Practical Health Tips – Advice and Information for your Safari
Staying Healthy While on Safari in Uganda – It is all about Prevention and not getting sick on a Safari.
Staying Healthy on Safari in Uganda – Here is How! Going on a safari adventure in Uganda is truly magical. Imagine coming face-to-face with majestic gorillas in the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or watching herds of elephants roam across the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Uganda offers a rich array of wildlife and stunning landscapes that will leave you in awe.
However, amidst all this excitement, there is one crucial aspect you cannot overlook — your health. To fully enjoy every moment without worry, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being. This means preparing wisely and taking practical steps to prevent illness. We have compiled crucial health tips that will help you avoid common travel ailments and keep you feeling great throughout your journey.
From necessary vaccinations and adequate insect protection to safe eating and drinking habits, each tip is designed to ensure your safety and maximize your time on the adventure. Understanding potential risks and taking precautions isn’t just wise; it’s essential for a smooth and stress-free safari experience.
In summary, use your common sense, pack thoughtfully, and prioritize your health. Your incredible Ugandan safari awaits — and it’s best enjoyed when you’re feeling your absolute best!
How to Stay Healthy While on a Safari?
We strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with the risk factors associated with a safari as you plan your trip. Below, you’ll find our advice based on what has worked for our previous clients. It’s essential to take preventative measures, such as getting vaccinated against yellow fever, consulting your doctor, or visiting a travel clinic for a malaria prevention prescription.
The good news is that, so far, none of our clients have had to visit a local hospital due to an illness contracted during a safari with us. However, we did have one client who stumbled and fell, injuring her shoulder, which required air evacuation by the reliable AMREF Flying Doctors. You can read more about that service below. Currently, all our clients on safari with us are automatically covered for such emergencies.
For additional information, you can refer to government agencies like the CDC in the US or the NHS in the UK.
We also strongly recommend that you consider purchasing travel insurance. While you may not ultimately need it, it provides coverage in case of a medical emergency. We do not sell travel insurance but provide guidance on the topic through our health advice page.
Staying Healthy on Safari in Uganda by Taking Preventative Measures
How to Stay Healthy While on a Safari? Find out by reading the information below that we have put together—data based on past clients who have had safaris without a health-related incident.
Vaccinations for your Safari:
Get Your Vaccinations from a Tropical Medicine Expert
Before heading to Uganda or Rwanda, it’s essential to get your vaccinations from a doctor who really knows tropical travel — ideally at a specialized travel clinic. In the U.S., your County Health Department is often the best place to obtain key immunizations, such as the Yellow Fever vaccine and others.
Yellow Fever Vaccine and Certificate: A Must-Have
Uganda requires every adult traveler to present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon entry — no exceptions. Rwanda also asks for this certificate if you’ve recently visited a country where Yellow Fever is present. While recent research shows that a single Yellow Fever shot likely offers lifetime protection, official regulations haven’t caught up yet, so keep your card handy. Pregnant women and young children are typically exempt but should take extra precautions against mosquito bites. Read more about Yellow Fever Certificate.
Other Important Vaccinations to Consider
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travelers due to food and water risks.
- Hepatitis B: Essential for more extended stays or close contact with locals and children.
- Tetanus Booster: Make sure you’re up to date.
- Rabies: Rare among tourists, but consider it if you’ll be around animals freuently.
- Meningococcal Meningitis: Useful for specific regions or group settings.
- Typhoid: Recommended due to food and water hygiene concerns.
Pro Tip: Many general practitioners aren’t well-versed in tropical travel vaccinations, so book an appointment with a travel clinic or a doctor specialized in tropical medicine. They’ll tailor your vaccination plan to your itinerary and health needs, ensuring you’re fully covered for your African adventure.
Fight the Bite — Smart Insect Protection for Your Safari
Insect bites pose a significant challenge for those exploring Uganda’s stunning wilderness. Biting insects such as mosquitoes, tsetse flies, and horseflies can transmit serious diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, and sleeping sickness. Therefore, proper preparation is essential for protection.
