It’s 65 years since the ‘Born Free’ novel detailed Joy Adamson’s true-life story of raising Elsa the lion cub, in Kenya. That book, the subsequent movie and then the Meryl Streep epic, ‘Out of Africa’, all helped create a desire to head to the African savanna and live the safari dream. But if that’s your burning wish this year, what travel vaccination planning do you need to do and what malaria precautions might you need to take?
Firstly it is worth noting that the number of safari destinations available to the global traveller has increased significantly over the decades. You need not focus on just the traditional choices of yesteryear – typically the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania. Now, there are other countries to consider, such as South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Rwanda.
Whilst it is easy to focus on the risks you might encounter in terms of a tetchy hippo, or threatened lion, and whilst headlines relating to a tourist’s death by elephant trampling in the Kruger Park might catch the eye, it may not be as easy to assess your travel health risk.
Yellow Fever Certification Requirement
One of the key things to remember in Africa is that many of the countries in which safari holidays take place have a yellow fever certification requirement. Although most do not have a risk of yellow fever, they will not accept anyone over the age of one who has been travelling in a country that carries the risk, or who has transited through an airport in such a country for more than 12 hours.
If you examine the list of countries that are deemed to have a yellow fever risk, you will see that Kenya figures. That means that, if you travel from Kenya and into another country during your safari extravaganza, you will need to have a yellow fever certificate, proving that you have been vaccinated.
If you are travelling to Kenya itself, your need for a yellow fever vaccination may depend on where you are visiting. Yellow fever is not present in all parts of Kenya. The reason other countries demand that you have yellow fever certification, having visited Kenya, is that they cannot analyse where you have travelled and what risk is attached to you, so a blanket requirement for yellow fever vaccination confirmation has to be in place.
Do remember, however, that yellow fever vaccination may not be advised for those over the age of 60, as it can cause health complications.
To assess whether you need yellow fever vaccination for Kenya, why not order a Pinpoint Travel Health Brief today and have everything analysed on a personalised diagnostic basis, according to you and your specific plans, health record and itinerary?
Other safari destinations
In safari destinations beyond Kenya, the requirement is likely to be for you to have hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid vaccinations in place.
Then, other vaccinations may be advised, typically hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and cholera.
In Tanzania and Zambia, you may also have to consider a yellow fever health threat, although yellow fever is considered a low risk.
To assess which of the ‘other’ vaccinations you will require for your specific trip, locations, activities and health conditions, you can again call upon a Pinpoint Travel Health Brief.
Although, in January 2025, there are outbreaks of mpox and Marburg virus in Rwanda, Marburg virus in Tanzania and mpox in Kenya, the UK does not currently recommend pre-travel vaccination for mpox for most travellers.
There is no current vaccine to protect against Marburg virus. Travellers are advised to practice good hygiene and sanitation, avoid close contact with infected people and animals and avoid handling raw or undercooked meat. If visiting caves, it is essential to avoid exposure to bats and wear appropriate protection, including gloves and masks.
Malaria prevention
Malaria could be a real risk during your safari holiday, so it is essential that you consult with a travel health professional well ahead of your trip However, to precisely plan whether or not you will face a malaria risk, it can be useful to commission a Pinpoint Travel Health brief. This is because the risk of malaria within a country renowned for safaris can be seasonal, in some countries, or confined to certain zones. If you are not travelling to those, you may not need malaria medication.
The golden rule is to always put up the defences against mosquito bites, using a DEET-based repellent, wearing long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to avoid bites, and making use of a mosquito net, wherever possible.
Areas like the Zambezi River, Zambia and Rwanda have a high malaria risk, so be especially cautious there and make sure your planning is accurate.
Enjoying your safari experience
If you get your travel health planning right, you can enjoy brilliant safari experiences in Africa, whether that is spotting the Big Five in Kenya, doing a spot of gorilla trekking in Rwanda, or observing rare-to-see species such as rhino and big cats in the Etosha National Park in Namibia.
Just do your homework, with Pinpoint Travel Health’s assistance, and all you need focus on will be the wildlife and that all-essential good mosquito protection.