Is Maasai Mara safe? Malaria risk, vaccinations, & travel insurance

Yes, Maasai Mara is safe for visitors on a Kenya Safari

Masai Mara National Reserve is recognized as one of the best wildlife reserves not only in Kenya but also in the world. The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, cape buffalo, rhinos and elephants) and the Great Wildebeest Migration.

The Masai Mara offers incredible wildlife viewing all year round, with the Great Wildebeest Migration occurring between July and November – which is one of the most remarkable wildlife encounters in the world.

Masai Mara National Reserve is a very safe destination to visit, as it is well protected by professionally trained Park Rangers and wildlife wardens. Also, it is located hours away from the urban areas of Kenya where safety is more of a concern. However, similar to all safari destinations all over the world, precautions health-wise must be taken. Also, visitors are advised to purchase travel insurance before flying to Kenya in case of any emergency.

Vaccinations

1. Yellow Fever Vaccine

Kenya requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all travelers arriving from or transiting for 12 hours or more through countries on the WHO’s list of nations with yellow fever transmission risk.

The Yellow Card is your proof of vaccination and is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, and is commonly called a “Yellow Card”. All visitors are encouraged to travel with one (always carry the original – photocopies as digital images are not accepted at most borders).

2. Hepatitis A&B

All travelers aged one year and older travelling to Kenya are recommended to take Hepatitis A&B.

Hepatitis A is spread via contaminated food and water – a risk that can exist even at the most well-run establishments. Hepatitis B is transmitted via blood and bodily fluids, and it is recommended if you require medical care while abroad.

3. Tetanus

Tetanus is a routine vaccination and is recommended for all travelers to Kenya as well as Masai Mara. Tetanus is a bacterial toxin that enters the body through cuts and wounds. Most people are vaccinated as children and could benefit from a booster in adulthood. The risk of tetanus exposure is low, but boosters for adults are recommended every 10 years regardless of travel.

4. Typhoid

Typhoid is recommended for all travelers of all ages visiting Kenya.

Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria transmitted through contaminated food and water, and it is a greater risk when eating outside of established lodges, for example, at markets or roadside stalls.

5. Rabies

Rabies vaccines are recommended for travelers who are more likely to approach or be approached by animals, and anyone who may have contact with wildlife or domestic animals. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal via a bite, scratch, or lick to broken skin.

Kenya is considered a high-risk country and the risk of exposure is generally low for guests in vehicles, but high for those spending time on foot or interacting with community dogs.

Malaria Risk in Masai Mara and Prevention

Though the risk of malaria in Masai Mara is low, malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all travelers planning to visit Masai Mara National Reserve for a safari. Though malaria is preventable, it can progress rapidly to life-threatening illness.

Malaria is present in Masai Mara National Reserve, and the risk is higher during and after rainy seasons (March – May and October – December).

Prophylaxis Options

There are three main antimalarial medications commonly used in East Africa. All require a doctor’s prescription and a personalized consultation, as suitability depends on your medical history, other medications, and length of your Masai Mara Safari.

• Proguanil – proguanil (Malarone): A daily tablet, started one or two days before entering a malaria zone, continued for several days after leaving. This tablet is popular for shorter trips.
• Doxycycline: Daily antibiotic, started one or two days before travel. Continued for four weeks after. This tablet increases skin sensitivity and requires sun protection
• Mefloquine (Lariam): Weekly tablet with a longer lead-in (started two to three weeks before travel)

Mosquito Prevention

Medication works alongside physical precautions, not instead of. Apply an insect repellent whenever you are outside after dusk, and wear long sleeves and long trousers in the evenings. Most importantly, sleep under a mosquito net or in a screened, air–conditioned room.

Elevation Considerations

Mosquitoes aren’t able to transmit malaria as well at high elevations (above 200 – 2500m). So Masai Mara are therefore lower risk. That said, the benefits of anti-malarial medication apply to the entire trip rather than individual sections. Don’t assume that a night at high altitude means you can skip your meds.

Is It Safe to Go on Safari in Masai Mara without Vaccinations

Many of the diseases that vaccinations protect against, such as yellow fever, rabies, and typhoid, are not something most safari travelers will encounter. Every year, thousands of travelers visit Kenya’s Masai Mara, and the vast majority return home in excellent health.

Skipping vaccinations carries real risks, and the stakes are even higher in remote areas where medical care is far away. Diseases like yellow fever, rabies, and malaria can be life-threatening.

Without a valid yellow fever certificate, you risk being denied entry to Kenya and incurring significant financial losses from being turned away at the border and having to go home without experiencing a Masai Mara Safari.

For most healthy travelers, the vaccines involved are safe, widely available, and well–tolerated.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is important for a safari to Masai Mara as well as any trip. There are several reasons why travel insurance is necessary. When choosing travel insurance, your policy should cover the following.

• Medical treatment: Most healthcare providers in Kenya require cash up front. So if you don’t have insurance, a visit to the hospital can be quite expensive.
• Medical evacuation: This is really necessarily most, especially in the event of a serious illness or injury while on a safari in the Masai Mara. The cost of air ambulance evacuation from the Masai Mara, which is a remote area, to Nairobi can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

When purchasing your travel insurance policy, make sure it includes emergency medical evacuation and treatments. Also, it must cover some activities you intend to do while on your Masai Mara safari, such as game drives, hot air balloon among others, trip cancellation and disruption, such as canceled flights and missed connections, among others.

Your travel insurance must include the insurance policy number and the 24 hour emergency assistance phone number.