To start, it is advisable to use effective insect repellents that contain DEET or picaridin. Applying these repellents generously on all exposed skin throughout the day can provide vital protection. Many experienced travelers recommend Australian RID insect repellent for its effectiveness, particularly against tsetse flies and horseflies.
Clothing also plays a crucial role in protecting against insect bites. Wearing loose, long-sleeved shirts and trousers in neutral colors, such as khaki or brown, is recommended, as bright colors—mainly blue—tend to attract tsetse flies. A wide-brimmed hat and sturdy, closed-toed shoes will protect your head and feet, which are common areas for bites. For activities like jungle treks and gorilla tracking, it is best to avoid wearing shorts and tank tops. Covering your skin minimizes not only insect bites but also encounters with nettles and thorns.
Additionally, consider wearing permethrin-treated clothing and always sleeping under mosquito nets, particularly in areas prone to malaria. It is wise to avoid dense vegetation during dawn and dusk when biting insects are most active.
To further reduce your attractiveness to insects, limit the consumption of sweet foods, sugary beverages, and alcohol, as these can increase the likelihood of bites.
Moreover, malaria prevention is critical; consulting with a travel health specialist regarding antimalarial medication, such as nectarine or your doctor’s recommended alternative, is highly recommended. Begin the medication before arriving in Uganda, continue during your stay, and complete the course after your departure.
By implementing these strategies, travelers can significantly reduce the risk of insect bites and enhance their safari experience in Uganda.
Please note: None of our clients have ever contracted malaria or any other insect-borne disease on safari. Lodges and hotels are equipped with mosquito nets. Rooms are often sprayed at night. Insect spray, such as Doom, can be purchased locally.a
Read more about Fighting the Bite
Don’t Drink Tap Water
When traveling to Uganda, it’s important to note that tap water is not safe for drinking or for activities such as brushing your teeth. In fact, it is advisable to avoid swallowing tap water, even while showering. To ensure your safety, it is best to rely on bottled water from reputable brands, such as Rwenzori Water, which is widely available and trusted by both locals and tourists.
When ordering juices or iced drinks, always confirm that they are made with bottled or boiled water to avoid any potential health risks. However, coffee and tea are generally safe, as the water used is typically boiled. Additionally, be cautious when purchasing plastic water sachets from street vendors, as their handling and storage practices can be uncertain.
Most lodges provide bottled water in their guest rooms, and safari vehicles are typically stocked with sufficient supplies for hydration. Staying adequately hydrated with safe water is essential to prevent illnesses and maintain your energy levels while enjoying the rich wildlife and trekking experiences the region has to offer.
Avoid Idi Amin’s Revenge – Travelers Diarrhea:
Idi Amin’s revenge, commonly known as Traveler’s Diarrhea, is a common concern for those exploring new destinations. To minimize the risk, we choose lodges that adhere to high hygiene standards.
We recommend avoiding food from roadside vendors and opting for well-cooked meals served at your table. Raw foods, including salads and ice cubes, should also be avoided unless they can be peeled.
Buffets can be risky, especially if food is not kept at safe temperatures. For snacks, consider dried fruit, nuts, and granola bars from supermarkets; we also provide bananas in our vehicles.
In case of severe symptoms, you might carry Imodium or Ciprofloxacin, but always follow dosage instructions and stay hydrated. While serious illnesses are rare among our clients, they tend to occur more often in expatriates who overlook these precautions.
Finally, remember to wash your hands before eating or use the hand sanitizer we provide in our vehicles. Read more how to prevent Idi Amin’s revenge on Safari.
Sunburn Prevention:
Sunburns can easily occur in the equatorial sun of Uganda. To protect your skin, it is essential to apply sunscreen lotion generously and reapply it regularly while outdoors. It is advisable to pack an adequate supply of sunscreen for your trip.
Additionally, wearing a wide-brimmed hat is highly recommended, as it can effectively shield your neck and face from the sun’s rays. These hats can often be purchased locally, particularly in areas where souvenirs are sold. For individuals with fair skin, a broad-brimmed hat is essential for sun protection, prioritizing health over style.
