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First Aid kit
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There is a comprehensive First
Aid kit for emergencies on board all overland vehicles but if
you use anything you will be expected to replace it if at all
possible. We strongly recommend that you take a personal medical
kit with a few essential items.
Suggested contents include: |
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pain killers |
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anti-diarrhoea remedy |
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anti-histamine cream or tablets |
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rehydration salts |
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plasters |
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antiseptic cream |
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sterile dressings |
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insect repellent |
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medicated soap |
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suntan lotion |
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after sun treatment
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Health Preparation
There are no serious health risks when travelling in Africa if you
come well prepared. You will need to update your vaccination card
and go on a course of malaria prophylactics. Contact your local
travel clinic or doctor for the latest recommendations well in advance
of your trip to Africa. Always inform your crew of any allergies and medical conditions you have, or if you are
on any medication. ALWAYS tell them if you are feeling unwell.
They are much more experienced in dealing with tropical diseases
and will know where to take you if you fall ill.
Each truck carries a first-aid kit, but if you use anything, try to
replace it so it remains well stocked. If you are feeling at all
unwell within a few weeks of your return, it is advisable to
see a doctor to have it checked out. The symptoms of many African diseases
such as malaria, bilharzia, or hepatitis can take weeks or even
months to show and can be detected by a series of simple
blood tests.
Malaria
Except for the very southern parts of South Africa, all eastern and southern
African countries carry the risk of malaria. It is therefore essential
that you take malaria prophylactics. Tropical Africa accounts for
90% of malaria cases which kill up to one million Africans each
year. Malaria should be taken VERY seriously and you should pay
attention to protecting yourself when you’re on the road.
Use plenty of effective insect repellent and wear long sleeves and
trousers in the evening when mosquitoes are at their most active.
Just because bites don’t show on your skin
doesn’t mean you haven’t been bitten. The
female mosquito that carries malaria is silent and doesn’t
leave any signs of a bite; it’s her male counterpart who
buzzes noisily and leaves big red welts! All tents have mosquito
netting, so make sure that you keep the doors shut as soon as you
put up your tent. If you experience any side
effects from the malarial drugs whilst on tour, tell your tour leader. (Larium sometimes makes people
go a bit loopy and Doxcycycline often makes people extra sun sensitive.) All prophylactics are available in
Africa and you may need to swap to another brand. Don't forget to
take your drugs for the allotted time after you have left the malarial
region. Importantly, if you feel at all unwell, tell your tour leader,
who will know
what to do if you fall ill.
Yellow Fever
Whilst it’s not compulsory to have a yellow fever vaccination,
it is strongly advised as the disease is prevalent in East Africa.
You will not be allowed on the ferry to Zanzibar if you don’t
have a yellow fever vaccination card and some of the countries in
southern Africa will not let you in without a card if you are coming
from a yellow fever endemic area.
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