Traveling to Africa has gained momentum in the past couple of years. People go on safaris to watch the wild animals move as they please in their own territory. They can see them hunting, playing, eating, sleeping, and fighting. Many parks in Africa have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Examples of amazing animals that can be found only in Africa are elephants, leopards, cheetahs, and crocodiles. When you go on a safari, you take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can give your brain a rest.
Safety during a safari is of maximum importance. Coming in close contact with the animals can be dangerous, so resist the temptation of getting out of the vehicle to get a closer shot. If you’re on foot, move slowly and quietly. If an animal comes near you, make sure you’re not blocking its escape route. You’re not in danger unless you’re massively unlucky. Needless to say, you should sign up for an organized safari. It offers many perks.
A once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa includes stunning landscapes, ancient history, and active adventures. It probably won’t take much to convince you to book a trip. You should better go on a safari than stay at the same beach resort for a second time. Use professionals to choose an itinerary and arrange for transportation. You’ll need fast-drying nylon clothes. Camps provide a laundry service, usually washed by hand. Avoid white clothes because the color attracts attention.
If You Require Medical Services, There’s an In-House Doctor
It’s unlikely you’ll need emergency medical assistance during a safari, but you never know what can happen. In the summer months, it’s scorching hot outside, so you can get heatstroke. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body’s temperature exceeds 40°C. There’s no need to worry because an in-house doctor will take good care of you. The responsibilities of the physician include providing consultations, conducting examinations, prescribing medication, developing treatment plans, and referring patients to other specialists (if necessary).
A safari doctor has basic medical and first-aid knowledge, so they can provide care until you get help at a hospital. Many health care professionals have EMT basic training, meaning that they can help the sick and injured in different settings. In the event of an emergency, such as a serious illness or accident, you’ll be transported to the nearest health care facility. Urgent care is a better use of your time and resources. Aero-medical transportation is provided via the Flying Doctors, who provide a fast and efficient response. Emergency transportation is ensured to quality medical facilities in bigger towns.
It isn’t a normal event for tourists to be hurt during safaris in Africa. Companies take reasonable precautions, so you’ll have a perfectly safe trip. Accidents mostly happen because people forget to respect the animals. Don’t make the same mistake. You can mitigate the risks by going on a safari with experts who are well-trained in safety procedures. Not only will you enjoy the best possible experience, but also leave a positive impact on the places you visit. Pay close attention to your guide, as they’re an expert in the environment and animal behavior.
Before Going on A Safari, Get Medical Insurance
Potential medical issues can arise during safari travel. You could get a heat stroke, become injured by wildlife, or be exposed to yellow fever. Your health insurance plan won’t cover you abroad, so make plans for medical expenses. As a rule, travel insurance covers medical bills for injury and illness. However, you should get medical insurance. Suppose there’s a medical emergency. In that case, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your insurance will cover you. It reduces stress through a peace of mind effect.
If you’re going on a safari, medical coverage is paramount because you must be certain you get the care you need at a facility equipped to handle your case. The policy will cover the cost of transporting you to the nearest adequate medical facility. You may be repatriated to a health care facility in your home country if that is what the doctor recommends. The health care available in most African cities is good. You may be required to prove that you have medical insurance or the necessary funds to cover the cost of the treatment.
Even if you’re not going to be injured or fall sick, it pays to have medical insurance. Basic insurance policies cover only for minor injuries and illnesses. In case something tragic happens, you’ll be fully covered.
Part Of Staying Healthy Is Dressing Right
Comfort should always take priority over style. Pack and wear layers to adjust to the wide array of temperatures you can experience on any given day. Temperatures fluctuate greatly between day and night because of the poor heat-retaining properties of the sand and lack of humidity. Opt for organic textiles such as cotton, wool, or hemp. As mentioned earlier, avoid white. Also, black and dark blue clothing attracts insects like tsetse flies. Its bite can transmit sleeping sickness, which can cause death if not treated.
Although your first instinct might be to wear a t-shirt and shorts, you’re better off wearing long sleeves and long pants. This will keep your skin covered and protect you from the sun and insect bites. You must cover the exposed skin as much as possible. Think about wearing closed shoes instead of sandals. For further protection, pull your socks up over your pants and tuck your shirt into your pants. There’s no danger of being scratched or bitten.
The last thing you want is to disturb the wildlife, so avoid strong perfume or cologne. The unusual smells will make the animals jumpy. It can even make them more aggressive. Wearing strong perfume or cologne can attract insects like mosquitoes. Not surprisingly, they’re not the only insects that gravitate around strong smells. Last but not least, wearing perfume or cologne can give you a rash. If you’ve never had to deal with an itchy, uncomfortable allergic skin reaction, you don’t know how distressing it can be.