A greater kudu with long spiral horns walking through dry bush by a river

Vaccinations, Malaria and Staying Healthy

Yellow fever rules, malaria prevention and health tips, based on CDC guidance.

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Vaccinations, Malaria and Staying Healthy in Africa

Health preparation is one of the most important parts of planning a trip to Africa, and the best source is the CDC. CDC’s destination pages list recommended vaccines, entry requirements and malaria advice for each country. Book a travel-health appointment four to six weeks or more before departure; some vaccines need time, and malaria tablets have to be started before you arrive.

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is present in parts of East, Central and West Africa. Some countries require a vaccination certificate from every arriving traveler, others only from travelers who come from or pass through a yellow fever country, and the rule can depend on how long you spent in transit. Carry the yellow International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis with your passport. CDC’s yellow fever page explains the vaccine and where it is offered.

Malaria

Many safari areas in East Africa and parts of southern Africa have malaria. CDC recommends prevention medicine for many of them, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Kruger National Park in South Africa. There are several prescription options; your provider will choose one based on your health and itinerary. Read CDC’s malaria page for travelers.

Avoiding Mosquito Bites

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on exposed skin.
Wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk and after dark.
Sleep under a mosquito net where one is provided, or in screened rooms.
Treat clothing with permethrin before you travel.
Seek medical care quickly for any fever during or after your trip, and say you have been in a malaria area.

Silhouettes of an elephant family and an acacia tree against a fiery red sunset — Dusk is the best time for game viewing and also when mosquitoes are most active.

Other Health Tips

Make sure routine vaccines are up to date; ask about hepatitis A, typhoid and others on CDC’s list for your countries.
Drink bottled or treated water where tap water is not safe.
Altitude matters on Kilimanjaro and on gorilla treks in the Virungas; tell your provider.
Carry prescriptions in original labeled containers, with a copy of the prescription.
Buy travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation; remote camps can be hours from a hospital. Cruise & Travel Insurance explains the kinds of cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for a safari?

It depends on the country and your route. Uganda, for example, requires proof of vaccination from all arriving travelers aged one and over. South Africa does not require it if you fly directly from the United States, but does if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk, including a transit of more than twelve hours there. Check CDC pages for every country on your route.

Is there malaria in Cape Town?

No. Cape Town and the Garden Route are not malaria areas. CDC does recommend prevention medicine for Kruger National Park and some neighboring districts.

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