Travel vaccinations for Kenya
One of the most popular safari destinations from Kent, combining wildlife holidays with coastal breaks - malaria prevention is a central part of preparation.
Kenya safaris typically involve time in rural, lower-altitude game parks where malaria risk is present, alongside coastal areas around Mombasa and Diani that carry similar considerations.
Nairobi itself is generally considered lower risk than rural safari regions, but most itineraries combine both.
Assessed individually
Vaccines commonly discussed for Kenya
- TyphoidMost travellers. Widely recommendedFull course £50
- Hepatitis A and B combinedMost travellers. Widely recommendedFull course £195
- RabiesSome travellers. Considered for longer safaris or rural staysFull course £240
- Diphtheria, tetanus and polioEveryone - check you are up to date. Booster if it's been over 10 yearsFull course £50
- Yellow feverSome travellers. Recommended for some areas - see yellow fever belowFull course £80
No vaccine for this
Malaria in Kenya
High risk across Kenya including the safari parks and the coast, where antimalarial tablets are recommended. Very low risk in Nairobi and in the highlands above 2,500m, where bite avoidance is the advice.
Antimalarial tablets and pricesRecommended for some areas
Yellow fever
No certificate is needed when arriving directly from the UK. Vaccination is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and older visiting most of Kenya, including the main safari parks. It is generally not recommended for trips limited to Nairobi, Mombasa, the coastal counties of Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Malindi and Tana River, or North Eastern province. Kenya counts as a yellow fever risk country, so you will need the certificate to enter Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda or South Africa afterwards.
Yellow fever certificates and exemptionsBeyond the jabs
Before you go
- Malaria prevention - tablets and bite avoidance
- Sun protection at altitude and near the equator
- Food and water hygiene
- Access to healthcare can be limited in remote safari areas
- Entry requirements
- A visa or eTA is generally required for UK travellers; check current entry requirements before booking.
- When to go
- June to October and January to February are popular for safari viewing.
Common questions
Travelling to Kenya
Do I need any specific vaccinations for a Kenya safari?
Usually typhoid and hepatitis A and B, with rabies considered for longer or rural trips, plus antimalarial tablets for the parks and the coast. Yellow fever vaccination is also recommended for most safari areas outside Nairobi and the coast, and you will need the certificate if you continue to Tanzania, Zanzibar or Uganda. We give yellow fever at our clinics and issue the certificate in the same appointment.
How reliable are malaria tablets on safari?
No antimalarial is 100% effective, so tablets are always combined with mosquito bite prevention - repellent, covering up in the evenings, and sleeping under nets where provided.
