Safety Measures for African Safaris

African safaris have long been associated with an image of vast plains, expansive savannahs and countless beasts roaming free and untamed. However, an African safari could easily turn too wild for your safety, especially if it's your first time to visit the continent. Aside from the numerous natural wonders, Africa also has many diseases and health risks that are rarely encountered in the West. If you're planning to go on an African safari, you'd best go prepared for those risks.

A Disease-Free African Safari

The African continent is unfortunately notorious for the diseases that have become prevalent there. Hepatitis and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in particular are known to be widespread and easily transmitted in the region. Remember that you'll be in completely unknown territory, far away from your family physician. This is one case where prevention is much, much better than trying to find a cure.

Many of the very contagious diseases you could get on an African safari are transmitted through exchange of body fluids, such as when you're bitten by a mosquito that has bitten an infected person. Because it's almost impossible to completely prevent such incidents from happening, having yourself vaccinated two to three months prior to your trip would be the wisest course of action. Many contagious diseases like the variants of hepatitis now have available vaccines so you should make it a point to get shots before your trip.

Of course, when possible, you should avoid contact with the disease vectors entirely. Mosquito bites, one of the commonest transmission methods of disease on African safaris, can be prevented by regular application of mosquito repellant. AIDS and hepatitis are also transmitted through sexual contact, so a condom is absolutely necessary if you plan to be sexually active while on your African safari.

Hygiene for Health

It's no secret that the hygiene and overall conditions in many places in Africa are less than ideal. Many still do not have access to potable running water, the climate allows for faster growth of pathogens, and antibacterial products are a foreign idea to many locals. You're more susceptible to the threat that they pose because you're not exposed to such conditions on a regular basis, unlike the locals who have already built up immunity. Thus watching out for hygiene will have to be your prerogative and responsibility.

When going around on your African safari and various other activities, be sure to always carry alcohol and lots of bottled water with you. That's so you'll always have access to clean water and a method for cleaning your hands. Also, be wary of the food that's served to you. It's likely that hygiene wasn't a very big priority when the food was being handled or prepared. If you don't trust the person who served the food, forget about it.

Your African safari need not be dangerous in order to be enjoyable and memorable. In fact, it's best if you took note of the precautions above so that everybody can have a good time without worrying about diseases and health risks.