Health Advice for Visitors on Rwanda Safari
Are you planning to visit Rwanda soon? If yes, then don’t miss to check through our health advice for visitors on Rwanda’s safari adventure. This country is one of East Africa’s landlocked countries and it is bordered by Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania and many other states. It is dubbed the Land of a Thousand Hills due to rolling hills and it is undeniably one of Africa’s most spectacular safari destinations you can think of exploring while on safari in Africa this coming season. If you are very keen on flora and fauna then Rwanda should be a must in your travel plan. Regardless of what your travel plans are, always take into account the likely health risks associated with new destinations a reason why our health tips are worth considering.
What vaccines are needed?
Before taking a tour to Rwanda for holiday, make sure that you are informed of which vaccination to take. Usually, visitors on Rwanda safari are required to present specific vaccination certificates and some of the recommended vaccinations include; polio vaccine, Diphtheria vaccine, hepatitis A and B vaccine, yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, and tetanus, Meningitis vaccine, rabies, a mention but a few. As well, take a look at the cost of travel vaccinations and not forget the vaccination requirements for other states in case you plan to do a tour beyond Rwanda.
Other key health issues you need to note
Malaria risks in Rwanda are a bit high just like most travel destinations in Africa. This means that you need to have adequate anti-malarial tablets with you that can last your stay while on safari in Rwanda. While at the lodge or hotel make sure that you have a mosquito net to protect you from mosquito bites that may cause malaria. Also, pay keen attention to dengue fever which is caused by a mosquito bite from particular mosquitos that are very active during daylight. In most cases, this infection has no specific medication but the best you can do is to have insect repellent if you are heading off to affected parts of Rwanda. Besides, schistosomiasis is also a common-a flatworm infection that is got due to contact with affected freshwater streams, Lakes, or Rivers.
Altitude sickness
Rwanda is a hilly country and it is of no doubt that it is famous as the Land of a Thousand Hills. Because of this, you need altitude sickness medication and also do adequate exercise to familiarize yourself with the level of altitude in this country.
Heat and humidity
Rwanda’s weather is a bit moderate and it has 2 seasons-the dry and wet seasons. Each season has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on what your travel plans are in this magical country. The dry season starts from June to September and from December to February. For primate lovers especially those on a gorilla or chimpanzee tracking safari in Rwanda, the dry season is usually regarded as the best as it is characterized by low rainfall amount with a relatively drier habitat thus making it perfect for trekkers to hike through the rainforest while in search for mountain gorillas or chimpanzees. The wet season is equally good and starts from March to May and October to November. This is characterized by heavy rainfall and the habitats become muddy and slippery thus making it a bit challenging for one to hike through especially while in search of chimpanzees or mountain gorillas. However, it is a season that comes with plenty of forage for these creatures to feed on, and in most cases, they don’t over move like it is a case when it is the dry season. As well, it is when most wildlife species give birth and most migratory birds are confined in most habitats and hence making it the best for birders to spot a variety of avifaunal species.
Water and food safety
A safari in a new destination like Rwanda can be enjoyable when there is the availability of food or drink. There is plenty for you to eat and drink but what eat or drink matters a lot. For your health and safety, we recommend that you take bottled water or boiled water and visit good restaurants or hotels within Kigali or towns to find food. Be keen on the hygiene of the area or of the food before you consider eating out.
Health/travel insurance
Before you embark on an actual trip to Rwanda, make sure that you have health insurance as this usually covers a number of things.
Personal safety
You need a well-stocked first aid kit or medical kit. Your medication first aid kit serves best as a provision for emergency treatment and life support in case of injuries/illnesses. In your medical kit, you should have bandages, cotton, plasters, and wool among others.
In conclusion, in case of any plans to visit Rwanda while on an African safari, then the above health travel tips should be a must to put into consideration.