HEALTH & VACCINATIONS

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Southern Africa, although it is recommended that you are protected against Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Malaria and Yellow Fever (compulsory in Zambia and Tanzania if you have previously visited a Yellow Fever infected area).

Please consult your doctor for up-to-date advice on compulsory medication and vaccinations. Alternatively, M.A.S.T.A. (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad) provides up-to-date health briefs for the traveller (telephone: 0891 224100), British Airways travel clinics offer a comprehensive healthcare service (01276 685 040 for details of your nearest clinic).

We are not medical practitioners but can offer the following advice. Both chloroquine resistant and normal strains of malaria are prevalent in Africa. Malaria is transmitted by some female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are active in the early evening and throughout the night - usually when one is sleeping or sitting around campfires. Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis and it is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprohylaxis. An effective and safe drug is Proguanil (Paludrin) where the dosage is 2 tablets per day, to be taken in conjunction with Chloroquine (Nivaquine) where the dosage is 2 tablets per week. An expensive but alternative drug is Mefloquine (Larium) where the dosage is 1 tablet a week. Mefloquine is a long acting preparation with some side effects. It should not be taken in conjunction with Proguanil or Chloroquine; it should not be taken by anyone with a heart problem; it should not be used during pregnancy or lactation; it should not be used by people over 65 years old or people with tendencies towards depression. If you suffer from any medical condition it is essential that you consult your doctor regarding prophylactic regimes. It is inadvisable for pregnant woman to visit malarial areas.

The most effective protection against malaria is to try and prevent oneself from being bitten, so use mosquito repellents liberally and wear sensible long sleeved clothing and trousers at dusk and dawn. Some lodges supply mosquito nets, insect repellent, screens, mosquito coils or pads. 

It is very important that you drink plenty of water, especially during the hotter months, to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics.