Travelling to Kenya

Vaccinations and health

Visit a travel clinic well in advance of your trip (at least a month) for vaccinations based on your health history and the areas you'll be cycling through. Common recommendations include:

• Routine vaccinations (measles, mumps, rubella, polio, etc.)
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever (may be required for entry)

Malaria prophylaxis: discuss antimalarial medication with your doctor, as malaria is present in some parts of Kenya.

Travel health insurance: get comprehensive cover that includes medical evacuation in case of emergencies.

Immigration and customs

Visa: check your country's requirements — most nationalities can get an e-Visa online beforehand.

Passport: make sure it has at least 2 blank pages and 6 months of validity beyond your travel dates.

Electronic Travel Authorisation: Kenya's eTA system determines your eligibility to travel. Apply at least 3 days before you travel — it's valid for 90 days.

• Visit etakenya.go.ke
• Click "Apply Now" and follow the instructions
• Submit the application
• A confirmation email with your receipt will follow

Bringing your own bike: a brand-new bike or equipment may be charged duty on arrival. It's advisable to ride your bike a few times before entering the country, and to bring the purchase receipt (or a photo of it) to ease things on exit.

Altitude matters

Kenya's terrain varies more than most riders expect:

• Nairobi starts high — over 1,500m — so give yourself time to acclimatise before hitting the trails.
• The Rift Valley routes often involve significant climbs and descents.
• Mountainous areas like Mount Kenya offer spectacular scenery alongside genuinely challenging, high-altitude climbs.

Where possible, we plan itineraries with a gradual ascent between elevations to help your body adjust. Stay hydrated, take rest breaks, and tell your ride captain if you notice headaches, dizziness or nausea.

A few more tips

• Climate: research the weather for your specific region and time of year, and pack rain gear if needed.
• Sun protection: Kenya's equatorial sun is strong even in cooler regions — sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are non-negotiable.
• Hydration: carry sufficient water and top up from the support vehicle.
• Cultural awareness: be respectful of local customs — a few words of Kiswahili go a long way.