I am going in March 2018 for the South Africa tour. I am very surprised I haven't been warned regarding vaccines?!! Also I don't find anything about this health security on the website. Does anyone know why? Also I have been told I will need Yellow fever vaccine and Malaria tablets especially visiting Kruger Park. I feel a bit worried by all the things I heard regarding the second effects on the Malaria tablets especially. ....

I know people who had very serious effects on the Malaria tablets, some other felt into coma ( yes!) and other good stuff that ruin completely your enthusiasm.... 

I won't take any risks of course and will do all the necessary vaccines but feel worried now for the "after".... shame... 3 months before departure. 

Any advice, or information is very welcome. Thanks 

Shadi

Hi all, 

I am going in March 2018 for the South Africa tour. I am very surprised I haven't been warned regarding vaccines?!! Also I don't find anything about this health security on the website. Does anyone know why? Also I have been told I will need Yellow fever vaccine and Malaria tablets especially visiting Kruger Park. I feel a bit worried by all the things I heard regarding the second effects on the Malaria tablets especially. ....

I know people who had very serious effects on the Malaria tablets, some other felt into coma ( yes!) and other good stuff that ruin completely your enthusiasm.... 

I won't take any risks of course and will do all the necessary vaccines but feel worried now for the "after".... shame... 3 months before departure. 

Any advice, or information is very welcome. Thanks 

Shadi

Hi Shadi- I did this tour with Whale Watching and Victoria Falls add on this autumn- October 2017- I would say the tour was great- very busy in terms of itinerary but we packed so much in and the Cape and Kruger are wonderful- our local guide Carol and driver were very good so that helped. I didn’t have any specific injections for South Africa but I must admit I am up to date with all of , my general travel injections so best to double check with your masta clinic to be sure

I did take malArone while I was in Kruger and for Zambia- there is malaria in Kruger and about 70 percent of our tour party took anti malaria tabs - the local guide also advised malaria repellents - we also used Deet spray- it’s better to be safe than sorry in my opinion- I’ve taken malarone for many years each time I travel to an area where there is a risk and never experienced any side effects. I take other meds, so malarone is the treatment that I can safely take. I would  say, if you are in to safari and seeing the wildlife ( as I  am) opt for as many game drives as you can do because that way you get  urther into kruger and your chance of sightings will increase. Hope that helps. Please shout if you want any more tips and have a great trip!

JY does not routinely give advice on what we should have regarding health cover because we are all different I think it is up to us to check with doctors or practice nurses etc.

Cindy

I have taken Malarone for two holidays, South Africa (the Kruger part only) in 2013 and Kenya in Sept.17. Absolutely no problems at all. Most of my fellow travellers seemed to be on them too and I am not aware of anyone suffering adverse affects. In 2013 I got the prescription from my doctor and was prescribed too many which cost quite a lot of money as I didn't know any better then. This year I went to Asda pharmacy and got excellent service not only with the tablets but advice on best repellents as well, and the cost was minimal. You live and learn!

As for South Africa, it is a wonderful country and there have been many glowing reviews on this forum all of which I agree with. You will love it I'm sure.

Best Wishes

Sue.

Hi all, 

I am going in March 2018 for the South Africa tour. I am very surprised I haven't been warned regarding vaccines?!! Also I don't find anything about this health security on the website. Does anyone know why? Also I have been told I will need Yellow fever vaccine and Malaria tablets especially visiting Kruger Park. I feel a bit worried by all the things I heard regarding the second effects on the Malaria tablets especially. ....

I know people who had very serious effects on the Malaria tablets, some other felt into coma ( yes!) and other good stuff that ruin completely your enthusiasm.... 

I won't take any risks of course and will do all the necessary vaccines but feel worried now for the "after".... shame... 3 months before departure. 

Any advice, or information is very welcome. Thanks 

Shadi

Hi Shadi- I did this tour with Whale Watching and Victoria Falls add on this autumn- October 2017- I would say the tour was great- very busy in terms of itinerary but we packed so much in and the Cape and Kruger are wonderful- our local guide Carol and driver were very good so that helped. I didn’t have any specific injections for South Africa but I must admit I am up to date with all of , my general travel injections so best to double check with your masta clinic to be sure

I did take malArone while I was in Kruger and for Zambia- there is malaria in Kruger and about 70 percent of our tour party took anti malaria tabs - the local guide also advised malaria repellents - we also used Deet spray- it’s better to be safe than sorry in my opinion- I’ve taken malarone for many years each time I travel to an area where there is a risk and never experienced any side effects. I take other meds, so malarone is the treatment that I can safely take. I would  say, if you are in to safari and seeing the wildlife ( as I  am) opt for as many game drives as you can do because that way you get  urther into kruger and your chance of sightings will increase. Hope that helps. Please shout if you want any more tips and have a great trip!

