It is safe to travel to tanzania
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On my first foray into the country I planned to visit many places around Cape Town, the Garden Route and to travel a good part of the Eastern Cape. What was my surprise? I discovered that I did not need any vaccinations or additional precautions to those normally established.
However, later, once settled in the country I learned that this is not true for 100% of the trips: two of South Africa’s National Parks are in a moderate malaria risk zone. They are certain areas of the Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park, so although in both places the risk is usually low and seasonal, it is advisable to take it into account and follow preventive measures.
If you plan to enjoy the unrepeatable adventure of a Safari in the Kruger, the first thing to do is to get informed. What is malaria? Malaria is a disease contracted by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito causing vomiting, high fever and in some cases even death. It is certainly scary, but what are the chances of being infected by this disease? Actually, the risk of contracting this disease is very low and is reduced to specific areas, being even lower if the appropriate recommendations are followed.
Requirements to enter tanzania
John Frean does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Every death from malaria is a tragedy. But many infections are preventable. This is particularly true for tourists, travelers or people visiting their families in malaria-endemic areas. All they have to do is follow some very simple rules.
Longer exposure, involving overnight stays, poses a greater risk than short visits, e.g. day trips to game reserves. Walking and camping outdoors is riskier than staying in air-conditioned accommodation.
Contact between mosquitoes and people is not random. Mosquitoes actively seek out people. They have sensory organs that detect people’s heat, exhaled carbon dioxide and sweat.
There are several ways to avoid bites. It is best to stay indoors between dusk and dawn and to cover bare skin when outdoors at night (mosquitoes find ankles especially attractive).
Tanzania travel tips
Before traveling, it is highly recommended to make a visit with a professional to assess the risk individually and, thus, take the most appropriate preventive measures for each case. In this sense, it is recommended to prevent bites to all travelers visiting malaria areas through:
Emergency self-treatment in specific cases. This consists of carrying malaria treatment in the first aid kit and taking it in case of fever or symptoms of malaria and no medical attention is available in less than 24 hours.
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Most lodges have screened windows and doors, mosquito nets, air conditioning, fans and electrical repellents. Although all these measures help prevent bites, they should not be used alone.Second rule: Take malaria pills with you if you visit an area at risk.
This is the prophylactic we recommend, although we suggest that you check with your doctor whether it is suitable for you before you travel.Doxycycline: This is an antibiotic and for many people it represents a perfectly acceptable alternative to traditional antimalarial tablets. However, doxycycline can increase sun sensitivity and the effects of antibiotics on birth control pills are well documented. Caution: travelers may return home with more than just a tan! Garlic, vitamin B, chili: these are fairy tales and should definitely not be used as malaria prevention.Third rule: Watch for symptoms and complete your prophylactic treatment!