Prevention, symptoms, and what to do
You’ve spent months planning your dream African safari. The flights are booked, the lodges are reserved, and your camera is ready. But there’s one thing many travelers don’t prepare for: getting sick while traveling.
It’s surprisingly common. After weeks or months of hectic preparation, your body finally relaxes when you arrive—and sometimes it crashes too.
Let’s talk about why this happens and, more importantly, what you can do about it.
Why do we get sick while travelling?
There are several reasons why illness strikes just when you’re meant to be enjoying yourself:
Travel fatigue and stress: The build-up to your trip involves intense planning, packing, work deadlines, and the stress of long-haul flights. When you finally arrive and relax, your immune system can drop its guard, making you vulnerable to whatever bugs are around.
Climate and environmental changes: Moving from one climate to another, especially to Africa’s varied environments, forces your body to adjust. Dry air on planes, different humidity levels, and temperature fluctuations all take their toll.
Exposure to new pathogens: Different regions harbour different bacteria and viruses that your immune system hasn’t encountered before. What locals are immune to might knock you flat.
Disrupted routines: Changed sleep patterns, different foods, and altered meal times can stress your system and weaken your defences.
Common safari illnesses and how to handle them
The Common Cold
Symptoms: Runny nose, scratchy throat, congestion, general fatigue, and that familiar “blocked up” feeling.
What to do:
- Rest is crucial, don’t feel guilty about taking a day nap and going to bed early
- Stay hydrated with plenty of water and warm fluids
- Avoid alcohol, which dehydrates you further
- Take over-the-counter cold and flu medications to manage symptoms
- Supplement with vitamin C
- Use paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen to reduce aches and body pains
Most colds run their course in a few days with proper rest.
Flu or throat infections
Some people are particularly susceptible to throat infections, especially in dusty safari environments or air-conditioned vehicles.
Symptoms: Severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, body aches, extreme fatigue.
What to do:
- Rest and hydration are your best allies
- Gargle with warm salt water to soothe your throat
- Use throat lozenges and pain relief
- If symptoms persist or worsen, antibiotics may be necessary
Pro tip: Visit your GP before travelling and request a prescription for antibiotics to carry with you. This is much easier than trying to find medical care in remote safari locations. Keep them in your hand luggage in their original packaging.
Vomiting (without diarrhoea)
Likely causes: A stomach bug, food poisoning, or sometimes just travel fatigue and dietary changes.
What to do:
- Sip rehydration salts constantly, small amounts frequently
- Avoid solid food until vomiting stops
- Rest as much as possible
- Once you can keep fluids down, start with bland foods like crackers, toast, or plain rice
Diarrhea and vomiting combined
This is where things get more complex. The combination could indicate several conditions, so work through a process of elimination:
Food poisoning: Usually comes on quickly (within hours of eating), intense but often resolves within 24-48 hours.
Traveler’s diarrhea: Often caused by consuming contaminated water or food, can last several days.
Bacterial infection: May require antibiotics, especially if accompanied by high fever or blood in stool.
Parasites: Less common but possible, usually develops more gradually.
What to do:
- Hydration is critical, drink rehydration salts or electrolyte solutions constantly
- Avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy or fatty foods
- Eat bland, binding foods when you can tolerate them (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)
- Anti-diarrheal medications can help but use cautiously, sometimes your body needs to eliminate the bug
- Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, persist beyond a few days, or include high fever, bloody stools, or signs of dehydration
Prevention: your first line of defence
Before you travel:
- Visit your doctor 6-8 weeks before departure to discuss vaccinations and preventive medications
- Get a prescription for antibiotics and anti-diarrheal medication to carry with you
- Ensure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies
- Pack a comprehensive medical kit
Your travel medical kit should include:
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever
- Cold and flu tablets
- Antihistamines for allergies
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Rehydration salts
- Antibiotics (with prescription)
- Antiseptic cream and bandages
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Any prescription medications you regularly take (plus extras)
During your trip:
- Drink only bottled or purified water, even for brushing teeth
- Avoid ice in drinks unless you’re certain it’s made from purified water
- Eat well-cooked foods, especially meat
- Be cautious with raw vegetables and fruits you can’t peel yourself
- Wash hands frequently, especially before meals
- Use hand sanitiser when soap and water aren’t available
- Get adequate sleep, don’t try to do too much
- Stay hydrated in hot climates
- Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses
- Take malaria prophylaxis if recommended for your destination
When to seek medical help
Don’t tough it out if you experience:
- High fever (above 38.5°C) that doesn’t respond to medication
- Persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down
- Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, extreme thirst, dry mouth)
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Severe abdominal pain
- Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours without improvement
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion or altered mental state
Most safari lodges have access to medical professionals or can arrange emergency evacuations if necessary. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
The bottom line
Getting sick on safari is common and usually manageable. Most illnesses are minor and resolve with rest, hydration, and basic medications. The key is preparation, both in preventing illness where possible and having the right supplies on hand when prevention fails.
Don’t let the fear of getting sick stop you from travelling. With proper preparation and a realistic attitude, you can handle whatever comes your way and still have the adventure of a lifetime. After all, a day resting up in a beautiful African lodge, watching elephants from your verandah, isn’t the worst way to recover.
Safe travels, and here’s to staying healthy on your safari adventure!