Hi Sue, 

Thank you so much for all your very informative tips. I will certainly come back here in a few days time, I am not very familiar with this chat I don't understand why I don't get any notification when someone replies to me despite the fact I have enabled all notifications and subscriptions to emails for new replies... Anyway. YEs, the tour I am going is in March 12th-26th and includes Kruger park indeed. As soon as I get back in London beginning of January I will go to GP and clear that all.

I am VERY SURPRISED why Just You didn't say anything about vaccines on the SA tour, it's such an important matter. I have heard really terrible side effects things but obviously everybody is different. I don't want to ruin my pleasure for this trip because of Kruger Park and Malaria tablets. I don't stop thinking of this now. The first tour I booked was with an other Tour operator and didn't include the East part of the country so I never really bothered about vaccines. This one, is . 

What is the best anti-repellent to buy for Kruger park? can you buy it here in UK or there? Do you need to take a lot of cash money with you? Also, I hope they give advice on how to dress and what colours to choose. I have b been told this is also an important matter. I have chosen green and brown like the military outfits ? ! 

Thanks again

Advice on vacines changes regularly. There’s useful information on the NHS website, but the best advice is to speak to your G P surgery, or a good local pharmacy. I have found Tesco pharmacies very helpful: they can supply malaria tablets without prescription.  When I went to South Africa in 2013 the yellow fever vaccine was only required if returning to South Africa after visiting Zambia for Victoria Falls. This is one vaccine not available on the NHS, and not all GP surgeries can provide it. I think I paid  about £50. I would recommend you take advice early, as some vacines require more than one dose to give maximum protection.

Thank you Sarah, I go in March so I will run to GP in January .... /this is such a shame to have to worry about these things that can litterally ruin the trip , I am waiting for this trip to happen since 2011 !!!

Just You can't advice you about vaccinations as it is your responsibility to find out if you need any. GP surgeries usually have a 'travel' nurse who can give you advice. I have been to both South Africa with Zambia add-on and Kenya and did not take any malaria tablets and did not use mosquito repellent either though if you are prone to get bitten than it is better to be safe than sorry. You no longer need yellow fever jab if you are travelling to Zambia and returning via South Africa as Zambia was declared yellow fever free zone a couple of years ago. I went in 2015 and did not require yellow fever jab.

Enjoy your trip.

Best wishes

Jaya

Hi all, 

I am going in March 2018 for the South Africa tour. I am very surprised I haven't been warned regarding vaccines?!! Also I don't find anything about this health security on the website. Does anyone know why? Also I have been told I will need Yellow fever vaccine and Malaria tablets especially visiting Kruger Park. I feel a bit worried by all the things I heard regarding the second effects on the Malaria tablets especially. ....

I know people who had very serious effects on the Malaria tablets, some other felt into coma ( yes!) and other good stuff that ruin completely your enthusiasm.... 

I won't take any risks of course and will do all the necessary vaccines but feel worried now for the "after".... shame... 3 months before departure. 

Any advice, or information is very welcome. Thanks 

Shadi

Hi Shadi- I did this tour with Whale Watching and Victoria Falls add on this autumn- October 2017- I would say the tour was great- very busy in terms of itinerary but we packed so much in and the Cape and Kruger are wonderful- our local guide Carol and driver were very good so that helped. I didn’t have any specific injections for South Africa but I must admit I am up to date with all of , my general travel injections so best to double check with your masta clinic to be sure

I did take malArone while I was in Kruger and for Zambia- there is malaria in Kruger and about 70 percent of our tour party took anti malaria tabs - the local guide also advised malaria repellents - we also used Deet spray- it’s better to be safe than sorry in my opinion- I’ve taken malarone for many years each time I travel to an area where there is a risk and never experienced any side effects. I take other meds, so malarone is the treatment that I can safely take. I would  say, if you are in to safari and seeing the wildlife ( as I  am) opt for as many game drives as you can do because that way you get  urther into kruger and your chance of sightings will increase. Hope that helps. Please shout if you want any more tips and have a great trip!

