is therefore paramount.
Tetanus
Tetanus (also known as lockjaw) is a disease caused by infection with 'clostridium tetani' which is present in soil and in the intestines of humans and animals. Infection can enter the body via cuts after which bacteria produce a toxin affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. This is followed by convulsions and muscle spasms. The vaccine is effective and the disease can also be treated by an antitoxin and penicillin. It is advisable that EVERYONE be vaccinated irrespective of their travel plans - check with your family physician as to whether you should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster shot.
Polio
Poliomyelitis (polio) is an acute infection caused by a virus which attacks the nervous system and can lead to paralysis. Transmission is by fecal contamination of food, usually by unhygienic food handlers or flies, or directly from infected nasal secretions. Polio is a serious disease which attacks the central nervous system causing muscle paralysis. It is however preventable with a vaccine that is very safe & effective.
Although most countries have immunization programs in childhood it is important that travellers be aware that the efficacy wanes after ten years & a booster dose is advisable prior to travel especially if visiting a country where the disease is still found.
Polio continues to occur (endemic) in four countries: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. In 2011, in addition to the 4 endemic countries there were cases reported in Angola, Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Niger (all countries in Africa). All travellers need to get vaccinated if they are going to polio endemic countries, neighboring countries, or those countries where recent cases of polio have been reported.
Travellers' diarrhoea (& probiotics)
According to the World Health Organisation, over 50% of people travelling to developing countries will experience travellers' diarrhoea. Whilst Africa certainly qualifies as 'developing' I would not classify the safari camps and lodges in that third world category. However, diarrhoea is not unheard of on safari and if it is something that you know you are prone to, it may be worth considering taking along a suitable preventative medication. The most common cause of travellers’ diarrhoea is infection by the bacterium Enterotoxigenic E. coli. To negate this it is advisable to seek out a medication that contains a rich source of antibodies (what are commonly referred to as probiotics). Such antibodies, such as found in Bovine Colostrum Powder, bind to the E. coli in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing it from attaching to the intestinal wall and thereby neutralising its ability to cause fever, belly cramps and diarrhoea. Speak to your GP or pharmacist.
It's important to distinguish between travellers’ diarrhoea and food poisoning. The latter is the result of eating toxins that have already formed in the food, and while it may cause both vomiting and diarrhoea, it’s usually over within 12 hours. Beyond avoiding uncooked or poorly cooked food, the best advise I can offer is to wash your hands regularly with an alcohol based hand santizer (or soap if sanitizer is not available).
Vaccinations
It is important to check with your local health professional / physician / GP for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions relating to travel in Africa.
A POINT OF DIFFERENCE: There is a subtle difference between a vaccine that is recommended and one that is required. A number of vaccinations (Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, tetanus, measles) are recommended. This does not mean that you must have them – only that they are recommended. On the other hand, if you are told that a yellow fever inoculation is required for example, then you stand the risk of not being allowed into that country should you not have the appropriate vaccination certificate.
Staying at a luxury safari camp or lodge does to some extent set you apart from everyday exposure to many of these diseases. Whilst it is always a possibility, it is fairly unlikely that you will be exposed to any of the infectious diseases on the recommended list while on safari. The kitchens are generally well schooled on hygiene and food preparation and all aspects of staff health are actively monitored. However, if you are planning to spend extended periods of time living in close contact with the local people, perhaps as an aid worker or volunteer, or you will be in known areas of infection, you should certainly have the inoculations. If you are in any doubt, or at all concerned about the possibility of contracting any of these diseases, then the vaccinations are the safe and sensible choice.
Please also keep in mind that a number of tropical diseases can remain dormant for some time, only making an appearance many months later. If you become ill after your safari - even up to a year later – be sure to mention your visit to Africa to your doctor so that he/she can take this into consideration and order the appropriate tests (if warranted).
Vaccination certificates
If you are required to have a vaccination be sure that you have the certificate on you (in your hand luggage with your passport and airline tickets) – do not pack this in your suitcase. Please note that Yellow Fever vaccines are often only available from designated clinics and may not be readily available at your GP.
IMPORTANT
The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following vaccines – no matter where you are visiting in Africa:
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
Hepatitis B (a disease transmitted via blood)
Typhoid
Booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine.
“Everything in Africa bites, but the safari bug is worst of all.” - Brian Jackman, author and travel writer
Considerations for families (& solo travellers)
It is a common (and perplexing) question - should you take your (young) family on safari? Will they get enough out of it (to warrant the expense)? Won't they get bored (and annoying) and spoil the experience for their parents? Is it safe?
Only you, as the parent, can answer that question (or questions). All kids are different. Some are just born to outdoor pursuits and being 'on safari' will clearly be the 'experience of their lives'. Others are not so taken! But on balance I would have to say that, from my own experience, it will be all they will want to talk about to their friends when they get home. After all, they have been to Africa, seen an elephant up-close, heard a lion roar - wow! Beat that.
And don't forget - it is all about shared experiences.
That's not to say that being on safari with the kids will be all plain sailing! When going on safari as a family there are a number of challenges worth keeping in mind – here are few things you need to know when travelling with children...shall we say 'considerations worth noting' when planning for a family safari:
Mix it upMake sure there is enough variety in their day and don't be shy to include some 'obvious' teasers - meerkats, quad bikes, bows and arrows...you know what I mean. Don't just drive them around for hours on end.
Be
