Your Complete Guide to Travelling in Africa: Health, Vaccines, and Expert Advice
Africa’s vast landscapes—from Sahara dunes to savannah plains and tropical forests—offer unparalleled adventures. Whether you’re on safari in Kenya, exploring Victoria Falls, or volunteering in rural communities, preparing your health is as important as booking flights. At Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy, we specialise in travel medicine, ensuring you have the vaccines, medications and expert advice you need before you depart.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about health risks, essential vaccines, malaria prevention, kit essentials and more for your trip to Africa.
Contents
Why Explore Africa? Highlights & Experiences
Health Risks in Africa: What to Watch For
Malaria Prevention Strategies
Travel Health Kit Essentials
Local Medical Care & Emergency Services
Further Resources
Why Explore Africa? Highlights & Experiences
Africa offers a remarkable variety of experiences:
Wildlife Safaris: Spot the Big Five in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.
Natural Wonders: Witness Victoria Falls, Ngorongoro Crater and the Okavango Delta.
Cultural Journeys: Meet Maasai in Kenya, Himba in Namibia and communities across West Africa.
Beach Escapes: Relax on Zanzibar’s white sands or Mauritius’s turquoise lagoons.
Adventure Treks: Climb Mount Kilimanjaro or hike Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains.
Before you set off, make sure you’re medically prepared for varying climates and conditions.
Health Risks in Africa: What to Watch For
Travelling in Africa presents some unique health considerations:
Mosquito-borne diseases: Malaria, Yellow Fever, Dengue
Water- and food-borne illnesses: Typhoid, Traveller’s diarrhoea, Hepatitis A
Animal exposures: Rabies from dogs, bats or wildlife contacts
Environmental hazards: Heat exhaustion, sunburn, dehydration
Tropical infections: Schistosomiasis, African tick bite fever (in some regions)
A detailed consultation will assess your specific itinerary—safari lodges, rural villages or urban centres—and recommend tailored measures.
Essential Vaccines for Africa
Yellow Fever: Mandatory for entry to many African countries and issues an International Certificate of Vaccination valid for life. See Yellow Fever vaccine.
Typhoid: Protects against typhoid fever from contaminated food and water. See Typhoid vaccine.
Hepatitis A & B: Hepatitis A via food/water; B via blood and bodily fluids. Combined dose simplifies scheduling. See Hepatitis A & B vaccine.
Rabies: Pre-exposure vaccination advised for wildlife encounters or rural stays. See Rabies vaccine.
Tetanus Booster: A 10-year booster (often combined with diphtheria and polio) reduces risk from cuts and injuries. See Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio booster.
Japanese Encephalitis: Consider for extended rural stays in Southeast Africa or marshy areas. See Japanese Encephalitis vaccine.
Malaria Prevention Strategies
Malaria risk is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. Combine these strategies:
Chemoprophylaxis: Malarone®, Doxycycline or Atovaquone-Proguanil—selected based on your health profile.
Mosquito avoidance:
Wear long sleeves and use repellent containing DEET or Picaridin.
Sleep under insecticide-treated nets.
Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened accommodation.
Early diagnosis: Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever or flu-like symptoms.
Discuss your personal prophylaxis plan when you book your travel health appointment.
Travel Health Kit Essentials
Pack a kit suited to African travel:
Prescription medicines: anti-malarials, antibiotics for traveller’s diarrhoea, pain relief
Rehydration aids: oral rehydration salts, probiotics
First-aid supplies: plasters, antiseptic wipes, wound dressings
Sun and insect protection: high-SPF sunscreen, after-sun gel, insect repellent
Heat management: wide-brimmed hat, electrolyte tablets
Health documentation: printed vaccination record and Yellow Fever certificate (ICVP)
Our clinic can advise on trusted brands and assemble a bespoke kit for your trip.
Local Medical Care & Emergency Services
Healthcare standards vary across the continent:
South Africa: Top-rated hospitals in Johannesburg and Cape Town (e.g. Netcare, Life Healthcare).
Kenya: International hospitals in Nairobi; basic clinics in rural areas.
West Africa: Good facilities in Lagos and Accra; limited in remote regions.
Northern Africa: Modern care in Cairo and Casablanca; variable elsewhere.
Emergency evacuation: Consider insurance covering air ambulance for remote safaris.
Keep your travel insurance details and local emergency numbers accessible.
Why Choose Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy
When preparing for Africa, trust our local experts:
GPhC-registered travel health specialists with expertise in tropical and safari health risks
Same-day and next-day appointments for urgent travellers
Comprehensive service: personalised vaccine schedules, malaria prophylaxis, bespoke advice
Family-friendly environment: experienced in paediatric and adult vaccinations
Transparent pricing: view fees on Pricing with no hidden charges
Central location: 56 Mill Rd, Petersfield, Cambridge CB1 2AS—minutes from the city centre
Learn more about our team on About Us.
How to Book Your Consultation
Visit Booking to select your slot
Call 01223 354383 for same-day or urgent bookings
Prepare your travel itinerary and vaccination history
Attend your appointment for expert planning and vaccination
We’ll ensure you leave fully protected and confident for your African adventure.
Further Resources
TravelHealthPro (UK travel health guidance)
Fit for Travel (NHS)
NHS Travel Vaccination Advice
Embark on your African journey fully prepared. Book your travel health consultation today at Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy via Booking or call 01223 354383.
More information check out the following resources where we source information from:
Fit for Travel
Travel Health Pro
NHS Travel Advice