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Kenya & Tanzania Safari August 18, 2026
Traveling on 8/18/26 K&T safari. Have read every posting related to K&T safaris, etc. on Tauck forum. Beginning to prepare things to pack. If you recently returned from a K&T safari, please let us know the one most important thing you forgot to pack and wished you had and the one thing you packed that you wish you hadn't. Hope others reading this will benefit from this info. Reach out if you are going to be traveling with us! Can't wait!
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Hi. We are planning this trip for next year. Was curious if you had to get yellow fever vaccine for Kenya.
PerriMcNally - You might check the following.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenya
Jafeldman- although not completely your question - a life saver for me was saline nasal spray! My sinuses can get dry and trigger allergies or nosebleeds- I used the nasal spray every day. A neighbor highly recommended it and I’m so glad I brought it. It doesn’t seem to be something others recommend so it may be specific if you’re more sensitive to the impact of dust or dry air.
I brought a power bank charger for electronics and never needed it. Extra weight I didn’t need.
Based on the current itinerary - CDC would say recommended. It Is ultimately up to you after reviewing the pros and cons with your health care provider. There are some real, potential, significant side effects, especially for those over 60.
We start August 17. Tim and Carol from Baltimore.
And it is helpful to review the yellow fever vaccine requirements of the countries you will be visiting and transiting. The following is from the Tauck website which describes the Classic Safari:
"Although Yellow Fever vaccination is not a Tauck requirement, guests are strongly advised to bring proof of vaccination or, if unable to receive the vaccine, a doctor's note explaining the reason (especially for entry into Kenya). Please be aware that vaccination requirements can change, so staying up to date is essential. If you have been vaccinated, please bring your proof of vaccination, which can usually be obtained from your physician. If you cannot receive the vaccine due to age, medical conditions, or other reasons, please bring a medical exemption letter from your doctor explaining why the vaccine was not administered."
I understand it has to be a very specific Exemption letter for each trip too.
Side effects of Yellow fever vaccine are very very rare.
You are correct British. The important thing is that the most serious side effects (albeit still rare) increase in individuals over 60. Another reason to discuss with your provider. We visited our local Passport Health office and it was a very worthwhile consultation. Three vaccinations (Polio, Typhoid, and YF) and two prescriptions (atovaquone-proguanil for malaria prophylaxis and azithromicin if needed for travelers diarrhea) later, and we are ready to depart on September 3.
Thank you, Travel is Fun. Wouldn't have thought to bring saline nose spray but will definitely do that now! Also, thanks for the info about the power bank.
Tim and Carol from Baltimore - we are arriving in Arusha on 8/17 after spending two nights in Paris. We assume you are referencing the same tour we are on. Received a great email welcome from our TD, Seth, this week so it now feels like it is really happening!!
Regarding the YF vaccine, my husband (a physician himself) also did quite a bit of research and as we are past 65, we did speak with our primary care physicians, both of whom recommended against it and provided us with letters. We agree, everyone should ask their own PCP as each of us has our own individuals needs.
First of all, lucky you! Seth is legendary as a tour director in Africa. I heard that he was no longer doing Africa some time ago, but he must be back.
Careful research shows that the side effects are very very rare, but most doctors will err on the side of caution. There are some countries you may want to visit that insisted on the vaccine. If there is an outbreak, they may not let you enter.
Speaking of Seth here he is during our tour in 2015.
Thanks, British! Nice to know who we will be spending our time in East Africa with!
Seth in May of 2015: