Health Warnings

Innoculations
Yellow fever vaccinations are still required for citizens of some countries, so it is recommended you get the jab and the certificate just in case. Other recommended vaccines include typhoid, tetanus and polio boosters, as well as hepatitis A.

Malaria
There is no vaccine against malaria, but there are other ways to avoid it; since most of Africa is very high risk for malaria, travelers must plan their protection properly. Seek current advice on the best antimalarials to take: usually mefloquine, Malarone or doxycycline. In addition to anti-malarial medication, it is important to avoid mosquito bites between dusk and dawn. Pack an insect repellant containing around 50-55% DEET. Putting on long clothes at dusk means you can reduce the amount of repellant you need to put on your skin, but be aware that malaria mosquitos hunt at ankle level and will bite through socks, so apply repellant under socks too.

Water Sterilization
Drinking water should have been brought to the boil, or passed through a good bacteriological filter or purified with iodine; chlorine tablets are also adequate although theoretically less effective and they taste nastier. Try and stick to the mineral water the lodges and we provide you with.

Protection from the Sun
Give some thought to using suncream even when you’re in the safari vehicle! Cover up with long, loose clothes and wear a hat when you can. The glare and dust can be hard on the eyes so bring some UV-protecting sunglasses.

Tsetse Flies
Tsetse flies hurt when they bite and are attracted to the colour blue; our drivers will advise you on the areas where they can be a problem and we may ask you to shut your windows to prevent them from getting in!

Prickly Heat
A fine pimply rash is likely to be heat rash; cool showers, dabbing dry, and talc will help. Try wearing baggy clothes with 100% cotton.

Tips on Safari Clothing
Assuming that you have the space, you ought to carry at least one change of shirt and underwear for every day you will spend on safari. Organising laundry along the way is tiresome, and dusty conditions practically enforce a daily change of clothes. It is a good idea to keep one or two shirts for evening use only.
We recommend you bring light cotton trousers and, if you intend on spending a while mountainous regions, tracksuit bottoms will provide the extra cover on chilly nights. Skirts are best made of a light natural fabric such as cotton. T-shirts are lighter and less bulky than shirts.
One sweater or sweatshirt will be adequate in most parts of the country, some people may require a heavier jacket for early morning game drives and nights in the lodges.