* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas; those countries formerly classified as endemic zones are considered to be still infected by the Kenyan authorities. Travellers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country.

Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at all times.

Diarrhoeal diseases are common. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic; hepatitis E is widespread. Meningococcal meningitis is a risk, particularly in the savannah during the dry season; long-staying visitors and backpackers should consider vaccination. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Dengue fever is present. Avoid sandfly, mosquito and tsetse fly bites, and wear shoes to protect against hookworm. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. There is a high incidence of HIV/AIDS.

Health insurance is essential. Part of the African Medical and Research Foundation, the Flying Doctor Service have introduced a special Tourist Membership, which guarantees that any member injured or ill while on safari can call on a flying doctor for free air transport (website: www.amref.org). There are good medical facilities in Mombasa and Nairobi.