Hi Sue, 

Thank you so much for all your very informative tips. I will certainly come back here in a few days time, I am not very familiar with this chat I don't understand why I don't get any notification when someone replies to me despite the fact I have enabled all notifications and subscriptions to emails for new replies... Anyway. YEs, the tour I am going is in March 12th-26th and includes Kruger park indeed. As soon as I get back in London beginning of January I will go to GP and clear that all.

I am VERY SURPRISED why Just You didn't say anything about vaccines on the SA tour, it's such an important matter. I have heard really terrible side effects things but obviously everybody is different. I don't want to ruin my pleasure for this trip because of Kruger Park and Malaria tablets. I don't stop thinking of this now. The first tour I booked was with an other Tour operator and didn't include the East part of the country so I never really bothered about vaccines. This one, is . 

What is the best anti-repellent to buy for Kruger park? can you buy it here in UK or there? Do you need to take a lot of cash money with you? Also, I hope they give advice on how to dress and what colours to choose. I have b been told this is also an important matter. I have chosen green and brown like the military outfits ? ! 

Thanks again

Hi Shadi- apologies for the delay in my reply- first time I’ve been back on the site!- anyway- I think best advice is not to worry but get some advice from your GP or Masta clinic before you go- you should have enough time and rest assured you will have a really great time- it’s a lovely tour-best to take some 50% Deet spray- I usually take a couple of cans of the jungle formula brand ( you can get that in sainsburys or boots) , buy it before and carry it in your hold luggage . You can get Deet roll on deodorant as well. I also always use the mossie repellent hand and leg bands- again buy them before you go . As far as clothing goes- wear neutral colours if you can and remember you need layers on safari-  When you head off in an open jeep at 5am you will need something warm for the first couple of hours- fleece or hoody that can come off when it warms up is usually the best! Take care and enjoy the trip- it will be wonderful!

I can only endorse what the others have said on here, take some repellents with you and wear layers for safari. Sue is absolutely right, it can be very cold on those safari vehicles first thing in the morning and I always travel there with a fleece and scarf! 

It is a fabulous tour and I look forward to sharing the adventure with you

Lynne

Hi Shadi, My name is Lynne and I will be the Tour Manager on this tour and I look forward to meeting you in March. I understand your concerns about vaccines and anti malarials etc and everyone who has replied has given you the best advice to see your GP or Travel Nurse.

I can only endorse what the others have said on here, take some repellents with you and wear layers for safari. Sue is absolutely right, it can be very cold on those safari vehicles first thing in the morning and I always travel there with a fleece and scarf! 

It is a fabulous tour and I look forward to sharing the adventure with you

Lynne

Hi Lynne 

Nice to meet you here, sorry. impossible to get any notification and I just saw this post. 

Well, since you wrote this, things have changed again a lot and now the concern is the drought!!! 

How unfair is that for travellers  ? We go there to enjoy our time , relax and unwind, but now we will be confronted to huge stress and to anxious locals and not very friendly neither . How do the hotels cope with this? Do they cut it all ? I suppose everybody has to follow the rules, but this is going to be tough especially in summer...

Do they also empty the pools? So no showers, no pools , well ... expansive travel to get stress instead of pleasure.

Also at the March tour we will be getting closer and closer to the D zero date ????? trip ending on 26th March, Day zero is everyday changed and is now on early April ... maybe we will be on Day zero there ... 

Anyway again, sorry for my concerns, I have travelled quite a lot, but never in Africa. I have not a clue of how managing this concerns and the only thing is this forum where so many accurate and good comments are made. 

Thank you all again for this. And I hope for the best 

Shadi

I can tell you I have just returned from SA and although the situation with water is serious and has been for quite some time now, this is not a new problem. We were not affected in any way at our hotels other than being asked to take only 'short' showers and be mindful of the water. All of the pools were fully functioning and I certainly was not faced with 'unfriendly locals' or my group caused any undue stress. The summer rains have fallen in the north and Kruger park looked wonderful and green.

Its a fabulous tour, the people are wonderful and welcoming and I do hope you have a great time.

Lynne

I am sorry to say, but you are getting a bit paranoid about this trip. When I did this tour, there was drought in Kruger and it was not wonderful and green as mentioned by Lynne but we still saw plenty of game. We were not faced with any 'unfriendly locals' either. Not sure where you are getting such ideas from. No one can control the weather or nature. If you carry on like this, then you are not going to enjoy this wonderful holiday!

Regards

Jaya

Hi Shadi

I am sorry to say, but you are getting a bit paranoid about this trip.  When I did this tour, there was drought in Kruger and it was not wonderful and green as mentioned by Lynne but we still saw plenty of game.  We were not faced with any 'unfriendly locals' either.  Not sure where you are getting such ideas from.  No one can control the weather or nature.  If you carry on like this, then you are not going to enjoy this wonderful holiday!  

