If you have any doubts whatsoever regarding your own personal physical condition or medical history - you are advised to consult your physician prior to embarking on a journey.
Travellers should check with their doctor, district surgeon or pharmacist for the current inoculation requirements and documentation for the countries that will be visited.
A trip fact sheets with more details will be e-mailed or faxed to you at the time of your booking. Doctors or pharmacists will also advise on hepatitis vaccinations and immune system boosters.
Please note that should border control requirements vary, Siyabona Africa CC does not take responsibility for any person being denied access to any country, in the event that that person has failed to comply with that country's health restrictions.
This is a common problem when traveling in Africa. There have been some extreme recommendations that bottled mineral water should be used to wash salads. However very salted water will kill just about anything - and boiled water will kill any thing else.
The reality is that food preparation and presentation on all out bound vehicles is good and all vehicles carry their own water. Many of the remote camps provide fare comparable to a reasonable city restaurant while some are rated as better than a few well known hotels in Europe or North America. Be sensible about what you eat and drink, that is not provided by the operator, and bring suitable medication in case.
Should travellers have any particular ailments requiring specialised medication, they should ensure that sufficient stocks are carried by them, on the expedition, and not expect to purchase them along the way. Although if travellers are carrying prescription medicine, they must carry a copy of the prescription with them.
We try as far as possible to accommodate any special requests with regard to the carrying of these medicines, but will not be held responsible for the damage or loss thereof, should this occur.
Travellers should advise the road crew members of any particular health conditions, e.g. diabetes / epilepsy, and any treatment or actions that may be required in the event of an emergency. This information will be treated confidentially.
Suggested contents of personal first aid kit (please confirm with doctor or pharmacist):
Many areas within the African continent carry the risk of Malaria. This avoidable disease can be fatal and should be taken very seriously!
Precautions against infection must be taken, and it is essential that travellers consult their doctor or pharmacist for advice on the most effective prophylactic drug for the areas that will be visited. It is also recommended that precautions be taken against being bitten by mosquitoes, for example use of an effective repellent as well as wearing of suitable clothing in the evenings. Expedition Tents are fitted with mosquito netting over the windows, but the traveller is not absolved from taking due precautions.
Precautionary measures need to be implemented approximately 14 days before entering a Malaria zone.It is a well-known fact that Malaria is one of the most serious and common tropical diseases in the world. However, there is no reason why this disease should deter you from coming to Africa if the necessary precautions are taken.
Please note that if precautions are not taken and / or if the disease is not diagnosed and treated early, Malaria is potentially fatal.
The preventative medication of choice for visitors to the Kruger National Park and surrounding areas is a combination of Chloroquin and Paludrine.
Chloroquin is taken on a weekly basis and Paludrine daily. The first dose of Chloroquine should be taken a week before entering a Malaria area to see if there are no serious side effects. Paludrine can be taken 2 days before entering the Malaria area. It is important to continue to take the medication during your stay and for four weeks after leaving the Malaria area. It is advisable to take the medication at night with food to reduce side effects like nausea.
Melfloquin is an alternative to the Chloroquin / Paludrine combination and it is the drug of choice when visiting other areas such as Zimbabwe and Mozambique if there are no contraindications for using Mefloquin.
If the Chloroquine / Paludrine combination or Mefloquin cannot be used Doxycycline on a once daily basis can be taken after meals as a preventative drug. Please contact your general practitioner or chemist for the correct dosage according to age and weight. Discuss if any of the medications are contraindicated (i.e., in infants, young children, pregnancy, patients with psoriasis, porphyria or epilepsy).
Despite the fact that the South African National Department of Health recommends that pregnant women should preferably not visit a Malaria area, many pregnant women do visit a Malaria area and even live in the Kruger National Park.
Extra care for preventing mosquito bites should be taken as Malaria in pregnancy holds an increase in risk for both mother and child. It is safe to use Chloroquin and Paludrine in pregnancy, even in the first three months of pregnancy.
Mefloquin and Doxycycline must not be used in pregnancy, because Malaria has a faster and harsher effect in infants and small children, extra care should be taken to prevent mosquito bites.
Take chloroquin syrup weekly and paludrine tablets daily in dosages according to age and weight - the appropriate dosage can be obtained from your general practitioner or chemist. Drug transfer in breast milk is insignificant and infants require full preventative medication.
It is important to take the medication during and for four weeks after leaving the Malaria area.
The following people should, if possible avoid visiting Malaria areas - or should take extra care in preventing mosquito bites