When engaging in activities such as boat rides on the Nile or Lake Victoria, sunblock lotion is crucial to prevent sunburn. Experiencing sunburn can be uncomfortable, and with the rising incidence of skin cancer, taking preventive measures is a sensible choice.
It is important to note that if you are taking doxycycline as a part of an anti-malaria regimen, your skin may become more sensitive to sun exposure. Therefore, additional precautions are necessary.
Scratches and Nicks – Prevent Infections:
For a safe and enjoyable experience while tracking gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda, it is essential to wear protective clothing that is suitable for the environment. Wearing shorts and a tank top is not recommended, as it increases the risk of potential hazards. The hiking trails often pass through dense bush and thick forests, where branches can cause scratches, and certain plants, such as nettles, may lead to stings. Insect bites are also a concern, particularly in tropical climates, as they can result in infections.
To minimize the risk of injuries, it is advisable to dress sensibly. Recommended attire includes long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and a hat. For those specifically tracking gorillas, wearing gardening gloves can provide additional protection.
In case of minor injuries such as scratches or insect bites, it is essential to clean the affected area with a suitable antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection. Carrying a first-aid kit, which should include Band-Aids for minor cuts, is also highly advisable. Proper dressing for the African wilderness not only enhances comfort but also significantly improves your overall safety during your safari adventure.
Bilharzia Prevention:
Bilharzia, also known as schistosomiasis, is a severe parasitic infection that is prevalent in many lakes in Uganda and Rwanda and even in certain ponds that may be labeled as “Bilharzia free.” The disease is caused by tiny snails that release larvae capable of penetrating human skin, ultimately affecting the liver.
Symptoms of Bilharzia can include fever, coughing, and abdominal pain. Given its potential severity, prevention is key. Consider the following precautions:
- Avoid bathing, swimming, or wading near villages along the lake, and limit your time in such areas to under ten minutes.
- After swimming, thoroughly dry your body with a towel, using a brisk rubbing motion.
- Whenever possible, swim early in the day instead of later, as this may reduce the risk of exposure.
- Apply insect repellent to your skin before swimming, as this may offer some level of protection against the snails.
- For those engaging in activities like White-Water rafting on the Nile at Jinja in Uganda, it’s imperative to take these precautions seriously.
Overall, the safest choice is to swim in a pool rather than in lakes or slow-moving rivers, even if they are advertised as being “Bilharzia free.” It’s crucial not to underestimate the risks associated with Bilharzia, as the consequences can be severe. Fortunately, none of our clients have contracted Bilharzia to date. Read more about Bilharzia.
Dealing with a Wasp Attack on Safari:
Wasp attacks in Uganda’s wilderness are rare, but they can occur, especially during outdoor activities like gorilla trekking. A tragic incident in 2018 involved an American woman who died after being stung multiple times by wasps while hiking in the Ruhija area of Bwindi Forest. While such events are uncommon, it is essential to be prepared and know how to stay safe.
One of the best ways to reduce your risk is by wearing appropriate clothing. Many tourists may not realize that Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers wear special protective gear designed to guard against wasp stings and other hazards in the forest. While you don’t need to wear the full ranger gear, choosing long sleeves, thick fabrics, and sturdy hats can help protect your skin and decrease the chance of stings.
If you do encounter wasps, stay calm and move away slowly. Avoid flailing or swatting at them, as this can provoke them. Always follow your guide’s advice and remain aware of your surroundings. By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy your safari safely and comfortably.
Travel Insurance – Obtain it as you book Safari! –
It is something every Safari Traveler should have for that added protection. Unexpected things can happen, and things at home can also occur here. You may trip and fall, nothing to do with the Safari, it just happened, but now you need care.
We have had two medical evacs in our time. Both had to do with a client tripping, one in a bathroom. The other one stumbled, attempting to get out of the way of a vehicle. Both had adequate insurance.
We include emergency air evacuation with AMREF Flying Doctors—the best Air Evacuation service in East Africa.
We do not sell travel insurance but give you guidelines on what to avoid and what to avoid.
In light of the Covid Pandemic, it is pertinent that you have Travel insurance that covers you.
