Safari vaccinations and medications

Do I need vaccinations or medications for a safari?

Here's everything you need to know to stay healthy and safe during your trip

Depending on your destination, you may need vaccinations for diseases like yellow fever, or malaria prophylaxis, and other preventive measures for your African safari. Whether you're heading out on a luxury safari, or a rustic adventure, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional well in advance of your trip. Vaccinations and medications are crucial for a safe and healthy safari experience. By preparing in advance, you can ensure your adventure is both enjoyable and free from preventable health issues.

Malaria

Malaria is a potentially fatal disease transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito.

Please consult your doctor before you travel to Africa for advice on malaria precautions. Your doctor may recommend malaria prophylaxis and other precautionary measures.

When travelling to risk areas, take all precautions possible. Wear long sleeves, trousers and socks and douse any exposed skin with a good mosquito repellent, especially before it gets dark (the anopheles mosquito is active at dawn and dusk). Always sleep under a mosquito net.

If you experience any combination of headache, fever, nausea, flu-like aches, or disorientation while or after entering a malaria area, get yourself tested immediately. Malaria responds best to treatment when detected early.

Certain factors influence the risk of contracting malaria. For example, a low-lying equatorial swamp will be high-risk all year round, a dry montane plateau set at a subtropical latitude will probably carry low risk, and places falling between these extremes often show a marked seasonal pattern – medium to high risk in the wet summer months, low to no risk in the dry winter.

Read more about malaria here.

You can also browse our malaria-free safaris here.

Other diseases

Consult your doctor before travelling to Africa for advice on necessary vaccinations and precautions for diseases such as yellow fever, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, cholera and rabies. Where relevant, please always bring your vaccination certificate and/or yellow fever card.

Necessary medications for safari

Pack a few essential medications to stay healthy and handle potential health issues. Chat to your doctor about your travels and ask them to recommend specific medications to take along, should the need arise while you are travelling:

• Anti-diarrheal medication: for in case the need arises

• Pain relievers: in case of headaches or other aches and pains from travelling

• Allergy medication: antihistamines for allergic reactions

• Motion sickness medication: especially if you’re prone to travel sickness

• Personal prescriptions: ensure you have enough of your regular medications for the entire trip

Additional health tips

• Insect repellent: use repellents containing DEET to protect against mosquitoes

• Sunscreen: high-SPF sunscreen to protect against the strong African sun

• First-aid kit: basic first-aid supplies for minor injuries

Consultation with your healthcare provider

Pre-travel consultation: Visit a travel clinic or your healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to discuss vaccinations and medications tailored to your specific itinerary.

Health insurance: ensure your health insurance covers travel-related medical expenses.