Prices of Exit Tax (Kenya) and Vaccines
Jul 10th, 2005, 04:36 PM
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Prices of Exit Tax (Kenya) and Vaccines
I know that we will have to purchase Visas on the way into Kenya ($50). However is there any exit tax, fees, or tourist tax when you leave? I know in South America we have often been a bit suprised by that at the end of our trip.
Also, I know there is a list of shots/vaccines for travel to Africa. I know it would vary by health insurance providers...but are these terribly expensive? I read on another board they amount to over $300 per person....it seems a bit much?
Also, I know there is a list of shots/vaccines for travel to Africa. I know it would vary by health insurance providers...but are these terribly expensive? I read on another board they amount to over $300 per person....it seems a bit much?
Jul 10th, 2005, 04:39 PM
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Another off topic question....Can anyone recommend a decent digital camera with zoom for our safari? I would like to spend no more than $500.
Also-is it worth taking a small video camera?
Also-is it worth taking a small video camera?
Jul 10th, 2005, 04:43 PM
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Yet another question (can you tell I am trying to make a budget?)
Our safari price includes just about everything (airfare, game drives, lodges, meals, etc.). What type of spending money might be good for 7 days on safari in Kenya?
Are there other things to do at most lodges (other than the ballon tours) that would cost extra money?
Our safari price includes just about everything (airfare, game drives, lodges, meals, etc.). What type of spending money might be good for 7 days on safari in Kenya?
Are there other things to do at most lodges (other than the ballon tours) that would cost extra money?
Jul 10th, 2005, 05:45 PM
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Hi Meg,
I am going to Bots/Zimbab/South Africa- for 24 days. My bill at the travel MD was $500- just for me! Insurance does NOT cover the vaccines for travel, or the malarone in my case. There may be a departure tax in Kenya- chek w/tour agent you are using. Also make sure you budget tips and drinks that may not be included. There are always extras to budget for, but we dont know where you are going. I always take about $1,000 more than I think I need- then if I come home with extra, fantastic!! But this will be my first safari or trip to Africa-so maybe someone else could advise more specifically! Have a great time!!! Suzic
I am going to Bots/Zimbab/South Africa- for 24 days. My bill at the travel MD was $500- just for me! Insurance does NOT cover the vaccines for travel, or the malarone in my case. There may be a departure tax in Kenya- chek w/tour agent you are using. Also make sure you budget tips and drinks that may not be included. There are always extras to budget for, but we dont know where you are going. I always take about $1,000 more than I think I need- then if I come home with extra, fantastic!! But this will be my first safari or trip to Africa-so maybe someone else could advise more specifically! Have a great time!!! Suzic
Jul 10th, 2005, 08:09 PM
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Hiya Meg
Go To CDC.gov It is the US dept of disease control. I also went to istm- the international society of travel medicine, and checked out their reccomendations. I know you need Hep A and B, Typhoid, and I am not sure if you need Yellow fever- but it will be listed there. You should get your shots no later than 6 weeks prior to going, and if you have not had the Hep B, it is a series that (I think)takes 6 months. Anyways, the details will be on those sites! Good luck with the jabs!! Suzic
Go To CDC.gov It is the US dept of disease control. I also went to istm- the international society of travel medicine, and checked out their reccomendations. I know you need Hep A and B, Typhoid, and I am not sure if you need Yellow fever- but it will be listed there. You should get your shots no later than 6 weeks prior to going, and if you have not had the Hep B, it is a series that (I think)takes 6 months. Anyways, the details will be on those sites! Good luck with the jabs!! Suzic
Jul 10th, 2005, 08:25 PM
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Meg,
You're right: shots/vaccs costs vary by provider. I didn't pay a cent for any of it, except for my prescription copays. So definitely check with your health provider.
I don't recall any exit fees when we left Kenya.
Good luck!
You're right: shots/vaccs costs vary by provider. I didn't pay a cent for any of it, except for my prescription copays. So definitely check with your health provider.
I don't recall any exit fees when we left Kenya.
Good luck!
Jul 11th, 2005, 05:30 AM
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When we got our vaccines etc. for Tanzania/Kenya we went to a specialist travel clinic and had a consultation to determine what was wise - they also did the shots there. For example yellow fever may not be "needed" but it was still recommended. Also list varies depending on whether male or female etc. However we also chose not to get all the vaccines recommended (didnt get meningitis for example).
