Travelling

[TrevorW]

I've got a 22 year old daughter (a nurse) who's got it in her mind to travel to Kenya for 5 weeks this year with a Kenyan friend she works with

I'm not entirely happy about it and based on what I've read about Kenya in the travel warnings I'm concerned

Anyone struck a similar issue and had similar concerns. I know if I try and force my concerns on her it'll only create agnst and make her more determined to go

or am I just being an overly concerned parent

:shrug::question::thanx:

[Jen]

Awwww Trevor its hard to let them go now that they are all grown up isnt it ((hugs)) :)
Sounds like she has made up her mind and she will go because what do us as parents know anyway LOL :thumbsup:

[Octane]

Kenya has insanely beautiful landscapes/scenery.

I want to go, too!

H

[gary]

Kenya is one of the most personally rewarding destinations I have ever been.

Though I am not in a position to be able to provide advice on the wisdom of
gong there or not at the current time, I certainly can pass on some generic advice
I would give to anyone who was definitely going. This is not meant to increase
one's fears. Quite the opposite, it is the type of advice I would welcome myself
from another traveler just before I set off.

You will be well aware of the current travel warnings -
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Kenya

There have been heightened travel warnings in the wake of the killing of Bin Laden.
The fact that the US Embassy bombing in 1998 was linked to Al-Qaeda and that
Barack Obama's father was born in Kenya has raised the specter of a reprisal attack.

Even without the current backdrop of recent events in Pakistan, the situation
in Kenya is "fluid" at the best of times and one has to definitely be on one's toes,
so the following additional advice is applicable even in the best of times.

It is Africa, after all.

If driving, ensure that the vehicle is well maintained, that tyres are in good
condition and that the spare is serviceable. Check that the vehicle has a jack and
tools for replacing the tyre. If someone else is driving you, politely take a personal
interest in the integrity and maintenance of the vehicle. One wants to avoid breaking
down and one needs a vehicle that be called upon to reliably deliver getting one out of
harm's way. Ensure it has sufficient fuel before setting off on a journey. If carrying additional
fuel in a jerry can, ensure that the can's seal is good and will not leak when the
vehicle bounces on rough roads.

If driving, be aware of unexpected pot holes or entire excavations, some up
to a meter deep, particularly when overtaking a slower moving vehicle, such
as a truck. Be aware of oncoming traffic overtaking on your side of the road.

Be alert for car jacking attempts or vehicle contents snatch and grab attempts,
particularly in busier towns such as Nairobi and Nakuru. Driving in
Nairobi is best described as "chaotic" and can be challenging, even for the
most experienced of drivers.

Avoid venturing out at night in Nairobi.

If driving the road through the desert to Lake Turkana, be aware of the occasional
tribal clashes between the Pokot and the Turkana. Ask if the security situation
on the road is stable before heading to Lokichar and ask the police again in Lokichar
before driving to Lodwar. Likewise, make inquiries before driving the road to Marsabit.

If visiting Lamu on the north-east coast, highly recommend do not drive because
of the risk of "shifta" (bandits), many of whom come over from Somalia. Best to
fly in and out of Lamu via Nairobi or Mombasa.

Be vigilant on the roads. If something ahead looks suspicious, make a quick
decision as to whether it may pose a risk. Best to err on the side of caution.
An improvised road block ahead, such as what appears to be a fallen log, should
not be approached. if safe to do so, brake hard and reverse as quickly as possible.
With the exception of police, do not stop for someone who attempts to
wave you down. if someone throws a rock at the vehicle, keep going and assess
any damage later.

Avoid any town where an election is taking place.

Avoid getting malaria. Pack sufficient doses of the prescribed prophylaxis and always
use a mosquito net at night. Swatting or spraying any mosquito's that are in the
room should be made an evening ritual. In the evenings, before going to dinner,
have a cold shower, change clothing and apply DEET based repellent.

As they say in Swahili - "Hakuna matata", which means "no worries". :thumbsup: