Most countries in Africa are a bit dicey health-wise - South Africa is the exception however. It is a relatively "soft" country when it comes to health risks as the medical facilities are world class, with many capable hospitals, clinics and private practices throughout the country. Unless something really serious happens, like if you get badly shot, gored, bitten or suffer a heart attack out in the bush, there is not much reason to be concerned.

As with all travel to Africa, it is important to check your own medical insurance policies. That said, you'll find that you will need to pay upfront (cash or credit card) for all medical treatment and then claim from your insurer on your return.

Please purchase travel insurance to protect you against cancellation penalties and other unforeseeable circumstances such as an emergency medical evacuation. Consider insuring your safari with CSA Vacation Guarantee for cancellations, delays and interruptions, emergency medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation. Alternatively, purchase travel insurance through your travel agent or safari outfitter.

* NB - Please also document any medical problems, recent medical history and medications taken for your outfitter/PH. It will be of great help if medical treatment is necessary, but nothing is known about your particular problem and/or treatment.   

You must check requirements with your outfitter as each country has different requirements. For example, there are no immunisations required to enter South Africa. However, if you have recently passed through one of Africa's yellow fever zones then an International Certificate of Immunisation is required for yellow fever.

If you plan on hunting the countries to the north of South Afrcia, this "Yellow Book" is essential.

Your number one concern healthwise is, of course, Malaria. Malaria is at its worst in the rainy season (around December) and in most countries it is out of control. Prophylactics are essential and need to be given for the specific area you are visiting - many malaria strains are resistent to current drugs so check both with your outfitter and your travel clinic.

In comparison to other African countries, South Africa is relatively safe to visit and does not demand the use of prophylactics countrywide.

However, you will definitely need to take preventatives if you are hunting in the following areas:

• northern Kwazulu-Natal (Pongola, Mkuze, St Lucia, Magudu, Richards-Bay, Empangeni etc)
• northern and eastern Mpumalanga (areas close to and around the Kruger Park)
• the northern boundaries of the Northern and North West provinces along the Orange, Molopo and Limpopo rivers.

It is important to note though, that South Africa has recorded an unprecedented number of malaria cases this year. This is due to both the influx of infected immigrants from neighbouring countries as well as the heavy rainfalls this season. 

Remember, Malaria is a real threat and your safest defense against it is DON'T GET BITTEN. Cover up in the late afternoon around sunset and in the evening and spray your room before you sleep.

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Quite common to get this if you are hunting in Africa. Make sure you check yourself ALL OVER (!) when you bath each night as they are tiny and very difficult to see. 

It is most prevalent in South Africa in the Mpumalanga and Kwazulu-Natal provinces.

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Nobody likes snakes, they have been symbols of evil and danger throughout history and in Africa it is no different. Most snakes, if found are killed without even considering if they are dangerous or not and the population density of South Africa ensures you are very unlikely to stand on a live one.

Of the 131 snake species which occur in southern Africa, 14 can cause death if they bite you and a further 18 carry venom which can lead to serious complications.

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