East Africa Health Guide: Vaccinations, Malaria and Staying Healthy on Safari

Most visitors stay healthy with simple precautions. Medical advice varies by person, so use this page as a checklist for your doctor visit, not a substitute for it.

Plan eight weeks ahead where possible so vaccines can be spaced properly.

This guide is part of our Uganda facts and travel information guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Checklist

Malaria Prevention

Use repellent, cover up at dusk and ask your doctor about medication. See vaccines and malaria prevention.

Food and Water

Drink bottled or treated water and eat freshly cooked food. See Tanzania practical tips and Uganda travel insurance and health.

Insurance

Choose cover that includes medical evacuation. See travel insurance for an African safari.

Staying Well on the Road

Wash hands often, use sanitiser before eating and choose busy, freshly cooked food. Use sunscreen and a hat, because equatorial sun is strong. Rest on long travel days. Carry a small kit with pain relief, rehydration salts, plasters, insect repellent and any prescribed medication in original packaging.

If You Become Unwell

Tell your guide or lodge manager early. Most lodges can arrange a doctor, and larger towns have clinics and hospitals. Keep insurance details handy, including the emergency number for your provider. Remote parks may be hours from a hospital, which is why evacuation cover is important. See travel insurance for an African safari.

Special Considerations

Travellers with chronic conditions, pregnant travellers and children need individual medical advice. Carry enough prescription medication for the trip plus extra, and keep a doctor's letter if you travel with controlled drugs or syringes.

Pre-Trip Preparation Timeline

Eight weeks before departure book a travel clinic appointment. Six weeks before, begin any vaccine course and confirm insurance. Two weeks before, buy repellent, sunscreen and medication. A week before, pack documents and copies. During the trip, follow guidance on water, food and malaria. After returning, tell your doctor about any fever, because malaria can appear weeks later.

Mental Health and Fatigue

Long flights and early starts can cause fatigue. Rest, hydrate and take it easy on arrival. Travelling with a good guide and a flexible schedule reduces stress.

Children and Pregnancy

Children and pregnant travellers need individual advice about malaria prevention, vaccines and travel. Some medications are not recommended in pregnancy, and some areas may be less suitable. Speak to a travel clinic well in advance, and share your itinerary so the doctor can advise accurately.

Planning

See visa guide.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team