Kenya
From CruisersWiki
Kenya Cruising Guide
Kenya | |
Kenya | |
Flag | |
Capital: | Nairobi |
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Language: | Swahili, English |
Currency: | Kenyan shilling |
More notes about the country |
Background
The Republic of Kenya is a country in East Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, and Sudan to the northwest, with the Indian Ocean running along the southeast border.
Climate & Weather
The climate on the coast is tropical and hot to very hot and humid. April to June is the heavy rainy season while October to November experiences less rain. The weather is under the influence of the monsoons, which also dictate the direction of the currents (the northbound current can run at up to 4 or 5 knots at times). This must be borne in mind when planning to sail along this coast. The best timing for southbound voyages is during the NW monsoon and for northbound voyages during the SE monsoon.
Sources of weather forecasting:
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
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Immigration, Visas & Customs
Immigration
Deatails
Customs
Details
Health
Protect yourself from mosquitoes, as they carry numerous diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever. Get expert advice on malaria preventatives. Guard against mosquito bites. Wear long sleeves and long trousers and apply an effective insect repellent, for example, one containing DEET. If travelling to other East African countries, you should have a yellow fever vaccination so as to prevent complications and paying of bribes at the border. These can be administered at an affordable price at most reliable Nairobi clinics and hospitals.
Malaria prophylactics can be highly effective. Consult your physician. If you get flu-like symptoms, including fever, consult a doctor immediately. If no doctor is available, take a treatment dose of an appropriate anti-malarial and go immediately to a hospital. While the public hospitals are slightly cheaper, long waits and poor conditions and care at these facilities may make it worthwhile to go to a private clinic. Costs will vary, but a typical trip to the hospital for malaria testing, doctor's consultation, and medication will cost between $12 to $30USD depending on the clinic. As malaria can become serious, a trip to the hospital is recommended at the first symptoms of malaria. Delayed treatment, even by just a few hours, can lead to permanent brain and liver damage or death.
Do not have unprotected sex as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases are a high risk.
Cholera is another danger. When in affected areas, see a doctor immediately and drink plenty of water.
All water should be treated, either by boiling or through purifying tablets or filters. This includes Nairobi as well as rural areas. Typhoid fever is a risk and, like malaria prophylactics, the vaccination is not 100% effective. All fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed. While eating from the roadside kiosks is part of the cultural experience that one should not miss, note that such places do not always have the highest sanitary conditions and stomach illnesses can result.
It is advisable to have traveller's and accident insurance.
Security
Kenya had an uncharacteristic bout of intertribal violence in January 2008 after a disputed presidential election. Things have now quieted down and the country is considered safe for travelers, but the situation remains somewhat on edge, so follow local news carefully.
Stay alert when walking or driving through Mombasa (and Nairobi). You should be careful always to be aware of your surroundings and, if possible, ensure that you have a guide with you. Even daylight muggings on crowded streets are not uncommon. Particularly avoid walking after dark. Take a taxi if you can afford it, or a bus if you can not.
Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth and property, particularly tempting objects such as cameras, mobile phones, laptops, MP3 players, etc. Take special care of your dinghy and motor.
It is advisable for women travellers to avoid travelling alone and to have a male companion so as to present less of a tempting target. Muggings and robbing are a regular occurrence in downtown Mombasa and Nairobi.
Just be careful and enjoy your stay.
Ports & Popular Stops
Offshore Islands
Popular Passages to/from
Passages
Cruiser's Friends
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References & Publications
Books, Guides, etc.
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
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.