Vaccination Requirements for Africa

Vaccinations for Africa The vaccination requirements information below has been extracted from the World Health Organisation website.

Even though this information exists it is as a guideline only and it is strongly recommended that you go and see your doctor for the correct medication for you.

BOTSWANA

Malaria: Exists from November to May/June in the northern parts of the country: Boteti, Chobe, Ngamiland, Okavango, Tutume districts/subdistricts.
Recommended medication: Mefloquine

KENYA

Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.
Malaria: Malaria risk—predominantly due to P. falciparum—exists throughout the year in the whole country. There is normally little risk in the city of Nairobi and in the highlands (above 2500 m) of Central, Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western provinces.
Recommended medication: mefloquine.

MALAWI

Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas.
Malaria: Malaria risk—predominantly due to P. falciparum—exists throughout the year in the whole country.
Recommended medication: mefloquine.

MOZAMBIQUE

NAMIBIA

Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas - or who were in transit through infected areas (unless they remained on board or at the airport).
Malaria: From November to May/June in the northern regions and in Omaheke and Otjozondjupa. Also throughout the year along the Kavango and Kunene Rivers.
Recommended medication: chloroquine plus proguanil.

SOUTH AFRICA

Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas
Malaria: Exists in northern Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park), Northern Province and north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal as far south as the Tugela River.
Recommended medication: mefloquine.

TANZANIA

Yellow fever: A vaccination certificate is required when travelling to Tanzania. Yellow Fever is common in the more remote areas of Tanzania.
Malaria: Occurs year round in all parts of Tanzania and it is recommended before you travel to get the required dosage of malaria medication.

UGANDA

Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from endemic areas.
Malaria: Malaria risk—predominantly due to P. falciparum—exists throughout the year in the whole country including the main towns of Fort Portal, Jinja, Kampala, Mbale and parts of Kigezi. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine reported.
Recommended medication: mefloquine.

ZAMBIA

Yellow fever: No vaccination requirements for any international traveller.
Malaria: Malaria risk—predominantly due to P. falciparum—exists throughout the year in the whole country. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine reported.
Recommended medication: mefloquine.

ZIMBABWE

Yellow fever: A vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas
Malaria: Exists from November through June in areas below 1200m and throughout the year in the Zambezi valley.
Recommended medication: mefloquine.

Dayne - Overlanding Africa.com15 Mar 2010: Hi Harry, you will only require a Yellow Fever certificate if you are coming from a yellow fever area. You will not require this in any Southern African country.Dayne
Harry Katechia14 Mar 2010: we are visiting South Africa in April and then flying from Joburg to Zambia for 2 nights for the Victoria Falls. Then we fly back to Joburg. Do we need a yellow fever certificate to reenter South Africa?
HARRY KATECHIA14 Mar 2010: I would be grateful if you could give some guidance. we are travelling to South Africa in April on a tour and then we are going to Zambia from Joburg for2 nights for the Victoria Falls. Then we fly back to joburg. Do we need a certificate for Yellow Fever to enter South Africa from Zambia? Thanking you in advance
Dayne - Overlanding Africa.com30 Nov 1999: Hi Sam, I would recommend that you visit your nearest Tropical Disease Medical Center or doctor that would best be able to advise you especially for such an extended period of travel. Yellow fever inoculation is compulsory and we strongly recommend malaria prophylaxes.
Monica Gilmour30 Nov 1999: What vaccinations or inoculations are required for travelling to Tunisia. Thank you
Sam Longford30 Nov 1999: Hi, I am currently planning a trip to Africa in a few months, countries I am planning on reaching are South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania. I would like to know if you had any info on what vaccinations I would need and how much it would roughly cost (for 6 months). Any info you have would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou
Marcia Meyers30 Nov 1999: I am hoping to combine travel in Africa with some kind of volunteer project. There may be a Habitat for Humanity opportunity which nestles with one of your tours--but you said something about helping build a school or--? Do you have volunteer projects as well as 'just' tours? Thank you for responding--

OTHER HEALTH RISKS IN AFRICA:

Additional Information on other health risks in Africa

Aids:

Sub-Saharan Africa is more heavily affected by HIV and AIDS than any other region of the world.

Malaria:

Occurs in most African countries and you should take anti malaria tablets before travelling to the infected areas.

Yellow Fever:

Yellow fever is a viral disease that has caused large epidemics in Africa and the Americas.

Typhoid:

A vaccination against it is advisable if staying in Africa for more than a few weeks.

Rabies:

Injection is advisable for those who are travelling Africa for more than 3 months and who are cycling, hiking and handling animals. Pre-travel rabies injection involves having 3 injections over 28 days before arriving in the country.

Hepatitis A and B:

Travellers who are considering long term travel should consider obtaining the series of Hepatitis B injections.

Meningococcal Meningitis:

Zambia and Malawi are areas that are affected by this. If extending your stay in these areas it is advisable to have the innoculation which protects against many forms of Meningitis.

Diptheria and Tetanus:

Vaccinations for this are recommended as a preventative measure for everyone.

Recent Feedback

I wanted to go to Africa ever since I can remember and going there last month far exceeded my expectations and then some! Louise was so quick to respond to any query I had and the ...

— Anne B (27) from Ireland

The trip was outstanding. Our two guides Albert and Sydney were superb in every way - interest flora and fauna - amazing organization and as people wonderful to meet. We got to pla...

— Tessa Z from Israel

Thank you for making my booking so easy and for the advice you gave me about my stay in Jo'burg too, it really made the entire experience so much more enjoyable. I've already recom...

— Tamsin C (21) from United Kingdom

I did have a great trip, thank you! I was satisfied with your services on such late notice. You were great and I'm just very pleased that you went the extra mile to get me on this ...

— Rannelle M. (32) from United States

…yes there is something else! Always I ask you a question I get a prompt and useful answer! This is the way I like it! You make things so much easier for me. Can I invite you for...

— Dr. Michael T. (49) from Germany

...it was "ABSOLUTELY AMAZING"... from start to end we were taken care of and along the way we made more friends.

— Jaz O (40) from United Kingdom

In regard to the trip, it was "ABSOLUTELY AMAZING", and if wasnt for your exceptional service and last minute request from myself, you got me this perfect adventure at my price and...

— Jaz O (40) from United Kingdom

I had the most amazing trip! Absolutely incredible! The crew was so good. I am on a round the world trip and Africa takes the cake so far. I miss it heaps. Thank you for all your h...

— John R (24) from Australia

Just arrived from our adventure in East Africa, still thinking in shillings and the sunsets of the Indic Ocean. The tryp has been a total succes, everybody has enjoy it, the truck...

— Ben and Eneko from Spain

I've heard nothing but good things about overlandingafrica.com and yourself personally Tania. I am aware that you guys are a very reputable company. Thank you very much for being s...

— John R (24) from Australia

I just want to tell you that the tour you booked for us was absolutely perfect! Africa is by far the best place we´ve been to! Thanks alot!

— Ole F from Norway

It was a fantastic start into 2009! The trip was perfect and your service is outstanding! Quick in answering, always correct answers, friendly, just special! I wished all South Afr...

— Simon from South Africa

Firstly I'd like to thank you for all your help, you've been fantastic. Secondly i'd like to give a bit of feedback, and this is by no means a complaint cos it's not really your re...

— Carl A from Norway

I just wanted to thank you one more time for all of your help planning my trip. I am sorry about all of the last minute changes and greatly appreciate you accommodating them. I wi...

— Kathleen H from United States

I am back in Portugal and would like to thank both of you for all the trouble you went through and the support you provided. The tour was great, in all aspects. Spectacular and wel...

— Isabel M from Portugal

Thank U! Thank U! Thank U! For alllllllll of your wonderful efforts & tenacity! This would NOT have happened without your hard work, energy & expertise!

— Mary G from United States

thank you once again for the hard work you've put in to find the answers to all my questions! I'm determined to have a brilliant time, and I'll let you know when I get back how it ...

— Kat from United Kingdom

I don't want to say it too often but I just want you to know how much I appreciate all your help and your patience for me! With me you really made the difference!

— Vivian (24) from Netherlands, The

My sincere thanks for your contacts, may i also commend you on the quality of your website and customer service.

— Aoife from Ireland

Well i'm home now and oh how different life is now than on the road, sitting on the beach waving to everyone that passes us by..! The only thing I can say that you didn't warn me a...

— Thomas C (23) from United Kingdom

Go to all feedback