Your HEALTH While In Africa

A Diverse Continent

Health advice for travel to Southern Africa varies depending on which places you are intending to visit. The terrain, climate and indigenous population - both human and animal - is so varied in this vast continent that different health issues exist even within countries.

Health Precautions

There are certain things you must think about before going to Southern Africa:

• Are my vaccinations and inoculations up to date?
• Do I need any extra vaccinations/inoculations? (e.g. Rabies, Hepatitis, Yellow Fever)
• Do I need to take a course of anti - malarial prophylactics before, during and after my trip?
• Have I got an up-to-date first aid kit? (especially if travelling to remote areas)
• Do I need insect repellent?

If you are only visiting South Africa, you will be pleased to know there are very few health concerns in this country, and the medical facilities are excellent. Medical treatment must be paid for, so travel insurance is a wise investment. Tap water is safe to drink throughout South Africa (and swimming is safe along the entire coastline, except in areas that are clearly designated high risk). Before visiting game reserves and parks in the northern parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylactics, these are also available without prescription at South African pharmacies.

Immunisations and Vaccinations

Yellow Fever immunisation is mandatory for entry to Uganda, Zanzibar and Zambia, (except if staying at the Falls Resort at Livingstone), and now Mozambique, and for entry into other countries if travelling via an infected area. There are no other compulsory vaccinations required for direct entry into destinations featured.

Anti-malaria tablets are strongly recommended if travelling to Tanzania, Lake Malawi, Zambia, the Zambezi Valley, rural areas of Mauritius outside the resorts, northern Namibia, Mozambique and the low-lying eastern part of South Africa, north of Richards Bay. Inoculations against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A are also recommended.

Travellers to remote areas of Zimbabwe and Zambia are recommended to take precautions against cholera. Confirm that you are up to date with the vaccinations you should normally have for the UK.

However, in all cases you must discuss your own particular needs and contraindications to vaccines or tablets with your doctor or practice nurse, at least 4 weeks before travel, for up-to-date, individual advice.

Call us if there is anything you are unsure about regarding health and travel to Africa.

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