The list we got appears to have been
yellow fever
hepatitis A, B
typhoid
rubella (measles/mumps/rubella)- female only
tetanus (tetanus/diphtheria/polio)
Note that some doctors will not give all vaccines at once to avoid you having reactions. Hepatitis A or A/B require multiple shots. Yellow fever has to be done in advance (6 weeks at least I think?).
Malaria medication - discuss advantages/disadvantages of types with your doctor. Malarone is expensive, must be taken daily but I had no bad reactions. Larium is cheaper, has a longer "track record" but can have bad reactions (my husband had mild panic attacks 24 hours after taking each pill and we knew others with worse reactions).
If your doctor will also give you a prescription for Cipro (or similar broad-spectrum antibiotic) in case of a persistent case of "travellers tummy" or similar, that would be good too -ours did, and we did end up using it.
Regarding tips- your tip to drivers can be as much as 10 dollars/person/day (depending on most recent recommendations -dont take my number as gospel!) which really does add up to a significant amount to carry - and tips to housekeeping, people who carry luggage etc. all add up as well. At lodges there can be walks or talks that may cost money, but usually not much (I think we paid 5-10 dollars each for a guided walk, for example). The only expensive activity (other than balloon ride!) was a night game drive if not included in your trip. I think it was around 35 dollars/person in 2003.
You will stop on the road at places that offer souvenirs - remember to bargain! But can be anything from 1 dollar for bracelet to several hundred for large, expensive wood carving (you needed an 8 foot giraffe, right?
). I don't know what kind of thing you tend to buy, but add on something to your budget to cover these things.
The list we got appears to have been
yellow fever
hepatitis A, B
typhoid
rubella (measles/mumps/rubella)- female only
tetanus (tetanus/diphtheria/polio)
Note that some doctors will not give all vaccines at once to avoid you having reactions. Hepatitis A or A/B require multiple shots. Yellow fever has to be done in advance (6 weeks at least I think?).
Malaria medication - discuss advantages/disadvantages of types with your doctor. Malarone is expensive, must be taken daily but I had no bad reactions. Larium is cheaper, has a longer "track record" but can have bad reactions (my husband had mild panic attacks 24 hours after taking each pill and we knew others with worse reactions).
If your doctor will also give you a prescription for Cipro (or similar broad-spectrum antibiotic) in case of a persistent case of "travellers tummy" or similar, that would be good too -ours did, and we did end up using it.
Regarding tips- your tip to drivers can be as much as 10 dollars/person/day (depending on most recent recommendations -dont take my number as gospel!) which really does add up to a significant amount to carry - and tips to housekeeping, people who carry luggage etc. all add up as well. At lodges there can be walks or talks that may cost money, but usually not much (I think we paid 5-10 dollars each for a guided walk, for example). The only expensive activity (other than balloon ride!) was a night game drive if not included in your trip. I think it was around 35 dollars/person in 2003.
You will stop on the road at places that offer souvenirs - remember to bargain! But can be anything from 1 dollar for bracelet to several hundred for large, expensive wood carving (you needed an 8 foot giraffe, right?
). I don't know what kind of thing you tend to buy, but add on something to your budget to cover these things.
Jul 11th, 2005, 06:33 AM
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megtr -
There are many threads here on Fodors regarding inoculations, malaria meds, visas and departure fees. You can do a search for these and get lots of information.
First, your departure fee should be incuded in your Int'l air ticket. At one time this was payable in cash on departure, but no longer. However, if you will be on Zanzibar at the end of your trip, there is a departure fee payable when you leave. Currently: to a Tanzania location USD$10; to NBO or other country other than Tanzania, it's USD$25.
Re inoculations - check the CDC website and see their recommendations. The CDC does tend to be alarmist, but most travelers, if they aren't current on inoculations they had as a child, do upgrade with:
1) Tetanus shot (good for 10-years);
2) Hep-A which is two shots, the second given 6-mo. to 1-yr after the first (good for 10-years).
3)A Polio booster, which will last the rest of your life.
4) Thyphoid is recommended - these are pills, and only good for a short period. I've never taken these on any of my trips.
5) No longer required - Yellow Fever for either country.
6) Hep B is for blood borne diseases and not recommended unless staying in-country for 6-months or longer and/or if working with an aid agency/ngo. However, there is a combined A/B called Twinex that some people get.
7) Malaria meds - Lariam might be cheaper these days as it's now available in generic, but a small percentage of people have weird reactons and some more toxic reactions. With the newer Malarone (runs about $90-$125 person, is easier on the body with few reactions.