Regards

Jaya

Hi Jaya

There are people never worried for nothing (which is not good to me) and other people worring too much (which is not good either) I might be from the second part but, sorry to say nothing can make you judge me. 

I am a customer and paid quite a big amount of money to go to a trip. A trip to South Africa. Was told it's beautiful and I am an animal lover. Anyway, I have travelled quite a bit and know a bit about travelling. I was just worried as anyone can be about a very serious drought . That is it. 

Again as a customer, I think I didn't ask more than advice, if it seemed worrying, well, tour operators, and people working here must not be surprised, I am not the first person asking (too many) questions. 

thanks for your previous comments which were useful. I feel better since I spoke to some people I know and I am looking forward to the trip. 

Regards

Hi Shadi

I am sorry to say, but you are getting a bit paranoid about this trip.  When I did this tour, there was drought in Kruger and it was not wonderful and green as mentioned by Lynne but we still saw plenty of game.  We were not faced with any 'unfriendly locals' either.  Not sure where you are getting such ideas from.  No one can control the weather or nature.  If you carry on like this, then you are not going to enjoy this wonderful holiday!  

Regards

Jaya

Hi Jaya

There are people never worried for nothing (which is not good to me) and other people worring too much (which is not good either) I might be from the second part but, sorry to say nothing can make you judge me. 

I am a customer and paid quite a big amount of money to go to a trip. A trip to South Africa. Was told it's beautiful and I am an animal lover. Anyway, I have travelled quite a bit and know a bit about travelling. I was just worried as anyone can be about a very serious drought . That is it. 

Again as a customer, I think I didn't ask more than advice, if it seemed worrying, well, tour operators, and people working here must not be surprised, I am not the first person asking (too many) questions. 

thanks for your previous comments which were useful. I feel better since I spoke to some people I know and I am looking forward to the trip. 

Regards

Hi Cherry.

I am on the last leg of this holiday and there is no need to worry about the drought. Hotels are using their water wisely with the pressure in the showers not up to 100% but ample for a shower. Also Cape Town has had some rain since we left there and the date for the drought warning has now been pushed back to 1st July and so there is really no need to worry. I hope this helps. If there is anything else you want to know please don’t be afraid to ask. You are going to have the most amazing holiday. This is my 7th holiday with J Y and I can honestly say it is up there among the best.

Paulined

Don't spoil your holiday by listening to the doom and gloom merchants.

Best wishes

Sue

ps Hi Jaya, this is Sue from Kilonso's jeep with you in Kenya. Hope you're ok.

Of course I remember you. Didn't we have a wonderful time. Kenya is one country I would not mind to visit again.

Where are you going next?

Regards

Jaya

Hi Shadi

I am sorry to say, but you are getting a bit paranoid about this trip.  When I did this tour, there was drought in Kruger and it was not wonderful and green as mentioned by Lynne but we still saw plenty of game.  We were not faced with any 'unfriendly locals' either.  Not sure where you are getting such ideas from.  No one can control the weather or nature.  If you carry on like this, then you are not going to enjoy this wonderful holiday!  

Regards

Jaya

Hi Jaya

There are people never worried for nothing (which is not good to me) and other people worring too much (which is not good either) I might be from the second part but, sorry to say nothing can make you judge me. 

I am a customer and paid quite a big amount of money to go to a trip. A trip to South Africa. Was told it's beautiful and I am an animal lover. Anyway, I have travelled quite a bit and know a bit about travelling. I was just worried as anyone can be about a very serious drought . That is it. 

Again as a customer, I think I didn't ask more than advice, if it seemed worrying, well, tour operators, and people working here must not be surprised, I am not the first person asking (too many) questions. 

thanks for your previous comments which were useful. I feel better since I spoke to some people I know and I am looking forward to the trip. 

Regards

Hi Shadi

I was just trying to put your mind at rest so you can enjoy this wonderful holiday.  It is best to go with an open mind and you will have a lovely time.  I do understand that some people worry a lot and I was honestly not getting at you nor judging you.  I am glad you are looking forward to this wonderful trip.   Have a great time and do post a review on your return so we all know how you got on.

Best wishes

Jaya

Yes we did have a wonderful time and, like you, I am tempted to go again, maybe next year!

I'm off to Crete in May (with JY) and no doubt will be going somewhere later in the year too but still pondering where, decisions, decisions eh!

Best wishes 

Sue