Planning an African safari is exhilarating, filled with dreams of adventure and perhaps a few health concerns. Fortunately, with proper medical advice, vaccinations, and common sense, you can minimize health risks. The most dangerous part of your trip might just be the long flight!
Elephants walking in the wild, Tanzania
Pre-Departure Doctor Visit
We’re travel specialists, not medical experts. Consult your doctor well before your trip to discuss any health worries.
Essential Vaccinations for Africa
Routine vaccinations, commonplace in your home country, may be vital in Africa. Visit your healthcare provider 4-6 weeks prior to departure to update these:
- Flu
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- Polio
- Hepatitis A & B
- DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis/Whooping Cough, and Tetanus)
Important: Optimal health is crucial for activities like gorilla trekking due to gorillas’ vulnerability to human diseases. Even minor cold symptoms can prevent you from trekking; slots are non-refundable.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements
Yellow fever, transmitted by mosquitoes prevalent in parts of Africa and South America, is preventable with a safe and effective vaccination from travel clinics.
Yellow fever vaccine vial and syringe, illustrating preventative healthcare
Get vaccinated at least 10 days before entering a yellow fever area. This allows time for protection and minimizes potential flu-like symptoms during travel. After vaccination, you’ll receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (IVCP).
Important: Only certified travel clinics can issue valid yellow fever certificates.
The table summarizes yellow fever vaccination requirements for various African countries. Verify this information with your doctor before traveling.
| Vaccination is an entry requirement | Vaccination required if you’ve been to a country in the yellow fever belt |
|---|---|
| Republic of the Congo | Botswana |
| Uganda | Madagascar |
| Kenya | Rwanda |
| Tanzania | |
| Namibia | |
| Seychelles | |
| South Africa | |
| Mozambique | |
| Zimbabwe | |
| Zambia |
Preventing Malaria
Malaria risk is highest during hot, humid months in tropical regions due to mosquito prevalence.
Mosquito on human skin, illustrating malaria prevention
Malaria is common in Africa but preventable and treatable with antimalarial medication. Consult your doctor about antimalarial prophylactics as soon as you finalize your travel plans.
Follow the prescribed schedule for antimalarials. Report any side effects to your guide or camp manager.
Important: Inform your doctor if you plan to scuba dive after visiting a malaria area, as this may affect medication choices.
Additional preventative measures include:
- Applying insect repellent to exposed skin.
- Wearing light-colored, full-coverage clothing at night.
- Keeping tent/room doors closed and using mosquito nets.
- Using quality citronella soap.
Seek immediate medical attention for fever and flu-like symptoms within three months of leaving a malaria area. Early treatment significantly increases survival rates.
If you prefer, consider malaria-free safaris.
General Health Advice for Africa Travel
- Consult your doctor well before departure.
- Obtain comprehensive travel health insurance, especially for remote areas, to cover evacuation and repatriation.
- Maintain good health before your trip. Consider a flu shot.
- Take multivitamins or immune boosters, especially during your flight.
- Bring sufficient prescription medications with copies of prescriptions and generic names. Keep medication in original packaging.
- Pack spare contact lenses, asthma pumps, diabetes monitors, and over-the-counter medications.
- Inform your Africa Safari Expert about any special medical needs or facilities required.
- Ensure routine vaccinations (MMR, polio, hepatitis, DPT) are up-to-date for yourself and your children.
- Heed your doctor’s advice.
- Inform your guide or camp manager if you feel unwell during your safari.
African landscape, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Traveling to Africa is an incredible experience. Consulting your healthcare practitioner before your trip will provide personalized health advice and ensure peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy your safari adventure.
