Do I need any Vaccinations to Travel to Kenya? What About Medications?

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July 28, 2020

Regarding vaccinations to travel to Kenya, we recommend that you ask your doctor about this before coming.

Generally, Hepatitis, Typhoid, Polio and Tuberculosis shots are required. Yellow Fever inoculations are also required by many countries when arriving from Kenya so it is a good idea to have them.

You might want to consider taking anti-malarial tablets for the duration of your stay. It is a good idea to consult your doctor about this 4-8 weeks prior to coming to Kenya. If you take prescribed medication then bring enough with you. Make sure these are clearly labelled with a doctor’s prescription/ Although it is fairly easy to get most medicines in Kenya, it will provide you with peace of mind with proven medicines.

How Much Do I Pay For My Flight to Kenya and Who Do I Fly With?

By

Mark

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July 28, 2020

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A Flight to Kenya from the UK or Europe should be around £500 GBP. This can vary depending on the time of year and how soon in advance you book it etc.

Either go directly to the airline’s websites listed below or visit sites such as www.momondo.com.

The airport you need to fly to is Nairobi (NBO).

From Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport, you can get a short flight down to Ukunda Airport (UKU). The Ukunda Airport is located minutes from the dive centre.

Wilson Airport is located about 10km from JKIA and about a 15-minute taxi ride. You should pay attention to the connection times as in many cases an overnight stay in Nairobi might be required, depending on the arrival time of your international flight.

Alternatively, some international carriers fly directly to Mombasa AIrport (MBA) and you can travel from Mombasa Airport to Diani which is about 40km.

Ocean Tribe can also arrange your flight to Kenya for you and cover all logistics. Contact us for more details.

International Airlines- Kenya Airways, British Airways, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Ethiopian, Lufthansa, Air France/ KLM, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Turkish Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Saudia, Egypt Air, South African Airways, Air Kenya, Rwandair

Kenya Domestic Airlines- Jambojet, Safarilink, Fly 540, East African, Skyward Express, Kenya Airways

Diving Jobs- Female Dive Instructor Position in Kenya

By

Mark

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July 12, 2020

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For those dive professionals out there seeking diving jobs, Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya are seeking a female diving instructor to join our growing team in East Africa.

Ocean Tribe is a growing PADI 5 Star IDC Center based in Diani Beach, which is 30km to the south of Mombasa in Kenya. The company presently operates 2 dive bases in the area. However, we are looking to grow our business in the time following the lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A majority of our diving is done on the local dive sites in Diani Beach and Kisite Marine Park off Shimoni.

The successful PADI Instructor is responsible for: Teaching to agency and Ocean Tribe standards, dive guiding daily dives and deck handing for a great underwater experience, safety, and customer service.

Dive Instructor Job Applicant Requirements

Be certified and renewed as a PADI OWSI and willing to teach more specialities.
Currently certified in First Aid & CPR, AED and Oxygen Provider.
Certified as an EFR Instructor
Be fluent in English and ideally one or more other languages
Must be in good standing (no recorded ethics violations or quality assurance issues) with any certifying dive agency
Hold current professional liability insurance
Own their own equipment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills. Must be willing and able to work in a collaborative setting with a diverse group of coworkers and guests.
Be able to provide references from previous diving jobs and PADI Course Directors

Desirable Skills

Underwater Photography
Equipment servicing and maintenance
Freediving or Sidemount Instructor

We Provide

Basic Salary
Self-catering accommodation
Commissions on sales.
Trade rate on diving equipment purchases
Instructor continuing education
Ocean Tribe uniform

Diving Instructor Job Position Duties

Daily Client Greeting
Client Equipment Preparation
Dive Boat Management
Checking Dive Roster
Boat Loading / Unloading
Equipment Cleaning/ Disinfecting
Equipment Inventory
PADI Courses & Instruction
DSD Try Dives
Dive Tours
Snorkel Tours
Tank Filling
Sales
Daily Boat Logistics
Safety Monitor

Instructors are Expected to Work 5 ½ Days a Week based on a rolling roster.

The diving season in Kenya normally lasts between October and April. We are looking to make this a long-term position. However, that being said, we have no objections for instructors who would like to work in seasonal positions during our low season between May and July

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the start date of the position is not yet confirmed until Kenya’s international borders reopen (due August 1st), We are hoping that this should be around October/November. Only shortlisted applications will receive a reply.

Please forward to our PADI CD Mark Slingo Email hr@oceantribe.co .

Cover letter email,
CV
Recent Photo

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email to arrange initial interviews. Interviews will be held over Zoom. Other communication methods will include WhatsApp.

Ocean Tribe is a fun company to work for and a family-like atmosphere. Unfortunately, the pandemic has stretched us financially so at first a basic living salary and accommodation is the package for instructors. Commissions are also offered on every sale made for the company.

Disclaimer: This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.

What Should I Bring For My Diving Course / Internship?

By

Mark

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July 11, 2020

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What should I bring for my diving course? Coming to learn to dive with us in Diani can be done as a standalone experience or as part of a larger safari adventure. While we encourage you to carry all the standard travel garb with regard to clothing, swimwear, sunglasses, hats etc, there are a couple of things we recommend you also have, depending on the dive course/ experience you are doing.

