The Kenyan tourist circuit tends to be very safe for tourists. This has been due to concerted efforts by stakeholders to ensure that visitors enjoy their stay without any security concerns. There was however a period 3 to 4 years ago when insecurity on some of the circuits was of concern but the underlying factors have since been effectively addressed.
The tourism industry in Kenya takes visitor safety very seriously and considers all aspects of the tourist’s stay in Kenya. For this reason, the industry created a Safety and Communication Centre under the auspices of the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), which is operated 24hrs a day to monitor visitor safety.The Kenya Tourism Federation represents the leading tourism trade associations comprising the Kenya Associations of:- Tour Operators (KATO), Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), Travel Agents (KATA), Budget hotels (KBHA), Air Operators (KAAO), Ecotourism Society of Kenya (ESOK) as well as Mombasa and Coast Tourism Association (MCTA).
The KTF Safety Centre is the brainchild of the leading tourism trade associations comprising the Kenya Associations of:- Tour Operators (KATO), Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), Travel Agents (KATA), Budget hotels (KBHA), Air Operators (KAAO) as well as Mombasa and Coast Tourism Association (MCTA).
The Safety and Communication Centre is manned by well-trained staff who are at hand to attend to any issues of concern to tourists. These include security, health, road conditions, travel advisories and updates etc. Gamewatchers safaris is a member of the Safety and Communication Centre and is regularly updated on issues that are of importance to them.
There is a 24hr TOURIST HELPLINE (02 - 604767) where one can seek assistance in case of need. Gamewatchers Safaris is connected directly to the Centre by HF radio which makes access while on safari very easy.
Visas are required for visitors from most countries to Kenya, including USA, Germany, France and Great Britain. There is however no visa requirement for citizens of the Republic of Ireland and Commonwealth countries with the exception of citizens from Antigua, Bermuda, Guyana, India, South Africa (for visitors staying more than 30 days), Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom all of whom do require a visa. A visa is not required for citizens of Ethiopia, San Marino, Turkey, Eritrea and Uruguay.
Visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport in Nairobi or Mombasa but Citizens of the following countries need to have a visa prior to arrival in Kenya: Afghanistan, Somali, Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Mali, Sudan, Nigeria, Yemen, Cameroon, Pakistan, North Korea.
Visas can be obtained at the Airport upon arrival in Kenya, or from the Kenyan Embassies/High Commissions abroad prior to departure. Where applicable, the visa fee is US$50 for three months (allowing return into Kenya from Tanzania or Uganda at no extra fee).

There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entry to Kenya unless you are arriving from an area infected with Yellow Fever in which case a Certificate of Inoculation against Yellow Fever is required from travellers older than one year. Visitors coming from other countries in Africa where Yellow Fever may occur, including Tanzania and Zanzibar, require a Yellow Fever certificate.
The recommended vaccinations are Typhoid and Polio and anti-malaria medication is essential. Anti-malaria drugs should be taken prior to arrival and should be continued for 4 weeks after leaving Kenya. It is also advisable to try and avoid mosquito bites by using repellent and by wearing suitable cover-up clothes in the evening.
Hotels and lodges supply clean drinking water but whenever in doubt, please drink only bottled mineral water which is available in hotels and safari camps. Drinking water from the tap is not encouraged.
There are good hospitals in the main towns of Kenya while the rural areas have small health centres where one can get basic first aid. It is absolutely essential that all visitors carry some form of medical insurance to cater for any eventualities. There is an excellent Flying Doctor service in Kenya in the event of a medical emergency while on safari away from the urban centres.