your vaccination history and passport to your appointment.
We’ll create a tailored plan to ensure you leave fully protected and confident.
Further Resources
For the latest travel health advice, refer to these authoritative sources:
TravelHealthPro (UK government travel health advice)
Fit for Travel (NHS)
NHS Travel Vaccination Advice
Safe travels await in Kenya—from the savannah’s golden plains to the turquoise shores of the Indian Ocean. With the right preparation and expert support from Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy, you can focus on making memories, not worrying about your health.
Book your travel health consultation today on our booking page or call 01223 354383. We look forward to helping you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
More information check out the following resources where we source information from:
Fit for Travel
Travel Health Pro
NHS Travel Advice