MPJ

We are headed to Kenya/Tanzania in July with our 13 year old. He is violently allergic (anaphylaxis) to tree nuts, peanuts, and shellfish. We have been given assurances by our tour operator (Micato) that the places we are staying will be well informed and that care will be taken.

My question is whether anyone with severe allergies has traveled in this region before and, if so, did they feel safe? Are there any suggestions for making the situation more safe -- we have traveled throughout Europe and the Galapagos with him so we are certainly veterans. Usually manage by getting translations of all foods he is allergic to in the necessary languages.

Just double checking here because everyone on this board is so very helpful!

kimburu

Both my wife and I suffer allergies (although much less severe than your son's in my case) and we felt no more at risk in Kenya than we have anywhere else.

In Kenya, if you are staying in lodges they will mostly have buffets and you can select your own food. In all cases I think you will have menu choices and so can play safe. In addition everywhere I was paying anything more than peanuts ;-) (sorry, couldn't resist it..)the chef was around during meal service.. so you could double check personally without a big fuss.

Generally the standard of service is excellent in Kenya (and I believe Tanzanaia is the same) and it will not be an imposition to have a quick personal word with the chef before taking each meal. That way you take on some of the responsibility yourself, which should stop you worrying too much.

Translations are probably a good idea if some of the foods are a bit obscure, but your average Kenyan lodge/ camp chef will know English very well.


Can someone confirm Tanzania would be similar to Kenya in the respects above?

kimburu

Can someone also confirm my horrible generalisation that the average Kenyan loedge/camp chef will know English very well..

Patty

There will definitely be someone at the lodge or camp, if not the chef, who you can communicate with regarding any dietary restrictions. I was sick most of the time at Ilkeliani and they were very accomodating in making me special meals that I could try to eat.

Pumbavu

Kimburu, I would confirm that most chefs in Kenya speak great English. It was a waiter in the Mara who had problems with the word "butter".

"Sorry, please can we have some butter?"
"Butter?"
"Butter!"
"Butter??"
"Yes,butter"

These days I would have less of a problem...

"nataka siagi tafadhali!"
"Siagi?"
"Siagi!"
"Siagi?"
"Ndio! Siagi"

gail

Friends who travel internationally with family member with food allergies have made up a small booklet with pictures of prohibited foods - useful because even though you learn the word for peanuts, for example, you also need to show peanut oil, peanut butter, etc. And the concept of shellfish can mean anything from clams to squid to lobster - all different families and not necessarily all allergens.

santharamhari

What lodges/camps are you staying in? Most upper end lodges/camps have a very very high standard of service....

I cant remember East Africa (Was last there in 2002), but in most camps in South Africa/Botswana.....one of the first things the hosts do is give you an orientation of the camp and find out things like food allergies etc etc.....

I would assume, the same for East Africa. Most people when they first travel to Africa, think of it as a backward area to travel to........but there is no trace of poverty/famine/disease/starvation out in the bush......where you are paying a lot of money for a great experience...

Kenyatraveller

I too have a violent allergy to peanuts and other legumes. Can you tell me how the trip went? I am planning to be in Kenya and Tanzania in November/December but am starting to get nervous about the food. Especially as I was hoping to be able to eat local food (not just from the lodges).

sandi

Your tour operator, outfitters, planner, etc. should always inquire about allergies, foods - fish, seafood, dairy, eggs, peanuts, strawberries, and on and on and on - you don't eat (for whatever reason) and food preferences (vegetarian, kosher, etc). This information is conveyed to your lodge and/or camp, where the kitched does their utmost to adhered.

As adults one should have no problem reiterating this once at camp/lodge... even speaking direct to the chef. They will be most accommodating. And when it comes to children, the parent/guardian should do likewise, if the child hasn't already spoken up - most do.

And, then - if you're not sure, just don't eat whatever it is that may be of concern.

I've outgrown my childhood allergies, but for fish and/or seafood... and I don't eat pork (just don't like). No problem ever in either of these two countries or for that matter, anywhere in the world.

Actually sat with one camp manager this past trip when they were going over their dinner menu - these people don't eat pork (Muslims... and me, because I don't like); other guest's really liked the afternoon burgers and wanted them for their elegant dinner; everyone else ate lamb. Believe me, they care and adhere to such requests and information... they want happy guests during their stay.

KIBOKO

Hi MPJ,
I'm really not Kiboko, I'm her husband, Dr. Kiboko. I guess I have a bit too much free time on my hands this week (sort of on vacation and it's too hot to be outside). I had a chance to read your post and was a bit concerned about your son's allergy. As you probably know, peanut allergy is a dangerous allergy to have. I imagine, as a parent, you are aware of just how dangerous it can be. between 50 and 100 people in the U.S. died last year as a result. A similar proportionate number of deaths were reported in Great Britain. Anyone with this allergy, but particularly children, need to have an anaphylactic kit ANA-KIT (epinephrine) with them when far from home. I would be particularly concerned in Africa, because of the obvious remotness. It is also unlikely that the lodges have ANA-Kits either. You indicate that you have done a bit of "off the track" travel so you may already be prepared with such a kit. Check it to be certain it has not expired (solution should be clear). My family does not have any known allergy but I always carry a couple of ANA-Kit pens with me just in case someone in my group needs help. Many Docs do so and if the emergency does arise, let your lodge hosts know so that they can review their guest list and notify a doctor if one is staying there. Once again, most of us like peanut butter and have no problems but for those with allergies to peanuts, exposure can be life threatening.
Cheers, CJ's husband

ShayTay

In Africa, peanuts are sometimes known as groundnuts, so you'll need to make sure they understand what you mean by peanuts.

Pumbavu

It's interesting (to me anyway ;-)) that a peanut isn't a nut! But it is a member of the pea family.

I'll go now.

Sorry

Kenyatraveller

Tips like knowing that peanuts are sometimes called groundnuts are indispensable! Is anyone aware of any foods in particular in Kenya or Tanzania that are likely to contains nuts that people like MPJ or I should know about? Are other legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans, peas...) very common? It's not uncommmon for people allergic to peanuts to develop an allergy to other legumes (I developed an allergy to peas and then lentils quite suddenly at ages 15 and then 23). As a result, I would suggest that all legumes should be avoided while in remote areas, if possible.