With the CDC info in hand, you should visit your own physician who knows your health history and make your decision. Some prefer a tropical diseases specialist, but these at Travel Clinics will sell you on everything that's out there - most aren't necessary for someone visiting the standard tourist sites.
Depending on the relationship you have with your own physician, he may provide these inoculations under whatever you pay for a office visit... mine did - co-pay only. As were my Malarone pills - co-pay only $35. An alternative is the Public Health Clinic in your area where you may save a few dollars.
Only you can determine what you need for tips/alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages/souvenirs. Do a search here on Fodors re tips - there are been many threads recently. And you should be getting a list of recommended tips from your tour operator; and many lodge/camps have a list in your room/tent.
In Kenya you can pay with Kenya Shillings for camp personnel; with USD/KSh for guides; USD/Ksh/credit cards for souvenirs; Admission at many NBO sites nowadays prefer KSh over USD.
There is a currency exchange the NBO airport on arrival and ATMs can be found at a number of places in NBO for KSh... but not out at lodges/camps.
There are many threads here on Fodors regarding inoculations, malaria meds, visas and departure fees. You can do a search for these and get lots of information.
First, your departure fee should be incuded in your Int'l air ticket. At one time this was payable in cash on departure, but no longer. However, if you will be on Zanzibar at the end of your trip, there is a departure fee payable when you leave. Currently: to a Tanzania location USD$10; to NBO or other country other than Tanzania, it's USD$25.
Re inoculations - check the CDC website and see their recommendations. The CDC does tend to be alarmist, but most travelers, if they aren't current on inoculations they had as a child, do upgrade with:
1) Tetanus shot (good for 10-years);
2) Hep-A which is two shots, the second given 6-mo. to 1-yr after the first (good for 10-years).
3)A Polio booster, which will last the rest of your life.
4) Thyphoid is recommended - these are pills, and only good for a short period. I've never taken these on any of my trips.
5) No longer required - Yellow Fever for either country.
6) Hep B is for blood borne diseases and not recommended unless staying in-country for 6-months or longer and/or if working with an aid agency/ngo. However, there is a combined A/B called Twinex that some people get.
7) Malaria meds - Lariam might be cheaper these days as it's now available in generic, but a small percentage of people have weird reactons and some more toxic reactions. With the newer Malarone (runs about $90-$125 person, is easier on the body with few reactions.
With the CDC info in hand, you should visit your own physician who knows your health history and make your decision. Some prefer a tropical diseases specialist, but these at Travel Clinics will sell you on everything that's out there - most aren't necessary for someone visiting the standard tourist sites.
Depending on the relationship you have with your own physician, he may provide these inoculations under whatever you pay for a office visit... mine did - co-pay only. As were my Malarone pills - co-pay only $35. An alternative is the Public Health Clinic in your area where you may save a few dollars.
Only you can determine what you need for tips/alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages/souvenirs. Do a search here on Fodors re tips - there are been many threads recently. And you should be getting a list of recommended tips from your tour operator; and many lodge/camps have a list in your room/tent.
In Kenya you can pay with Kenya Shillings for camp personnel; with USD/KSh for guides; USD/Ksh/credit cards for souvenirs; Admission at many NBO sites nowadays prefer KSh over USD.
There is a currency exchange the NBO airport on arrival and ATMs can be found at a number of places in NBO for KSh... but not out at lodges/camps.
Jul 11th, 2005, 09:30 AM
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You'll want a camera with a minimum OPTICAL zoom of 10x. If you can get 12x that would be even better. Here are two 5 megapixel, 12x optical zoom digital cameras that you should be able to find online for less than $500 -
Canon Powershot S2 IS
Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ20
We also brought a small video camera and we very glad we did.
Canon Powershot S2 IS
Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ20
We also brought a small video camera and we very glad we did.
Jul 27th, 2005, 12:00 PM
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I am going to Kenya in Sept. for 12 days & was told all I need is Malaria Pills. I'm getting Larium (5 pills) from Costco for under $40.00. You take 1 a week. You do not need Yellow Fever shots or anything else
Jul 27th, 2005, 12:25 PM
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regg11 -
Five (5) pills aren't enough if you are taking Lariam. Yes, only 1-pill a week, but you take the first pill starting a week before you depart, then 1 pill each week that you are gone (12-days is 2-weeks in country) and then for 4-weeks after your return. At minimum you need 7-pills.
