Travelling to Africa is an exciting adventure for most and alongside planning your destination and deciding what to take, you will naturally be thinking about your health and safety. Any concerns you may have will easily be addressed by a visit to your doctor several weeks before departing for your destination. Africa is a subtropical and tropical continent and a couple of vaccines and inoculations are recommended for the Southern African region.

There is a lot you can do personally, for example; wearing long-sleeved clothes and long pants, using mosquito nets and insect repellent will prevent mosquito bites that cause malaria in certain areas. These preventative measures are also a good precaution against other diseases and will ensure a good night's sleep!

There is no risk of yellow fever in Southern Africa, but a vaccination certificate may be required for entry into certain African countries, particularly if you are coming from a country in tropical South America or elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, see your doctor at least four to six weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect. 

If you would like more detailed information on health matters, visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on www.cdc.gov