Question 1

Do I need malaria tablets for a safari?

Accepted Answer

Only in malaria areas, and plenty of our safaris avoid them entirely. The Greater Kruger, Serengeti and Okavango are malaria regions where anti-malarials and evening cover-up are sensible. The Eastern Cape, Madikwe, the Waterberg and many reserves near Cape Town are malaria-free. Your pharmacy or travel clinic prescribes the tablets; we tell you plainly if your route needs them.

Question 2

Which vaccinations do I need?

Accepted Answer

There is no single answer — it turns on your route and your own history. Routine jabs should be current, and a travel clinic will advise on things like hepatitis and typhoid for longer or more remote trips. Yellow fever is the one with a border twist (see the next question). See a travel clinic four to six weeks before you fly so there is time for anything that needs doing.

Question 3

Do I need a yellow fever certificate?

Accepted Answer

Possibly — not for the disease risk in most Southern African destinations, but because of where you have been. South Africa, for instance, asks for a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from, or have recently passed through, a country where yellow fever is present. If your trip combines regions, this catches people out, so we check the order of your countries and warn you early.

Question 4

Can I go on a malaria-free safari?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is a genuinely good option for families with young children, pregnant travellers or anyone who would rather skip the tablets. Malaria-free Big Five reserves give you the full safari — lions, elephants, rhinos — without the risk. Several sit within a few hours of Cape Town, so you can pair city and bush on one easy trip.

Health & Vaccinations

Need a straight answer?

More safari questions