Curious - Have you ever taken Lariam before? Why Lariam rather then Malarone which has less, if any, side-effects?
Five (5) pills aren't enough if you are taking Lariam. Yes, only 1-pill a week, but you take the first pill starting a week before you depart, then 1 pill each week that you are gone (12-days is 2-weeks in country) and then for 4-weeks after your return. At minimum you need 7-pills.
Curious - Have you ever taken Lariam before? Why Lariam rather then Malarone which has less, if any, side-effects?
Jul 27th, 2005, 04:40 PM
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We leave for Kenya/Tanzania/Pemba in about 2 months (can't wait). I thought I had read that for passage thru Zanzibar you do need a yellow fever vaccination card. Can anyone please confirm this? Also - if we do need it - how soon in advance should we have the vaccine?
We already have Hep A, typhoid, tetanus, MMR and will take malaria pills, so I think other than the potential need for yellow fever, we are all set.
Please help!
We already have Hep A, typhoid, tetanus, MMR and will take malaria pills, so I think other than the potential need for yellow fever, we are all set.
Please help!
Jul 28th, 2005, 04:53 AM
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We recently got vaccinated for a trip to Kenya / Mauritius. The medical centre here in Ireland (a specialist tropical medicine bureau) advised us that we needed to be innoculated for Yellow Fever because they will not let us into Mauritius from Kenya without the vaccine. We already knew that, so no surprises there.
However the interesting bit was that the doctor said, entry/exit requirements aside, in general Yellow Fever is no longer needed for trips to Kenya as it is no longer a medical necessity UNLESS you are visiting the Masai Mara, where there are still pockets of Yellow Fever. His advice to us was that he would be recommending Yellow Fever vaccine because we are going to the Masai Mara regardless of whether you need it for an onward journey to another country.
However the interesting bit was that the doctor said, entry/exit requirements aside, in general Yellow Fever is no longer needed for trips to Kenya as it is no longer a medical necessity UNLESS you are visiting the Masai Mara, where there are still pockets of Yellow Fever. His advice to us was that he would be recommending Yellow Fever vaccine because we are going to the Masai Mara regardless of whether you need it for an onward journey to another country.
Jul 28th, 2005, 07:21 AM
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We returned from Kenya and Tanzania July 4 and had a great time! I had the same sort of questions as you before and will offer my suggestions.
VISAS - We arrived in Kenya and decided to take care of the visa before we departed. I am SO happy we did this! We simply contacted the Kenyan embassy and sent, by Fed EX, our passports and $50 (each) along with the completed forms and a pre-paid return Fed Ex envelope, to the embassy. While it was a bit scary sending our passports in the mail, we had no problems and were able to track the delivery on the internet. It took about a week to get them back.
When we arrive in Nairobi there was an enormous line at the visa counter. It was so nice to walk past the line and continue. After a 9 hour flight from Amsterdam we were happy we did not have to wait another hour in that line. For those people in the visa line there was much confusion. Many people waited in line, then did not have the proper paperwork and had to leave the line, fill out more paper and re-join the cue.
We drove from Kenya to Tanzania and took care of the visa at the border. Since there wasn’t a plane with 200+ people, the line was small and only took about 15 minutes for the Tanzanian visa. Also cost $50.
CAMERAS - I was in the same situation as you. I wanted an easy to use, high quality digital camera. I read just about everything I could on the subject and came up with what I believe to be a winner! I got a Panasonic FZ15 last spring. It cost me $350. The best thing is this amazing 12x optical zoom. And it is easy to use! It is only a 4 mp camera - but there are another couple of options (FZ 20) that is 5mp for less than $500. Here are a couple great web sites to compare cameras:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/fz15.html
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0407/04...asonicfz15.asp
Here is a link to my picture I took with the Panasonic FZ 15:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePh...p;sort_order=0
We also too a small digital camcorder. I am SO HAPPY I did this! I have been spending my spare time editing the video I took - great to see the animal move and hear the sounds. Strongly suggest this as well.
MONEY - You will need cash for tips. We tipped our guide $15 per person per day, plus a bonus of all our left over African money (about another $50) because he was great. Also used cash for the camp staff tip boxes. Everywhere we stayed accepted VISA. Two of our camps included everything including all drinks and laundry. The others accepted VISA for bar bill, laundry, souvenirs, etc. We also used the VISA at the larger shops and airport. Only place we needed cash was at small shops and for minor tips here and there.
