What vaccinations do I require for Kenya?

You need to visit your GP to seek advice, some of the injections need to be given at least one month before travel so if you haven’t already visited your GP please make it a priority.  The most important vaccinations are Hep A & B, Typhoid and Meningitis.

What are the best anti-malarial drugs?

The three main drugs that a GP will prescribe are Lariam, Doxycycline and Malorone.  Lariam can have some side effects (mainly bad dreams, especially if taken on an empty stomach) while  Doxycycline can make skin very sensitive to the sun.

When do I have to pay the balance for Africamp?

All balances should be paid six weeks before the departure date.

When does the balance for the flight need to be paid?

The balance on your flight should be paid 10 weeks before the departure date.  If you have any queries regarding the balance, flight times, etc then please call Clare at STA Travel on 0871 468 0678. Please remember that flight payments are not made to Adventure Alternative.

Will my mobile work in Kenya?

If you have roaming access then your phone will work, although a cheaper alternative is to ensure that your phone is unlocked before you travel and then you can buy a Kenyan line/sim card (around £2.50).  Texts with a Kenyan line cost under 10p.

What sort of personal medical gear do I need to bring?

We will have a very comprehensive medical kit with us, but you should also have some supplies like: Nurofen, paracetamol, plasters, indigestion tabs, antiseptic, Baby Wipes, stomach sickness tabs (like Buccastem), your malaria tabs and any prescription drugs.

How much personal spending money is required?

Around £100 should see you through the month for personal expenses like souvenirs. We advise against traveller cheques, as there is not the the time to cash them. Cash is your best bet and if you are worried about security then feel free to leave cash, passports, flight tickets, etc with your leader, they will be stored in a safe.

Do I need to arrange my Visa before I travel?

No, it is easy to buy your Visa on arrival in Nairobi, the current price is £30 or $50 and we will keep you informed of any changes before you travel.  Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the date you return to the UK/Ireland.You can buy your visa from the Kenyan Embassy in London if you wish before travelling.

What is the food like?

The food is generally based around vegetable or meat stews and ugali (maize meal) with plenty of fruit, bread, eggs and chapattis. You can get all your pasta, cheese and so on in some of the 'western' shops. We will try to cater as much as possible for any other dietary preferences but it is sometimes very difficult in certain areas. Please understand that sometimes you will not be altogether happy with the food for any number of reasons. Part of the expedition experience is to cope with what is available in an African country. Generally though there is little problem and people can eat enough of what they like to enjoy and not starve!  Let us know if you have special requirements.

What gifts should I bring for the kids?

You don’t need to spend a fortune on presents, in fact you shouldn’t spend anything, you will find friends and family will be a great source here, the kids that you meet will literally have nothing and it is better to provide the children with gifts that are useful to their education or gifts that are personal to you, friendship bracelets that you make with them is a great way to show your affection and will be much more appreciated as it is something that the kids will be able to remember you by or pens for school, clothing or even football boots and shin guards for our Black Cats Football teams, the list is endless but remember you have a baggage limit!

Are there any books you recommend to read?

The ‘Lonely Planet Kenya Guide’ or the ‘Rough Guide to Kenya’ is a great little source of information, it covers all aspects of travel in Kenya, the history of the country, the different tribes of Kenya and the different animals you are likely to see on safari.  It is also small enough to take with you in hand luggage.

Am I at risk from HIV/Aids?

As long as common sense is practised then there will be absolutely no problem.  For example if one of the children cuts themselves then you should under no circumstance touch the cut, we will have a designated medical officer with us throughout the camp who will deal with all the cuts and grazes.  Please read the ‘Risk of Aids while travelling’ on our website.

When will we meet our leaders? Who meets us in Kenya?

You will meet at least one of the leaders at the airport, as we always ensure that we have someone to meet and greet and accompany you on the flight to Nairobi. It may be that some of your leaders are already in Kenya in which case they will meet you after you collect your baggage in Nairobi along with the African staff. All our staff carry large Adventure Alternative signs and nobody is ever left alone.

Is there somewhere that I can keep up to date with all the latest information?

This website is specifically set up for Africamp and we will try to keep up with progress reports and pictures.

Can I use Africamp to complete both my OAP (Other Adventurous Project) and Residential Section for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?

Your DOE development officer will support you through this section.  He will help you apply for what is called an OAP (Other Adventurous Project) Number for you which will enable you to count your ascent of Mount Kenya as your qualifying expedition.