Health & Safety
Your Health and Safety is always a top priority when traveling
Health
What vaccinations do I need?
The need for vaccinations is dependent upon the area and countries you are traveling to. Some countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entry. If you are going to a malaria area, anti-malarial medication is needed and usually must begin several weeks prior to arrival and can continue for a couple of weeks after you return home. We will let you know if a yellow fever vaccination and/or malaria prevention for your destination is needed. Other recommended vaccinations (but not mandatory) include typhoid fever, hepatitis A & B and sometimes rabies. Visit your doctor 4-6 weeks in advance of your trip in order for your vaccines to take effect and to determine the right anti-malarial medication (if needed) for you.
What steps can I take to prevent malaria?
If you are traveling to a malaria area, there are steps you can to lower your risk of getting malaria. In addition to malaria prevention medication: use insect repellent, wear pants and long sleeves, sleep with a mosquito net over your bed.
Is the water safe to drink?
It depends on the country you are in. In South Africa, it is safe to drink tap water. It is not safe to drink tap water in Botswana, Tanzania and Kenya, nor is it advisable to eat raw fruit or vegetables that would have been rinsed with tap water. Your accommodation in these countries will provide bottled water for you. Also, make sure you also brush your teeth with bottled water if the tap water is not safe.
Bring anti-diarrheal medication – just in case!
What if I have food allergies?
Most lodges and hotels are able to accommodate you if you have food allergies. Just be sure to let us know ahead of time so that we may notify the staff at your lodge/hotel.
For women travelers:
If you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, do not travel to malaria areas. Also, do not travel to countries where the zika virus is present. You can check your country of interest here https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/. If you are prone to getting UTIs, think about bringing an antibiotic from home in case you don’t have easy access to a pharmacy or clinic.
Safety
Is it safe to travel to Africa?
There are definitely some places in Africa that are not safe to travel to, but there are many places that are. The news media seems to focus on the dangerous spots, but Africa is full of safe destinations. In fact, a number of African countries are safer than the United States, according to the Global Peace Index. Like any place you visit, you should always keep your wits about you and use common sense, especially in cities. Safety is always a top consideration when traveling so we have included a section on safety for each country that we feature travel to.
If you are hesitant to venture alone, you can always book some of our day tours in which you will be with a guide or in a small group and not be completely on your own. And of course, you’re never alone on a guided safari!