We brought US dollars and Kenyan shillings. We would have been fine only bringing US dollars. We needed more cash when we arrived in Tanzania, so we went to the bank in Arusha and took out a few hundred dollars worth of Tanzania money at an ATM. Very easy to do this, even with the guard with a shotgun outside the door! We also took $2,000 in US Travelers checks, but some camps could not cash large amounts of money, usually only $100 a day or so.
MEDS - Our insurance paid but about $100 of our shots. We were very happy. The bill for the 3 of us was about $1,600. We needed to start the shots about 6 weeks before we left.
Enjoy your safari
VISAS - We arrived in Kenya and decided to take care of the visa before we departed. I am SO happy we did this! We simply contacted the Kenyan embassy and sent, by Fed EX, our passports and $50 (each) along with the completed forms and a pre-paid return Fed Ex envelope, to the embassy. While it was a bit scary sending our passports in the mail, we had no problems and were able to track the delivery on the internet. It took about a week to get them back.
When we arrive in Nairobi there was an enormous line at the visa counter. It was so nice to walk past the line and continue. After a 9 hour flight from Amsterdam we were happy we did not have to wait another hour in that line. For those people in the visa line there was much confusion. Many people waited in line, then did not have the proper paperwork and had to leave the line, fill out more paper and re-join the cue.
We drove from Kenya to Tanzania and took care of the visa at the border. Since there wasn’t a plane with 200+ people, the line was small and only took about 15 minutes for the Tanzanian visa. Also cost $50.
CAMERAS - I was in the same situation as you. I wanted an easy to use, high quality digital camera. I read just about everything I could on the subject and came up with what I believe to be a winner! I got a Panasonic FZ15 last spring. It cost me $350. The best thing is this amazing 12x optical zoom. And it is easy to use! It is only a 4 mp camera - but there are another couple of options (FZ 20) that is 5mp for less than $500. Here are a couple great web sites to compare cameras:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/fz15.html
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0407/04...asonicfz15.asp
Here is a link to my picture I took with the Panasonic FZ 15:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePh...p;sort_order=0
We also too a small digital camcorder. I am SO HAPPY I did this! I have been spending my spare time editing the video I took - great to see the animal move and hear the sounds. Strongly suggest this as well.
MONEY - You will need cash for tips. We tipped our guide $15 per person per day, plus a bonus of all our left over African money (about another $50) because he was great. Also used cash for the camp staff tip boxes. Everywhere we stayed accepted VISA. Two of our camps included everything including all drinks and laundry. The others accepted VISA for bar bill, laundry, souvenirs, etc. We also used the VISA at the larger shops and airport. Only place we needed cash was at small shops and for minor tips here and there.
We brought US dollars and Kenyan shillings. We would have been fine only bringing US dollars. We needed more cash when we arrived in Tanzania, so we went to the bank in Arusha and took out a few hundred dollars worth of Tanzania money at an ATM. Very easy to do this, even with the guard with a shotgun outside the door! We also took $2,000 in US Travelers checks, but some camps could not cash large amounts of money, usually only $100 a day or so.
MEDS - Our insurance paid but about $100 of our shots. We were very happy. The bill for the 3 of us was about $1,600. We needed to start the shots about 6 weeks before we left.
Enjoy your safari
Jul 28th, 2005, 07:29 AM
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Forgot to mention that we were surprised that there was an EXIT TAX leaving Tanzania of about $10 per person. We did not have any more Tanzanian money (we gave it all to our guide) and was not aware that ther was a newly imposed tax until we we inside the airport departure line. We ended paying using euros, although they were not too happy about this!
Jul 28th, 2005, 08:46 AM
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We were one of the first passengers off our flight and encountered no line at all at the visa desk at NBO. At the time, the immigration line for passengers with visas was longer. Either way you have to wait in one line or the other. I think it just the luck of the draw which one is shorter.
Jul 28th, 2005, 11:08 AM
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Patty,
Yes, I belive they would accept US Dollars as well. We just did not have either left!
I agree with the luck of the draw with the lines, but it sure was nice to have it all taken care of in advance. Additionally I suspect the line for pre-arranged visas would be quicker?
Yes, I belive they would accept US Dollars as well. We just did not have either left!
I agree with the luck of the draw with the lines, but it sure was nice to have it all taken care of in advance. Additionally I suspect the line for pre-arranged visas would be quicker?
