Health for East Africa Travel: Malaria, Vaccines and Staying Well

A note before you read

We’re a travel guide, not a medical service. This page describes the common issues and questions to raise with a doctor. Health advice depends on your age, health and route, and recommendations change. See a travel clinic or your doctor four to six weeks before you leave.

Malaria

Malaria is spread by mosquitoes and is present in most of East Africa’s safari areas, including the low-lying parks, the coast and much of Uganda and Tanzania. It’s less of a risk at high altitude, such as in Nairobi and parts of the highlands, but the risk varies and can change with the season.

Prevention has several layers. Ask your doctor about prophylactic tablets. Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, especially at dawn and dusk. Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening. Sleep under a mosquito net or in a screened room. Many lodges provide nets and evening turndown with repellent.

If you develop a fever during or after your trip, get medical attention and tell the doctor where you’ve been. Malaria can be serious, and it’s treatable when caught early.

Yellow fever

Some countries require proof of vaccination if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Uganda has been strict, and many operators recommend carrying a certificate regardless. The certificate must usually be issued at least ten days before you travel. See our visa guide for entry documents.

Other vaccinations and health preparations

Doctors commonly discuss routine vaccinations (such as tetanus, measles and hepatitis B), hepatitis A, typhoid and, for some travellers, rabies. Rabies is present in the region, so it’s worth discussing if you’re travelling for a long time or spending time near animals. Cholera vaccination is not usually recommended for tourists, but your doctor will advise.

Bring enough of any prescription medication, in original packaging, plus a copy of your prescription.

Altitude

Nairobi sits at about 1,700 m, Ngorongoro’s rim at about 2,300 m, and gorilla parks range from about 1,500 to 3,000 m. Most people adjust without problems, but mild headaches, breathlessness and poor sleep can occur. Kilimanjaro is a special case, with a summit at 5,895 m and a real risk of altitude sickness. See our Kilimanjaro guide.

Food and water

Drink bottled or treated water. Lodges provide safe drinking water, and it’s common to brush teeth with bottled water. Eat freshly cooked food, and be careful with salads and unpeeled fruit in unfamiliar places. Stomach upsets are the most common complaint, and they usually pass. Pack oral rehydration salts.

Sun and heat

The equatorial sun is strong even when the air is cool. Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of water. Heat and dehydration can affect people on long drives.

Insects and animals

Tsetse flies, which deliver painful bites, are present in some areas, notably parts of Tanzania and Uganda, and are attracted to dark blue and black. Ticks and other insects can also bite. Keep your distance from animals, including monkeys, and don’t feed them. Follow your guide’s rules.

Gorilla and chimp trekking

If you have a cold, cough or stomach bug, tell your guide. Rules protect apes from human diseases, and you may be asked not to trek. Insurance that covers permit costs is useful.

Travel insurance and evacuation

Get insurance that includes medical evacuation. On safari, help can be a long way off, and private flights to a good hospital cost thousands of dollars. Check that the policy covers your activities and that it doesn’t exclude high-altitude hiking or trekking. Many operators also arrange emergency air-evacuation memberships for East African bush areas.

Before you go: a checklist

• See a travel clinic four to six weeks before departure.
• Ask about malaria prevention, vaccinations and prescriptions.
• Carry your yellow fever certificate if needed.
• Buy insurance with medical evacuation.
• Pack repellent, sunscreen, a small first-aid kit and rehydration salts.
• Save emergency numbers and your insurer’s hotline on your phone.