Electronics

While your smartphone and charger are everyday items that you carry everywhere, you might also want a larger device for doing your PADI eLearning for your diver course on. The materials look much better on iPads (where they can be viewed offline) or laptops. This is especially important for those doing dive professional training where a majority of the teaching materials are now digital.

We have free WiFi in the Ocean Tribe dive centre and free WiFi is available in almost all bars/restaurants and cafes in Diani. We can also take you to get a local SIM for your Smartphone/portable WiFi.

Documents

Passport

Visa

Certifications

Log Book

Flight Tickets

Travel & Dive Insurance

Credit Card/Debit Cards

Those are the most important things, you really shouldn’t forget! Also talk to your bank if your credit card is working here! For the visa, we will provide assistance to pick the correct one and also with the extension process (which you might need, depending on the program you are on).

Health and Hygiene

While standard health and hygiene products are available from local pharmacies and supermarkets you should try and make sure in addition you have reef-friendly sunscreen and consult your physician about anti-malarial medicine. Any prescription medication you require, you should bring along with you in case of availability here. It is also a good idea to get the diver medical completed before you come in case of any contradictions that your doctor needs to verify are ok for diving.

How to Get to Diani Beach

By

Mark

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July 10, 2020

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How to Get to Diani From Nairobi

By Air

Flights run daily from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Ukunda (Diani Airport). There are also flights from Nairobi Wilson to Ukunda Airport.

The airlines which fly the route are:

By Rail

Take the SGR Mandaraka Express from Nairobi to Mombasa. You can then get a taxi or shuttle from the SGR terminus at Mombasa to Diani. Ocean Tribe can arrange taxis and transfers too.

By Road

You can catch an overnight bus from Nairobi to Ukunda. This is a long trip taking around 12 hours but normally the most cost effective way to get to Diani.

If self driving then follow the Mombasa road from Nairobi to Mombasa then cross the ferry at Likoni from Mombasa Island and drive to Ukunda before taking the road to Diani Beach.

From Mombasa

To get to Diani from Mombasa if you have arrived by the SGR railway from Nairobi

By Air

Despite it only being 30km away the Likoni ferry can add substantial time to a journey so if you are connecting from Mombasa Airport there are a couple of carriers who fly from Mombasa to Ukunda. But given waiting times this is often not worth it.

By Road-Self Driving/ Riding Matatus

If self driving cross the ferry at Likoni from Mombasa Island and drive to Ukunda on the main highway to Tanzania before taking the road to Diani Beach. For the more adventurous of you riding matatus, you will need to change vehicles at the ferry and cross the ferry on foot, then change again at Ukunda and get a Tuk Tuk to Diani.

By Road- Taxi

Private cars can be arranged from Mombasa Airport or Mombasa SGR railway terminus to Diani. Ocean Tribe can arrange these cars or you can book online here. Contact us for more information.

It is also possible to get Ubers in Mombasa although the Uber map calculation might not take the ferry into account and calculate a longer route.

The taxi on demand at Mombasa airport and the SGR terminus are also a possibility, but make sure you know the rate before travelling to Diani. This should be between 5,000-7,000 Ksh.

Can I Work to Pay Off My Dive Training

By

Mark

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July 9, 2020

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A commonly asked question, especially on the PADI Divemaster and IDC courses, is “can I work to pay off my dive training?” As I’m sure you can understand to provide the optimal experience for you on your training, there are a lot of costs involved in running it.

Such costs include PADI materials, instructor wages, dive equipment maintenance, tank fills, boat fuel, dive guides, transport costs, boat crew, premises rent. For these reasons, we do not offer the option of work to pay off dive training.

Once you qualify as an instructor or Divemaster we assist you in finding a job to be able to begin to pay off the costs of your training. In some cases, we offer paid work at Ocean Tribe depending on individual cases and demand.

In all honesty, most places that do offer dive courses in return for work have you doing menial tasks, which do not enhance your dive career and the attention of the instructors is not always top-notch as they are taking care of paying clients.

Quality training costs money and if you want to be a quality dive pro that is employable you need to get your training from a reputable, professional dive centre.

What Paperwork do I have to Complete for My PADI Dive Course?

By

Mark

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July 8, 2020

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What Paperwork do I have to Complete for My PADI Dive Course? Obviously, before any diving activity at Ocean Tribe, you will be required to complete some paperwork. This can include statements of understanding, liability releases and medical declarations, as well as course registrations, applications and training records. In order to make this as easy as possible for you, reduce our environmental footprint and reduce contact as an anti-coronavirus measure, we have made a number of these waivers digital, so you can fill them out prior to arrival for your dive course/dive trip. If further information is needed then you will be required to submit a paper version (you can also request the paper version if you are not comfortable with digital releases). Below is a breakdown of the paperwork required to be completed for each course/dive trip.

Scuba Diving Trip

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PADI Discover Scuba Diving

[dt_default_button link=”url:%23||target:%20_blank|” size=”big” button_alignment=”btn_center”]PADI Discover Scuba Diving Participation Pack[/dt_default_button]

All PADI Diver Courses

[dt_default_button link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwaiver.smartwaiver.com%2Fw%2F5f047e1b9d502%2Fweb%2F||target:%20_blank|” size=”big” button_alignment=”btn_center”]Liability Release & Assumption of Risk[/dt_default_button]

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How Old Do I Have to Be to Become a PADI Pro?

By

Mark

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July 8, 2020

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The question of “how old do I have to be to become a PADI Pro Scuba Diver” is one we get asked a lot. There are very few age restrictions within the PADI system. The only ones that really matter are the PADI regulation that you must be at least 18 years old to start the PADI Divemaster course. However, it is quite possible to begin all of the non-professional programs before you are 18 and if you sign up for a Divemaster internship or Instructor internship then you can complete all of the non-professional segments before your 18th birthday which should provide some reassurance for those of you who are taking a GAP year but are not yet 18.

There are no other age restrictions on the internships, such as a maximum age. Indeed you do not have to be a young whippersnapper to enjoy scuba diving. I know of a number of instructors who are still working into their 60s and a few weeks ago taught a lady in her mid-70s to scuba dive. As long as you are certified by a doctor as medically fit to dive then there is no reason why you cannot dive and take part in our internships and become a PADI pro.

We have had a wide range of age demographics of dive customers and interns from young guys on their gap years to older people enjoying career breaks or making a career change for the tropical diving job in the sun. You will make loads of friends here from around the world and have the opportunity to work in awesome locations after you qualify. Ready to sign up? Check out our fantastic range of scuba diving professional packages.

When Is the Best Time to Dive Kenya?

By

Mark

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July 7, 2020

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Whale shark season- The best time to dive kenya

The best time to dive Kenya for optimal conditions is obviously when the visibility and marine life are best. This is coupled with conditions on the surface with the weather and sea conditions playing a vital part in your enjoyment of your dive experience in Kenya.

From our perspective in Diani Beach, the best time to dive Kenya is between the months of October and March. During this time the winds mean the waves are lower, with better visibility than can be expected at other times of the year. November has short rains which can affect this but not seriously. During this period there is the best chance of spotting the giants of the ocean the whale shark and manta rays.

In late August/ early September you have the chance of spotting humpback whales in the surface, although they are very rarely seen near the dive reefs. Dolphins are a common spot all year round in certain areas.

The only time of year we would counsel you not to come to Kenya for specific diving vacations, is May and June when surface conditions due to wind and rain make it very difficult for us to get the dive boat out in safety and comfort for our divers. During this period we focus on our PADI Instructor Development programs and staff development to keep your dive experience exceptional and up to date.

From a financial point of view, the most expensive time of the year to come to Diani is the last week of December / first week of January as many of the hotels sell out quickly and therefore charge premium rates. This is less of a problem if you book in advance and Ocean Tribe does not change their pricing between low-season and high season for dive trips and courses.

What are the Visa Requirements for Kenya?

By

Mark

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July 7, 2020

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The visa requirements to enter Kenya at this time are that a number of countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Kenya. Most nationalities are required to apply for an eVisa via the Kenya Electronic Visa System.

For a small number of countries, a full visa application is required. For a list by country see below. This list is liable to change so it is always a good idea to check.

While in some cases it has been possible to get a visa on arrival, Kenya is phasing out this system and this is not recommended, especially as it is so easy to sort an eVisa.

How to Apply for a Kenya eVisa Online -Visa Requirements for Kenya

You will need. A passport with 6 months validity. A copy of the passport bio page to upload. A debit or credit card to pay the $51 eVisa fee. Details of your itinerary including flight tickets, hotel bookings, invitation letters etc. (If needed Ocean Tribe can write an invitation letter for you- Contact Us for Details)

Go to the Kenya eVisa Website (Note– Beware of imitations or agents who are charging more for this service)
Click on the “Create an Account” button.
Follow the directions to create an account and apply for the eVisa.
The eVisa is normally approved within 24-72 hours however there have been occurrences of it taking longer so it can be a good idea to apply s far in advance as possible.

Countries Whose Citizens Do Not Need a Visa to Enter Kenya- Visa Requirements for Kenya

Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Botswana

Brunei

Burundi

Cyprus

Dominica

Eswatini

Ethiopia

Fiji

Gambia

Ghana

Grenada

Jamaica

Kiribati

Lesotho

Malawi

Malaysia (30 days)

Maldives

Mauritius

Namibia

Nauru

Papua New Guinea

Rwanda ID

Samoa

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

San Marino

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Solomon Islands

South Africa (30 days)

Tanzania

Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

Tuvalu

Uganda ID

Vanuatu

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Countries Whose Citizens Must Make a Formal Application- Visa Requirements for Kenya

Afghanistan

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Eritrea

Iraq

North Korea

Kosovo

Lebanon

Libya

Palestine

Somalia

Syria

Tajikistan

Yemen

Scuba Dive Diani, Kenya

Do I need any Vaccinations to Travel to Kenya? What About Medications?

How Much Do I Pay For My Flight to Kenya and Who Do I Fly With?