African Travel Tips – Week Two

Here is another round of general Travel Tips designed to help make your African Safari Adventure a more enjoyable experience

 

Family Safaris - Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Family Safaris – Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe

 

Health 

Pre-travel preparation is very important and will help keep you safe and healthy throughout your journey. 

It is strongly recommended that you consult a travel doctor or travel clinic months prior to departure this will allow sufficient time for all vaccinations to be administered.  It is advisable to visit a travel doctor even if your vaccinations are current as health regulations can change.

If travelling with prescription medication always carry the medication in your hand luggage along with the prescription and doctor’s letter explaining why you require this treatment.

For all up todate world health information contact the World Health Organisation http://www.who.int/

 

First Aid Kit

We recommend you travel with a Basic First Aid Kit and a more Advanced First Aid Kit if you plan to travel independently in remote regions.  Keep in mind that all camps and lodges have Basic First Aid Kits with some of the larger establishments having more advanced facilities. 

Below is an example of a Basic First Aid Kit however, check this with your travel doctor to ensure you have everything you’ll need:

  • Anti-malaria medication (if applicable)
  • Prescription antibiotics for gastrointestinal illness and diarrhoea
  • Antidiarrheal medication
  • Antibiotics for wounds
  • Antibacterial medicine: cuts and sores become infected quickly in Africa, especially if you’re headed somewhere tropical. Antibacterial cream, powder or ointment is therefore essential, while antiseptic hand-gel or hand-wipes also help stop the spread of infection. 
  • Oral rehydration salts
  • Iodine tablets
  • Thermometer
  • Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
  • Antihistamines
  • Sleeping tablets
  • Heavy duty DEET insect repellent
  • Sun block & Aloe gel
  • Basic First Aid Items: these include bandages, band-aids, gauze, scissors, safety pins, adhesive tape, Q-tips and tweezers.
  • And basic medications: including motion sickness tablets, decongestants, throat lozenges, cough medicines and anti-fungal creams. 

If you have any special medical or hygiene requirements we strongly advise you to bring these with you.

 

Travel Insurance

We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of full travel insurance especially if you have a pre-existing injury or chronic health condition.  

  • All travellers booking through Sasiani must take out full comprehensive Travel Insurance.  Insurance should at the minimum cover; cancellations, curtailment of safaris, tours, holidays and courses, emergency evacuation and emergency assistance expenses, medical expenses, accidental death and disability, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, items, and money.

We offer world-class (Allianz Global Assistance) travel insurance at discounted rates to all of our guests, and also arrange travel insurance for people not booking their travel through Sasiani African Safaris.  Please advise us prior to booking if you require any insurance assistance or policy information, as we are happy to arrange all travel insurance for you and your travel party.  

Realistically, if you cannot afford travel insurance you cannot afford to travel!

 

Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe home to the largest elephants herds in the world
Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe home to the largest herds of elephants

 

Food & Water

One of the greatest joys while travelling is sampling the local cuisine.  However, consuming contaminated food and drinks are the most common cause of diarrhoea and gastrointestinal illness.  Safe consumption practices are essential in minimising the risk of contracting diarrhoea or other gastric problems while travelling.

Our safaris offer first class meals whether staying in a lodge or camping under the stars.  All of our Scheduled Departure Safaris and Explorations, Tailor-Made & Privately Guided Safaris are accompanied by a bush chef who will create memorable dining experiences whatever your travel style.

If you take the more independent road pre or post safari we suggest you think twice about eating meat in remote areas, due to the lack of refrigeration, and bush meat of any kind.

We suggest that you always drink bottled water when travelling.  Although water is generally safe in Namibia and South Africa and many regions of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe however, always check with your accommodation hosts and or your guide before drinking any unbottled water.  If unsure stick with the bottled water, which is readily available wherever you travel. 

These African Travel Tips are only suggestions, ultimately it is up to you to use your discretion and travel safely.

 Getting into Holiday mode!!! Then CALL US TODAY to discuss your Safari or Travel Options and allow us to make your SAFARI DREAM a reality!!

Just be mindful that once Africa gets in your blood you will be drawn back time and time again

Don’t Just Dream It – Live It!

Click Here to Visit our Safari Collection Page!

 

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