Travel Health Checklist for Kenya — 2026
Whether you are heading to the Maasai Mara, relaxing on the Kenyan coast, or climbing Mount Kenya, proper health preparation is essential. Use this printable checklist to prepare.
Pre-Travel (6–8 Weeks Before)
First Aid Kit
Basics
Safari & Coast Kit
Water & Food Safety
- Do not drink tap water in Kenya — use bottled water (Keringet, Dasani, Highlands)
- Safari lodges provide filtered/bottled water
- Ice in Nairobi 4/5-star hotels is usually safe; elsewhere avoid
- Street food: nyama choma (grilled meat), chapati, mandazi from busy stalls are usually safe
- Avoid raw salads outside upmarket restaurants
- Wash hands frequently — hand sanitiser essential
Altitude Sickness (Mt Kenya)
Mt Kenya (5,199m) is Africa's second-highest mountain. Altitude sickness is a serious risk above 2,500m.
- Diamox (Acetazolamide) — 125–250mg twice daily, start 1–2 days before ascent
- Ascend slowly — no more than 300–500m per day above 3,000m
- Symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite
- Descend immediately if symptoms worsen (confusion, breathlessness at rest, cough)
- Stay hydrated (3–4 litres daily at altitude)
Hospitals & Emergency Numbers
| City | Facility | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | Nairobi Hospital | +254 20 284 5000 |
| Nairobi | Aga Khan University Hospital | +254 20 366 2000 |
| Mombasa | Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa | +254 41 222 7710 |
| Kisumu | Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu | +254 57 202 0170 |
| Emergency | 999 / 112 |
| AMREF Flying Doctors | +254 20 699 2299 |
| Tourist Helpline | 0800 723 456 |
| UK High Commission | +254 20 287 3000 |
| US Embassy Nairobi | +254 20 363 6000 |