Vaccinations and Water Precautions requirements for Tanzania and Kenya

Generally, there is very little to worry about on your Tanzania Safari. At most properties, and in most areas, the water is safe to drink, and is less chemically treated than you may imagine. If in those rare cases, at your place of stay itself, you are concerned about water, bottled water is always provided. Indeed, bottled water is readily available at hotels and shops, and on safari. Always carry enough bottled water with you. Buy a required stock from a reputable shop at the start of your safari.

Compulsory Vaccination

Yellow Fever: Requirement depends on the dates of travel.

If you are arriving in Tanzania within 6 days of leaving Kenya, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age.

For those travelling to yellow fever risk areas, vaccination is recommended from 9 months of age. In exceptional circumstances, it may be considered for children from 6 months of age (expert advice should be sought). The certificate becomes valid 10 days after the vaccine is administered and lasts for 10 years. If the vaccine cannot be given for medical reasons you should obtain an exemption certificate.

Recommended Vaccinations

Travellers should be aware of the standard UK vaccination schedule.

Diptheria
Diptheria is usually spread by close contact with infected persons. In the UK, the combined diptheria/tetanus/polio vaccine is recommended when diptheria boosters are indicated for adults. A diptheria booster lasts 10 years.

Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious infection, usually contracted following contamination of wounds. In the UK, after 5 doses of vaccine, tetanus boosters are not routinely required unless travelling to areas with limited medical care. In the UK, the combined diptheria/tetanus/polio vaccine is recommended when tetanus boosters are indicated. A tetanus booster lasts 10 years.

Polio
Polio is a viral infection, which can sometimes cause paralysis. Contaminated food and water usually spread it. In the UK the combined diptheria/tetanus/polio vaccine is recommended when polio boosters are indicated. A polio booster lasts 10 years.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection, which occasionally causes severe liver disease. Contaminated food and water usually spread it. Effective hepatitis A vaccines are available, and boosters last up to 20 years.

Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection usually spread by contaminated food and water. It can cause serious illness, but vaccines offer up to 80% protection. Vaccination is generally less important for short-stay travellers staying in good accommodation.

Vaccinations to be considered

Hepatitis B - Rabies - Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY) - Cholera - Tuberculosis (TB)

Malaria

The vaccination and malaria advice for your journey is summarised below. The actual travel advice, vaccinations and malaria tablets given to you may vary and will depend on a number of factors.

Malaria is a prevalent disease in much of Africa, but lodges all take precautions with a combination of mosquito nets and sprays. Be sure to start taking the malaria tablets prior to your travel from home, during your Tanzania Safari and continue taking malaria tablets even when you return home, as it is generally required up to 1 or 2 weeks after you return home as well. Please consult your GP practice for proper advice.

Malaria is a dangerous disease that is spread by mosquitoes that bite from dusk to dawn.

Avoiding mosquito bites

• Use an effective insect repellant and apply it regularly.
• Wear long sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially in the evening.
• Clear your room at night with a knockdown spray (fly spray).
• Plug-in insecticide vaporisers are very effective.
• Air conditioning provides an effective deterrent; otherwise consider sleeping under a mosquito net impregnated with residual insecticide.

Recommended anti-malaria drugs
If you are risk of malaria (see above), one of the following schedules is recommended for your journey. They are all effective. Your travel health adviser should discuss which would be the most suitable for you. The schedules for children may be different. Please read the country specific malaria descriptions. Remember it is essential not to miss a dose.

Alternative anti-malarial drugs
If the above anti-malarial drugs are not suitable for you, it is essential to discuss alternative drugs with your travel health adviser.

Malaria symptoms and treatment
The most important symptom to remember is a raised temperature of 38 degrees C or higher starting at least 1 week after first potential exposure to malaria. Other symptoms are variable and cannot be relied on. If you do develop a fever a week or more after exposure to malaria, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you cannot get to medical attention within 24 hours and your condition is deteriorating, you should consider emergency self-treatment. For adults, 4 tablets of Malarone as a single dose on each of three consecutive days can be taken if you are not already taking Malarone to prevent malaria. If you are taking Malarone, your travel health adviser may wish to contact us to discuss alternative treatment options.

Medical items to be considered for your journey.

Accidents
First Aid Kit containing plasters,, bandages, antiseptic spray, scissors, tweezers, thermometer.
Consider needle and syringe kit
Record of your blood group

Insect Bites
Insect repellent
Plug in insecticide vapouriser
Fly spray (normally in all accommodations)

Water Purification
Iodine resin water purifier

Sun
Sun block
Calamine Lotion- After Sun Lotion

Medication
Painkillers
Travel Sickness Pills (Travelling on small planes and boats)
Anti diarrhoea medicine
Your regular medication

Innoculation Certificate

The inoculation certificate is not generally required when entering the country in question (e.g. Kenya or Tanzania), but is required for your return to your country of residence. Please consult your Travel Clinic, or doctor, prior to travel.

When on Tanzania safari, always ensure that you drink sufficient quantities of water. Daytime temperatures can be extreme, even in winter, and you don’t want to suffer from dehydration.

Complications from sunburn should also not be ignored - always wear a hat with a brim, and ensure that you carry a good supply of protection cream.

The custom built, open 4 x 4 safari vehicles generally used on Tanzanian safaris, provide comfort with maximum visibility and protection. Your guide is an expert, so follow his advice and ask questions if you are unsure of anything.