There’s nothing that isn’t dramatic or adventurous about an African safari. Being on the other side of the world, away from skyscrapers and traffic and computers, just you, staggering natural vistas, and the animal kingdom at its finest. It’s tempting to just put on your favorite Fedora and grab your camera, but it really is a different world out there, and anyone who wants to go on the African adventure of their dreams has to be prepared. Here is the best first aid kit to take for a safari vacation.
Mosquito and Insect Repellant
First, you will likely be limited on space in the safari, so you can’t take an entire pharmacy’s worth of medicines with you. Go with a canvas holdall to store your mosquito repellant, for example. Repellant containing DEET works very well to stave off malaria and dengue fever.
Prescription Antibiotics
Being out in the safari means you’ll be miles away – possibly hundreds of miles away – from the nearest hospital. In the event of a serious infection, you’ll need to have prescription antibiotics on hand. Let your doctor know of your travel plans and ask what medication you should take with you, if any.
Anti-Diarrheal Medication
One of the less glamorous aspects of travel is Travelers’ Diarrhea, a possible cause of which is eating unclean food. And if you’re going to spend a few days in the safari, the bloating, nausea and abdominal cramps might ruin the trip. Pack some anti-diarrheal medication in the event that you are served food which contains bacteria that cause diarrhea (medically defined as three or more unformed stools in a 24 hour period).
Antihistamines for Allergies
Allergies can strike anywhere, and being in the bush would be a bad place for a reaction. Antihistamines (such as Benadryl) can work to counter the effects of eating food you did not know you were allergic to, for example, or experiencing a reaction to a bee sting. In the (probably inevitable) event of bee stings or other bug bites, pack some hydrocortisone cream.
Naturally, people who have severe allergies should pack at least two EpiPens.
Malaria Tablets
Don’t simply pop a few malaria tablets into your canvas holdall – consult with your doctor about what type of anti-malarial medication is best for you, and see if he or she can help you understand which type of anti-malaria medication works best for the particular safari you have in mind.
