In Nairobi: It’s all about layers. Bring lots of cotton layers. It can be hot one moment, cloudy or raining the next. Evenings are always cool. You’ll find it’s not such a backwater – people do glam up when they go out. There are lots of sophisticated shopping centres and restaurants, as well as dusty safari walks, elephant orphanages and Masai markets. Be flexible.
Nairobi:
• Jeans for evenings
• 1 pair cotton trousers
• 2 pairs shorts/skirts
• 2 blouses/short sleeve shirts
• 2 t-shirts
• 2 or more cotton jumpers/cardigans
• A summer dress?
• Flip flops (something comfortable for muddy/dusty/uneven surfaces)
• One lightweight jacket (for layering up in evening or facing rain showers)
• Ankle boots for evenings, stops you getting bitten (girls – heels are worn in Africa!)
• Cotton scarf/sarong/wrap
• Moisturizer/lip salve. Nairobi is high altitude so very drying atmosphere.
Bush:
• 2 pair khaki trousers or shorts
• 2 pair comfortable walking shoes
• 4 t-shirts/shirts (they say on safari not white or bright colours as it scares the animals – but judging by what the Samburu and Masai wear, I think that this is stretching the point a bit! Animals won’t mind!)
• socks, underwear
• warm sweater/jumper/fleece
• several outfits for evening, casual
• bathing suit, sarong, flip flops
• camera, charger, spare battery
• pair good quality binoculars (8x30 or 10x40)
• high factor sun screen
• lip salve
• medications including anti malaria meds
• sunglasses
• cosmetics and toiletries
• contact lenses and glasses
• hat with wide brim (tho a baseball cap is better than nothing)
• plug adaptors (Kenya takes UK plugs), chargers
• mosquito repellent
• book
• pocket torch/flashlight
• sachets of Dioralyte (rehydrant) to stay energised during your safari
Beach:
It’s hard to believe but there’s no need to pack a sweater at all at the Kenya coast, ever! Be ready for high humidity.
Day time
• Swimming costume/bikinis
• Swimming t-shirt/rash vest/old t-shirt (for snorkelling, water sports or to wear when swimming)
• goggles/snorkel (you can usually borrow these on reef trips but also nice to have your own)
• Sun hat – preferably wide brim
• Sunglasses
• Suncream
• Sarongs/kikoys – but you can buy great ones from beach vendors here, ditto beaded leather sandals
• Flip flops or beach shoes that don’t mind going in the water for reef walks
• Shorts/miniskirts/short dresses are okay for beach and hotel
• For cultural visits wear a long skirt/3 quarter trousers and shirt/top that covers shoulders
• Thin t-shirts
• Dresses for day wear
• Books
• Camera
Evenings:
• 2 pairs long light coloured trousers for evenings
• Khaftan tops
• Thin cotton/linen shirts with long sleeves
• Insect/mosquito repellent
• Pretty shoes for evening
Note: dark coloured clothing attracts mosquitoes as well as tsetse fly on safari
Medication:
Your usual meds plus..
Anti-histamine cream to slather on irritating bites.
Traveller’s diarrhoea is a possibility. Insider tip: You can get a great one dose anti-biotic over the counter in Kenya called cyprofloxicin in a 500mg tablet (also available in UK on prescription only). If you are struck down, consult the hotel doctor or local pharmacy – don’t be a hero, it’s quickly curable and doesn’t have to spoil your holiday.
Sachets of Dioralyte (rehydrant).
Mosquito spray. Most hotels/lodges provide it but not a bad idea to buy some in case (if you buy locally – I would suggest a brand such as Doom).
I also swear by buying treated nets in the local supermarkets, then carrying them with you to hotels/lodges to throw over a chair in the corner of the room. This deters the mossies that carry malaria.
Anti-malarials – often cheaper to buy once in Kenya. Local pharmacy’s will advise on what the current prophylactic of choice is.
See more info on the ‘Will I get Malaria’ page.
