Common Medical Concerns
Malaria
Caused by a mosquito-borne parasite, malaria is found in Zambia
although experience has found that the worst time of the year for
malaria is generally from mid-February to the end of June. The incidence
of malaria diminishes as the season gets drier and cooler, but there is
still a risk even at the end of the dry season before the new rains. The
best precautions are physical barriers in the early evenings and at
night (long trousers and sleeves, 30% plus deet-based repellents,
mosquito nets). You need to watch for the symptoms for several months
after your return home - it's important to get treatment very quickly if
you've contracted malaria. If you develop flu-like symptoms then get a
quick and simple blood test without any delay; just to be on the safe
side!
We also suggest taking an anti-malarial treatment, of which there are
several. More details can be found below...
Diarrhoea
A common problem when travelling anywhere in Africa. There is plenty
of advice recommending that you clean food (even salads) with bottled
mineral water! But the reality is that food preparation and presentation
in some of the remotest camps is better than the fare you'll get in many
well known hotels in Europe and North America.
We would say just be sensible about what you eat and drink and bring
suitable medication just in case.
Sunburn
From May to July (our southern winter) the African sun is fierce. A
bad sunburn could not only spoil your safari, but be a long term risk of
skin cancer. There's no need to get extreme with precautions unless
you're particularly sensitive to the sun. Be sure to bring a hat, long
sleeves, a strong sun barrier cream/spray that suits your skin type and
wear sunglasses.
Medical Services
Even though our camps are remote, we are well-geared to handle minor
mishaps in terms of first aid practitioners, trauma kits etc. In the
event of a serious accident, Johannesburg in South Africa is the only
real option for immediate high care evacuation in Southern Africa.
Ensure that you have adequate medical insurance - as a rule the remoter
and less developed the destination, the more expensive the evacuation.
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