Health and Vaccines for Africa Travel
A planning checklist for traveler health: vaccinations, malaria risk management, food/water basics, and travel insurance.
Start with official traveler health guidance
Recommendations depend on your itinerary and medical history. Use official guidance and consult a travel clinic well ahead of departure.
Typical planning checklist
- Routine vaccines: ensure you’re up to date.
- Destination-specific vaccines: depends on route.
- Malaria prevention: evaluate risk area-by-area and season.
- Travel insurance: medical, trip delay, and evacuation considerations.
Food and water basics
- Prefer sealed water where appropriate.
- Be selective with raw foods in high-risk areas.
- Carry basic rehydration and a small first-aid kit.
Malaria and mosquito protection
Use a layered approach: repellent, long sleeves at dusk, treated nets where needed, and medication when recommended.
Related reading
Last updated: Feb 2026. We review this page periodically for seasonality, pricing, and policy changes.
Sources & references
We link to primary sources where possible (tourism boards, park authorities, and health agencies).