Malaria
Malaria is present in much of sub-Saharan Africa, including many safari areas. Prevention means avoiding bites (repellent, long sleeves at dusk, nets) and, where advised, antimalarial tablets. Some areas are malaria-free, including Cape Town, the Garden Route and South African reserves such as Madikwe and Pilanesberg, which is useful with young children.
If you get a fever during or after your trip, get tested for malaria straight away and say where you have been.
Yellow fever
Some countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry, or when arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. The rules depend on your route. Check with a travel clinic and the official sites of every country on your itinerary, including transit stops.
Other vaccines
A clinic may recommend routine vaccines plus others such as hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies or cholera, depending on your plans.
Food and water
Drink bottled, filtered or boiled water where tap water is not safe. Eat food that is freshly cooked and hot.
Altitude
Kilimanjaro, the Simien Mountains and gorilla treks go high. Ascend slowly and descend if symptoms of altitude sickness get worse.
Insurance
Take travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, especially for remote safaris.
Official sources: your national travel health service, the WHO and the CDC Travelers’ Health pages.
