When on a safari vacation to South Africa, there will be so many things to see and do. The easiest way to mess up your vacation is to fall sick. If your health deteriorates while you are on safari, you can end up missing a lot since you will be bedridden. Are you looking to enjoy your vacation to the fullest? Follow the tips below to stay in top shape as you explore the gem that is South Africa.
Get the Appropriate Vaccine Shots Before Leaving Home
Before starting your safari, do some research and find out the types of vaccination that you need when travelling to South Africa. You can get this information by contacting the relevant consulate in your country. Apart from the requisite vaccination, ensure that you are up to date with all your other vaccine shots. After all, you can never be too careful.
Get Comprehensive Insurance
When going for safari, you can take all the steps possible to avoid getting sick but infections and diseases come without warning. Should you get sick by bad luck, it is best that you have updated health insurance to cater for any treatment that you may need while on Safari.
Without comprehensive insurance, you may end up paying hefty medical bills from your own pocket.
Drink Bottled Water
While on safari, you cannot be too sure that the tap water is truly safe. Remember that many maladies and infections can be spread through contaminated water. To avoid exposing yourself to the risk of catching water-borne diseases such as typhoid and cholera, it is best that you buy plenty of bottled water to drink while you are enjoying safari activities in the Cape.
Be Careful About What You Eat
Though you may be tempted to sample local cuisine from different locations in South Africa as you are traversing the country, watch what you consume very carefully. This should not be misconstrued to mean that the local delicacies are dangerous and you should avoid them. It simply means that your constitution may be ill-suited to handle the local cuisine. Choose what you eat carefully and only enjoy delicacies prepared in hygienic conditions. If you have to acquire groceries, go for fresh farm produce.
Stock Up Some Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent
Most of your safari time will be outdoors and as such, you will be directly exposed to the elements. The African sun can be quite unforgiving and to avoid sun stroke and burns, you should ensure that you have plenty of sunscreen. To protect your face, it is also a good idea to purchase several hats.
If you did not know, the mosquitoes in Africa can be very aggressive and they also have a healthy appetite for blood. To avoid their pestering bites and the risk of catching malaria, ensure that you also have mosquito repellent at hand. This is especially important if you plan to camp during your safari.
Keep a First Aid Kit Close
As you embark on your safari, you should ensure that you have a well-stocked first aid kit close. Though hopefully you will not need to use the kit, it is never a bad idea to be ready for any eventuality. Your kit should be stocked with medication you may need such as pain killers for migraines, bandages and essential inspect repellents.
Inform Your Guide Of any Medical Conditions
Before setting out on your journey, it is best that you inform your guide of any medical conditions that you may have. This will enable them to formulate a contingency plan on how to respond should your condition get worse as you are enjoying your safari.
If you are going for safari in South Africa, you can trust me when I say the experience will be magical. To enjoy yourself without any hitches, follow the tips discussed in this article. Have an enjoyable and fun-filled safari, won’t you?