Health tips during a safari, these are more of how we can prevent one from getting ill during the safari. Going on an African safari is an exciting and unforgettable experience. From watching majestic lions to witnessing the great wildebeest migration, the wildlife and scenery are awe-inspiring. However, traveling to a foreign land can also bring new health challenges. Staying healthy during your African safari trip is essential to making the most of your adventure. With a few simple tips, you can ensure that you stay fit and well throughout your journey, and return home with life long memories.
Below we provide practical health tips and advice to help you stay healthy during your safari. By following these recommendations, you can minimize health risks, protect yourself from common ailments, and maximize your time traveling the natural wonders.
Health tips on a safari
a) Eat well
A crucial side note for all food-lovers, our chefs will never skip on flavor or variety, nor do our guests ever have to skip on servings, unless they prefer something light. Our food is always served in abundance so that guests can indulge and truly savoir the moment. From the carb-loving, non-calorie-counting food lovers, to the lighter, more health-conscious eaters, every appetite is catered for. It’s all about balance and, most importantly, choice.
Not to worry. Ever-present are creamy cheeses; warm, buttery breads; out-of-the-oven pastries; rich, flavorful curries and pastas, cheese-stuffed and fire-roasted jaffles; stringy pizzas with every topping; evening roasts with all the trimmings; and decadent puddings, to name just a few of the crowd-pleasing classics.
b) Buy travel insurance
Life is unpredictable, you can’t be certain when travel insurance will literally save your life. Emergencies may arise that require you to seek immediate medical attention from our private hospitals.
This is a great back up plan for any unforeseen health obstacles. And of course, like any insurance, you never want to use it but it gives you peace of mind knowing that you are covered.
c) Yellow fever vaccination
Yellow fever is one of the diseases that have no cure. It can only be prevented by vaccination.
Uganda, like many other countries which lie in the tropics, is susceptible to yellow fever outbreaks. Given that it has no cure and can spread fast, you are required to get the vaccination.
The wilderness of the forests and bushes is a habitat for lots of mosquitoes some of which might carry yellow fever. Since these places are frequented by travelers from all over the globe, all precautions must be strictly observed.
Be advised that your yellow fever certificate is valid 10 days after you have received your vaccination. It is given as a single shot that lasts a lifetime so if you have ever taken a shot, there is no need to do that again.
d) Hydrate often
Uganda’s warm climate means that you will need to hydrate several times each day. If you are touring on your own, remember to buy bottled water and carry it with you. If you are touring with us, the water is provided and chilled in the car and so you don’t have to worry about it.
Endeavor to hydrate at all times while taking community walks, trekking, mountain biking, and game drives. There are a lot of places to purchase bottled water in retail shops and supermarkets.
e) Open water bodies
Uganda has quite a number of open water bodies that will tempt you to dive and take a swim. Prior information on the safety of these spots is very important.
Not all lakes and rivers have fresh waters safe for swimming. Places like the River Nile along Murchison FNP aren’t safe for swimming be it day or night. The banks are home for crocodiles and hippos. Lake Victoria is also not safe, and one could risk a Bilharzia infection.
Places like Lake Bunyonyi are blessed with disease-free fresh waters ready for swimming at all times. This is why it is important to ask about the condition of the lake or river before taking a dip.
f) Respect the animals
In most parks, you will be cautioned about this. For example in Bwindi Impenetrable National park, with the Gorilla families. You have to stay about 20 feet away from the gorillas and if they come close to you, to stay quiet, still and try not to react in any way that would set them off and put your life in danger.
Photography is a key part of your vacation, however, in the wild, you will also be cautioned against flash photography be it night or early morning hours. Normally the whole experience of going into the wild is to watch animals in their most natural state.
Flash photography could set them off, interrupting their cycle or even turning them violent towards the source of the unwanted interruption. So, it is safer to stay away from flash photography.
g) Packing correctly
Packing correctly is one of the hardest things especially when going to an entirely new and very different country. You either pack too much, not enough or nothing remotely helpful.
In Ugandan rain forests, you will have to dress for comfort but most importantly protection. The forests are infested by lots of bugs and insects, do not forget to carry long stockings to tuck into your trousers and a rain jacket. What you should pack depends so much on what activities you will take part in. Mountain climbing packing lists are very different from those of tracking gorillas or wildlife game drives. The packing lists might even include a few more items if you are a lady.
h) First aid kit
In the wild, mini accidents are bound to happen here and there. A first aid kit comes in handy for those minor injuries from the fall on the bike or catches a cold. Our tour guides normally have kits in case of any emergencies, but it is safe to carry your own.
Be sure to include anti-diarrhea and anti-malarial medication and Vitamins. For those of you that are already under specific doctor prescribed medications, ensure to not leave those behind for it might be hard to get the same medications while you are deep in the jungle.
In addition to this, sunscreen is a necessary addition. The Sun can be strong on some days and possibly affect you if you are not used to this equatorial climate. Additionally, do not forget insect repellent. You are going to be spending a lot of time in the wild, trying out every interesting activity available thus exposing your skin to a lot of insects and bugs.
Prioritize your health by taking necessary medical precautions, practicing good hygiene, protecting yourself from insects and the sun, above all stay hydrated.
As Inspire African Safaris, your health and safety is our priority upon making your safari the most memorable.