Safari Fitness for Gorilla Trekking:
Safaris in Uganda are out of the vehicle and on the Trail to see Mountain Gorillas or Chimpanzees. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.
We suggest you prepare for your gorilla trek by becoming fit before gorilla trekking, volcano, or the Rwenzori Mountains climb. It will make your time on a safari more enjoyable.
Being fit makes it easier for you as you trek the Gentle Giants of the Forest in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
Sedan chairs are available where porters carry you in and out during your Gorilla Trek. Let us know since we must arrange that service before your tracking day.
For most, being moderately fit is adequate. You are assigned a gorilla group with your input, age, and fitness level. We suggest that you prepare yourself for the Gorilla Trek before arriving here.
Pack a First-Aid Kit:
First-Aid Kits come in all sizes and shapes. Pack the essentials. Below is a US Center for Disease Control Packing List you can download. It goes beyond the First-Aid Kit and gives you choices about what to take.
Prescription – be sure to have a copy of them with you. Keep medication n original containers. Customs look at things and decide whether to investigate further. Uganda is being used as a drug transit point in places far away as Europe.
Lodges usually have first aid kits and require plaster, not a Band-Aid. We have first-aid kits in vehicles.
Local Clinics are often available for a first response before going to a better hospital. First-Aid kits are rarely needed but are good to have.
We have First-Aid Kits in our vehicles. The driver guides have had first-aid training and know what to do. They also know where to take you in case of a problem on Safari.
What about using CPAP machines?
If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you can still go on a safari in Uganda. Since most lodges and tented camps are off the power grid, there are power problems.
Most lodges have switched to solar power, which works well with low lighting. Some clubs use generators which would work. However, the generators are turned off from midnight to six in the morning. This is highly inconvenient for safari-goers who suffer from sleep apnea and has caused some to forego a Safari in Africa.
The solution is a portable CPAP machine with batteries that will take you through the night.
We are not medical experts. However, we have had quite a few clients suffering from sleep apnea who did just fine on their Safari because they came with a portable CPAP machine making their Safari possible. Such devices can be charged during the day at the front desk of lodges with charging stations.
Download your CDC Health Packing list.
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Open in new tab We’ve got you covered on a Safari with us:
t Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, we are more than just a safari company; we are your passionate hosts in the breathtaking Pearl of Africa—Uganda. Your comfort and safety are our utmost priorities, ensuring that you can fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife without any reservations.
With over a decade of experience in organizing unforgettable safaris, we take immense pride in our stellar safety record; none of our clients have experienced illness during their tours. We uphold rigorous health and safety protocols to maintain this exceptional standard. We also strongly encourage all travelers to obtain comprehensive travel insurance—it’s a crucial step that provides invaluable peace of mind for your adventure.
To offer you additional reassurance, every trip with us includes AMREF Flying Doctors’ air-evacuation insurance. This means you can rest easy knowing that, if needed, you’ll receive swift medical evacuation by air to Nairobi, where your travel insurance will cover treatment at the prestigious Aga Khan Hospital.
Travel smart, prioritize your safety, and let Kabiza Wilderness Safaris lead you on a remarkable, worry-free journey through Uganda. Your unforgettable safari experience awaits!
Places for Medical Emergency – Uganda
- The Surgery – 2 Acacia Avenue, Kololo. Tel: 0414256003. 24-Hour Emergency Service Tel: 0752756003, Ambulance Service. Tel: 0752 756003
- International Hospital: Down from Rest Corner in Muyenga, up from Kabalagala, and then toward Namuwongo. Everyone knows the International Hospital, Tel: 0312200400, Ambulance Service: 0772200400/1
Dental Emergency:
- Sterling Dental Clinic: Located on Kampala Road in Bhatia House.
Following the above practical health tips and advice can minimize health risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable safari experience in Uganda. Prioritize your health by taking necessary medical precautions, practicing good hygiene, protecting yourself from insects and the sun, and staying hydrated.
With proper preparation and care, you can fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Uganda’s wildlife and natural beauty while maintaining your well-being.
