General Safety Tips •

If you're on a guided tour, your chances of encountering problems are minimal, tour operators make it their business to know the areas they travel to so you are never at any undue risk.
If you're travelling alone, keep up-to-date with local news so you know about potential "hot spots". www.africanews.org carries top stories from most of Africa's local newspapers, and is updated daily. Get a local perspective - ask someone where you're staying to give you a run-down on any unsafe areas, and codes of dress and behaviour.
As with anywhere in the world, when you're in a city err on the side of caution. Don't openly carry valuables. If you must carry your passport and money, keep them in a buttoned-down pocket or well-concealed on your person.
Driving in Africa can often be a pretty adventurous undertaking. In many countries, and particularly in rural areas, roads are often poorly maintained and it's not unusual to come across large domestic animals such as sheep and cattle. The best advice: stay alert, use your seatbelts and avoid travelling at night.
Avoid deserted areas, particularly at night. If you're in a car, try and park in well-lit populated areas; always keep it locked - even when you're in it; and don't leave valuables where they can be seen.
If you're thinking of hitchhiking, you'll need to understand the high risks involved. It is often exciting, always potentially dangerous - particularly in around urban centres or after dark - and isn't advised if safety is a priority. The best advice for security when you travel: simply stay aware of what's going on around you. If you do this, you have a good chance of enjoying a problem-free holiday

Safety on Safari •

All reserves have a set of rules that you need to follow to ensure your safety. Many of the animals you'll come across, particularly lion, hippo, elephant and buffalo, are dangerous. Stay in your car and keep a reasonable distance - especially with elephant - in case you need to beat a hasty retreat!
Africa has its fair share of poisonous snakes - though they are rarely encountered and, when they are, will more often than not try to get away as quickly as possible. However, if you plan on doing any walking, take along boots, socks and long trousers as a precautionary measure (which also helps with ticks) - and always look where you're going.
Avoid swimming in rivers that have hippos and crocodiles.

Malaria •

If you're travelling to a malaria area, you'll need to take the following precautions:
Apply insect repellent to exposed skin - recommended repellents contain 20%-35% DEET, and there are a number of brands on the market. Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants if you're outdoors at night. Use a mosquito net if your tent or room isn't screened or air-conditioned; and spray insecticide or burn a mosquito coil before going to bed. Take the malaria tablets recommended for the region you're travelling to, and keep taking them until the course is complete. If you come down with flu-like symptoms either during, or within four to six weeks after, your visit to a malaria area, seek a doctor's advice immediately.

Kenyans •
The largest and most dynamic of all Kenya's ethnic groups, the Kikuyu are Bantu-speaking agricultural people of northern Kenya, inhabiting highlands NE of Nairobi.