What do I need for my Kenya safari?

Try as much as possible to travel light. If you will be flying, the domestic airlines have a limit on the number and weight of bags they will allow you to carry and their restriction is between 10 - 15kgs. The basic list to consider is;- - reading material or travel scrabble/cards for lazy afternoons on safari and for the beach -good binoculars -jacket for early morning game drives -sunblock (water-proof, highest SPF possible) -wide brimmed hat that you can fold up and put in a bag -swimming costume (pretty sure is on your list already) -sunglasses -insect repellent -asprins/paracetamol -lip balm (high SPF) Since you will be travelling to the coast, you MUST take prophylactic treatment for malaria two weeks before leaving home. Consult your doctor to find out which tablet to take, mostly they are only available on prescription. Carry long-sleeved tops/shirts and trousers for evenings, sleep under net wherever possible and use mosquito repellent. Congratulations and enjoy your honeymoon.

A safari suit and malaria tablets and a mosquito net perhaps.

Before you leave for an international destination you should consult your physician. You will also need to decide on a malaria prevention medication. It is advised to take malaria prophylaxis. Vaccination for Yellow Fever is not obligatory anymore. Other vaccinations like hepatitis, tetanus are recommended You will get fairly close to a lot of the wildlife, but a good 35 mm camera with a 75-300 zoom lens will certainly help you take some great shots. It is always best to buy your film before you travel, because film here is expensive and not as fresh. 100 – 200 ASA is a good speed for general photography here. Though it can get bright, you might want to be able to get some action shots and the higher speed film will be helpful. Some people also like to use 400 ASA for fast moving animals and evening shots. A beanbag is much better than a tripod for photos from the car. (The safari vehicle should have a pop-up or removable roof to make photography easier.) A cable release is useful to get shots without camera motion. Also, a flash can help with indoor and campfire shots. Remember to bring extra batteries for your camera equipment. Most people find they take 2 to 3 rolls of film per day whilst on safari. If you bring a video camera, don't forget the tapes (very expensive here) and the recharging accessories. You can generally recharge the camera at lodges and from the vehicle.

take Mosquito repellent spray containing 50% Deet...the mozzies hate Deet. Boots do their own one which is around £6.00...but it is very good. take lightweight long trousers to protect your legs when walking in jungle type areas & walking boots to protect your feet from anything that bites. sounds like a fabulous holiday...have fun - lucky you!!

Its worth checking on the climate at that time of year because you may be going in the middle of the rainy season. From memory of my last trip many years ago they have the season of the short rains and the season of the long rains. The long rains require wellies and brollies as it pours down for most of the afternoon each day. Maybe someone will correct me and say that Global Warming has done away with the rains and its all desert now. The biggest pest in Kenya is not the mossies but the beach boys who will hassle you each time you set foot on the sand because its their domain and you are their guests. You have to remember that you are going to a third world country and some things you may see will not be to your liking. My advice is always use your Hotel facilities for trips etc. They will be more expensive but fully insured. You will be offered cheap deals from others on the street or beach, but its not worth the risk. I know you are going to have a very happy and exciting time in Kenya. You will come home with memories that will last a life time and will want to go back there in the future. Be happy, be safe and good luck - - you will enjoy it. Jambo and Hakuna Matata

a high powered rifle.

Camera, Binoculars are a must, if you have a book for animal/bird identification that can be good, although you will probably have a guide with you who can tell you everything like that. Here is my list of things I always take when travelling in East Africa: sunglasses, sun hat, factor 30+ sun cream (the least greasy the better!), long sleeved loose tops (kaftan type), linen trousers, min length skirts, flip flops, trainers, t-shirts, oral rehydration salts, immodium, sterile set first aid kit (in case you need hospital treatment - its best to have your own set of sterile stuff), plasters, bed net, insect repellent, insecticide (ie doom), pen knife, wet wipes, small packs of tissues, a toilet roll, antibacterial hand gel, antihistimine cream for insect bites, paracetamol, indigestion tablets. I'm sure there are more things that I am forgetting - basically take a very well stocked first aid kit. Oral rehydration salts are my most used item - very handy if you get a dodgy stomach, or if you are just feeling generally a bit dehydrated. Clothes wise - light coloured, loose clothing, covering a s much as possible is best when on safari - the last thing you want is to get burnt!! Obviously on the beach will be a different matter!! You might also want to get a travel money pouch (like a bum bag thing that goes under your clothes). I bought one a while back, but actually never use it, but some people fell far more secure with their money and passport hidden if in busy places. Have fun!