| It is especially important to be aware of the | | | | currently taking. If you are visiting an area known |
| physical conditions and safety considerations if | | | | to have malaria, you should consider taking |
| you are considering a visit to Africa. | | | | prophylactic malaria medication. Your family |
| Research the political situation in the country you | | | | physician and safari travel company can offer |
| are planning to visit before you book and confirm | | | | advice regarding this medication based on the |
| your travel. Official web sites on the Internet will | | | | region you are planning to visit. It is also a good |
| provide you with complete and up-to-date | | | | idea to have a dental check-up before your travel. |
| information. | | | | Be sure to enquire about the quality of the |
| Before You Leave Home | | | | drinking water and, if in doubt, drink only bottled. |
| A crucial consideration is to pack wisely and don't | | | | Many people become dehydrated when on safari |
| over-pack. But how do you determine what's | | | | because they forget to drink enough water – |
| essential and what's not? Although having the | | | | be sure to drink plenty of water every day. |
| proper clothing is very important, the key is to | | | | Re-hydration tablets are also a good item to bring |
| travel light but travel smart. It is recommended | | | | along, just in case. |
| that you check out the local climate and weather | | | | Pack a medical kit with painkillers, bug repellants, |
| conditions before you embark on a safari. If you | | | | anti-diarrhea pills, bandages and antiseptics for |
| have booked through an African travel specialist | | | | yourself and anyone traveling with you. Finally, |
| for your trip, contact that company for clothing | | | | ensure that your insurance coverage is adequate |
| suggestions during the specified period of your | | | | in case you become sick or injured abroad. There |
| travel. | | | | are insurance companies that specialize in |
| Be sure to include good walking shoes that are | | | | overseas travel insurance and offer short-term |
| comfortable and already broken in; don't make | | | | coverage's to suit all needs – your travel |
| the mistake of bringing brand new shoes. Include | | | | agent can help with recommendations. |
| comfortable, but protective clothing for your | | | | When You Arrive |
| safari. Long-sleeved shirts help protect your arms | | | | After you arrive at your destination, there are |
| from the sun and long pants will help protect you | | | | some additional points worth noting to preclude |
| from mosquitoes, especially in the evenings. | | | | illness, accident, or injury so you can enjoy your |
| Wearing neutral-colored clothing will help you blend | | | | holiday to the fullest. First, to relieve symptoms |
| in with the surroundings while you are admiring | | | | of jet lag and fatigue, eat lightly, drink plenty of |
| the wildlife and will also reflect the sun, keeping | | | | fluids and avoid alcohol and caffeine for a few |
| you cooler. You may also want to bring along a | | | | days after your arrival. Also, try to adjust your |
| warm jacket for cool nights. In addition, you'll | | | | activity levels to the local time zone as soon as |
| want to take some "dressier clothes" for when | | | | possible to get you physically in sync with the local |
| you're planning to be in one of the larger African | | | | time. |
| cities where more formal attire is appropriate. | | | | One of the most common reasons for injury |
| Sun Protection | | | | abroad is automobile accidents. Be sure to |
| Regardless of the time of year you visit Africa, | | | | familiarize yourself with the local driving culture, |
| the sun's heat will be significant during the day. | | | | road signs, speed limits and local police vehicles |
| High SPF sunscreen and lip balm are a must, as | | | | before attempting to drive. |
| well as a hat, bandana, sunglasses and so forth. | | | | When walking in cities and urban areas in Africa, |
| Covering up when in the sun is the best approach | | | | you may want to consider using two wallets. Hide |
| to ultraviolet ray protection. Generally, fabrics with | | | | one of them with the bulk of your cash, traveler's |
| a tighter, denser weave give the best protection. | | | | checks, credit cards and other essential items in a |
| Knit constructions, such as cotton t-shirts, give | | | | safe place on your person. Fill the second wallet |
| relatively poor protection (SPF rating of 4.8) since | | | | with a small amount of money, and use that for |
| UV rays pass through loops on the knit structure. | | | | routine spending. In addition, you should avoid |
| What about Health Care and Medicine? | | | | counting your money in public, as this will cause |
| Pack a medical kit for your overland tourYou | | | | the unwanted attention of potential thieves. |
| should definitely schedule a doctor's visit for a | | | | Finally, if you must take an expensive laptop or |
| complete medical check up well in advance of | | | | camera when walking around in populated areas, |
| your departure. First and foremost, you should | | | | try to conceal them as much as possible, |
| remember to have prescriptions filled with an | | | | preferably in an older or beat up bag. |
| adequate supply of the medications you are | | | | |