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For most travelers 9 months and older to Kenya, the yellow fever vaccine is recommended, including safari excursions to the most popular game parks. And for some, the immunization may be required if you plan to visit certain other African countries before or after Kenya.
Keep in mind that yellow fever is a dangerous virus spread by mosquitoes, and infection can lead to hospitalization and even death. Your risk for exposure does vary depending on the region of Kenya you will be visiting.
Areas of Kenya Where Yellow Fever Is Recommended
Generally speaking, regions of Kenya with higher risk for yellow fever exposure include all central and western counties. The most popular national parks for wildlife viewing are within yellow fever risk zones including Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru, and Tsavo West National Park. Although a portion of Tsavo East National Park is in a lower risk area for yellow fever, the majority of the reserve is in a region with higher risk and the vaccine is recommended. Travelers visiting larger regional cities of Kisumu, Eldoret, and Nakuru are also at risk of yellow fever infection and should be vaccinated before arrival.
Areas with Lower Risk for Yellow Fever in Kenya
For travel exclusively to counties in eastern Kenya including Garissa, Mandera, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Tana River, and Wajir, there is a low risk of yellow fever exposure and the vaccine is generally not recommended. This recommendation also includes travel to the city of Mombassa.
Is Yellow Fever Vaccine Recommended for Travel to Nairobi, Kenya?
While the risk of infection with the yellow fever virus is low in the capital Nairobi, risk does increase around rainy periods when mosquitos propagate. This typically includes the months of March, April, and May and again in October, November, and December.
If you plan to pair a visit to Nairobi with any higher risk regions mentioned above, the vaccine is recommended. Frequent visitors to Nairobi such as business travelers or people visiting relatives often choose to vaccinate against yellow fever because for most people, a single dose is now protective for lifetime. Once in Nairobi, many travelers decide to change plans and choose a weekend safari to escape the bustle of the big city.
When is the Yellow Fever Vaccine Required for Kenya?
Many countries may require proof of yellow fever vaccination from all travelers arriving from Kenya, including for people only transiting through Kenya for more than 12 hours such as a long layover. Likewise, if you travel to another country with risk of yellow fever before Kenya, a certificate of vaccination can be required. These requirements are in place to prevent the spread of yellow fever disease to regions or countries where it is not found in local mosquito populations.
Determining if a yellow fever vaccine is recommended or required depends on several factors and we encourage you to speak with a travel health clinic several months before your trip to begin planning.