Health and Safety Tips

Health and Safety Tips – Staying Safe and Well on Your African Safari

Traveling through East Africa — from Uganda’s rainforests to Rwanda’s highlands and Kenya’s savannahs — is an unforgettable adventure filled with wildlife encounters, cultural warmth, and breathtaking landscapes. However, safaris take you into remote natural environments where preparation and awareness are essential. Understanding how to stay healthy and safe ensures that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

Here’s your complete guide to health and safety tips for safaris and gorilla trekking adventures in East Africa.

1. Get the Right Vaccinations and Medical Advice Before You Travel

Before your safari, visit a certified travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Some vaccinations are mandatory, while others are strongly recommended for protection.

Required and Recommended Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever: Mandatory for entry into Uganda and Rwanda (carry your vaccination certificate).

Hepatitis A & B: Recommended due to potential exposure to local food or water.

Typhoid: Recommended, especially for rural travel.

Tetanus: Ensure your booster is up to date.

Rabies: Advised for long trips or visits involving close contact with animals.

If traveling to multiple countries, confirm requirements for each destination — border checks may ask for proof of vaccination.

2. Protect Yourself from Malaria and Insect Bites

Malaria is present in most parts of East Africa, especially in lowland regions. Prevention is better than cure:

Take anti-malarial medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Sleep under a mosquito net where provided.

Apply insect repellent (with DEET or picaridin) to exposed skin every evening.

Wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn.

Use mosquito coils or sprays in rooms if needed.

Also, be cautious of tsetse flies in some national parks — avoid dark blue or black clothing that attracts them.

3. Stay Hydrated and Eat Safely

Dehydration is common in warm safari environments. Carry a reusable water bottle and drink regularly throughout the day, especially during treks.

For food safety:

Drink bottled or purified water only.

Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit, or street food in remote areas.

Eat freshly cooked meals served hot.

Wash hands or use sanitizer before eating.

In the wilderness, avoid touching or feeding wild fruits and berries — some can be toxic.

4. Prepare for the Sun and Changing Weather

The African sun is intense, even on cloudy days.

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) regularly.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.

Carry a light rain jacket — showers can occur unexpectedly, especially in forested and mountain areas.

The highlands and mornings can be cool, while afternoons get hot. Dress in layers so you can adjust comfortably throughout the day.

5. Travel with a Personal First-Aid Kit

While lodges and tour vehicles often carry first-aid supplies, having your own kit ensures quick access to essentials. Include:

Prescription medicines (carry copies of prescriptions).

Pain relievers (paracetamol or ibuprofen).

Antihistamines for allergies or insect bites.

Antiseptic cream and wound plasters.

Oral rehydration salts and anti-diarrheal tablets.

Motion sickness medication (for winding roads or boat rides).

Sunscreen, lip balm, and eye drops.

Keep your kit compact, waterproof, and easily accessible.

6. Follow Park and Ranger Guidelines

Your safety — and the well-being of wildlife — depends on following official park rules.

Always listen to your guide or ranger. They are trained to manage wildlife encounters.

Keep a safe distance from animals — never attempt to touch or feed them.

Stay inside your vehicle during game drives unless instructed otherwise.

Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle wildlife.

Do not litter or leave any food behind.

During gorilla trekking, maintain a 7-meter distance, avoid direct eye contact with gorillas, and remain calm if one approaches you.

7. Altitude and Trekking Considerations

If trekking in high-altitude parks such as Bwindi, Mgahinga, or Volcanoes National Park, be mindful of elevation.

Ascend gradually to allow your body to adjust.

Walk at a steady pace; take regular breaks.

Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion.

Most visitors handle the altitudes comfortably, but knowing your limits helps prevent fatigue or altitude-related symptoms.

8. Respect Health Protocols Around Gorillas and Primates

Mountain gorillas share over 98% of their DNA with humans, making them vulnerable to our diseases.

Do not trek if you have a cold, flu, or other illness.

Wear a mask when close to gorillas.

Avoid coughing, sneezing, or eating near them.

Follow all hygiene protocols set by park authorities.

These small measures play a major role in protecting endangered primates from infection.

9. Secure Your Belongings and Documents

Safaris are generally safe, but practical caution is always wise.

Keep passports, cash, and cards in a money belt or secure pouch.

Use hotel or lodge safes for valuables.

Carry only essentials during treks or game drives.

Back up digital copies of key documents (passport, insurance, permits).

When in cities or stopover towns, be discreet with valuables and avoid displaying expensive items publicly.

10. Choose Safe Transportation

Roads in some rural areas can be rough or narrow.

Travel with experienced, licensed drivers familiar with local routes.

Always wear seat belts and avoid night driving where possible.

For internal flights, pack light (soft bags preferred) and follow luggage limits.

During boat cruises, wear a life jacket and follow crew instructions at all times.

11. Get Travel and Medical Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential — it should cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellations.
Confirm that your policy includes coverage for remote-area evacuation, especially for gorilla trekking or hiking activities.

Carry a printed and digital copy of your policy details and emergency contact numbers.

12. Learn Basic Local Etiquette

Safety extends to cultural respect. Being courteous and aware of local customs makes travel smoother and more enriching.

Greet people politely and ask before taking photographs.

Dress modestly in towns and villages.

Be patient — schedules in Africa flow with nature and community rhythm.

Politeness and respect are the simplest forms of security.

13. Environmental Awareness and Responsible Travel

Protecting the environment keeps both travelers and wildlife safe.

Avoid single-use plastics — carry refillable bottles and eco-friendly toiletries.

Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion or damage to habitats.

Support conservation projects or tree-planting initiatives when available.

By traveling responsibly, you contribute to the long-term safety and sustainability of Africa’s wild spaces.

14. Stay Calm and Trust Your Guides

Unexpected moments — a close elephant encounter, a flat tire, or a sudden downpour — are part of safari life. Stay calm and let your guides handle the situation. They are trained to deal with wildlife behavior and unpredictable conditions safely.

Patience and composure ensure that every challenge turns into a story rather than a setback.