Health Information

When travelling to countries with different health risks and healthcare facilities than you may be used to at home it is wise to familiarise yourself with the differences and take advice on the implications. This following is not intended to be a medically authoritative review for travel to Botswana but is provided as advisory information for our potential guests.

Your normal health

Those with pre-existing health problems may wish to consider whether their current health is sufficiently good for long travelling times, bumpy roads, and seasonally higher heat and humidity. A safari with us is not overly physically demanding but climbing in and out of game-viewing vehicles is a little more difficult than your family car, although our staff will happily provide any assistance you may need.

Good planning is often all that is necessary and you should consider what health needs you may have abroad and bring appropriate supplies, especially of any medication you take as it is some distance to the nearest pharmacy! Our staff have had first aid training and an emergency management and medical evacuation plan is in place. Nonetheless, first rate healthcare facilities may take more than an hour, and up to three hours to reach by road. You must have a travel insurance policy that covers emergency evacuation and medical costs.

Some items that it may be useful to bring include pain relievers (eg in case of headache), anti-diarrhoeals (although drinking water in camp is filtered and comes from natural aquifers deep underground), antihistamines (eg for heat rash or allergies), sun block and aftersun lotion or moisturiser creams.

Our wildlife

We understand that you come on safari to see wilderness areas and wild animals and you will not be disappointed at Limpopo-Lipadi. Although you will be accompanied by a highly qualified ranger at all times (apart from shareholders qualified to self-drive) when out in the bush you must remember that some of our wildlife is potentially dangerous. The rangers understand the habits and behaviours of the animals and employ these skills to keep you safe while you enjoy the incredible safari experience we offer. In addition lodge staff will conduct a safety briefing shortly after your arrival so that you are aware of what to do around camp. This includes sensible precautions like checking your boots for unwanted guests before putting them on each morning and ensuring curious children (or adults!) don't stick their hands into dark places! The staff are also always on hand, just a radio call away, to provide assistance or advice.

Malaria

Thankfully Limpopo-Lipadi is located in an area classified as "low risk" for malaria by the World Health Organisation and the risk period relates to the wet season months, normally from November to June. The area designated as "no risk" begins just a short distance south-west of the reserve and reports of malaria in our area are very rare, no doubt in part due to the low population density in our vast wilderness area. Nonetheless precautions are advised which include the use of insect repellants, covering up with long sleeves and trousers from dusk until dawn and other measures to avoid bites. In addition we strongly advise that you discuss your travel plans with an appropriate health professional and consider the advice they provide regarding malaria prophylaxis.

The following links provide further useful information on malaria in our area:

• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• UK National Health Service
• World Health Organisation

As with any trip to a malarious area if you develop symptoms suggestive of malaria (eg a high fever, chills, aches and pains, headaches etc) while abroad, or within a year of returning home (especially the first three months) you must seek health advice and tell the person you speak to that you have been to a potentially malarious area. You must also ensure you complete the course of any prophylactic medication you are given - you can develop malaria even after returning home if you do not do so.

Vaccinations

As well as malaria considerations you may also require immunisations prior to travel to Botswana. Again discussing these with an appropriate health professional well in advance of departure is strongly recommended. Key points are:

• Ensure any vaccinations you would normally have for life at home are up to date. This includes common jabs like diphtheria, tetanus and polio.
• Yellow fever: there is general agreement (from the sites above) that there is no risk of yellow fever transmission in Botswana so vaccination is unnecessary. However if you are coming from a country where that risk does exist you will need to have a certificate of vaccination.
• Other considerations include hepatitis A and typhoid, and rabies may be carried by some wild animals, but your usual healthcare provider is best placed to guide you.

Limpopo-Lipadi is a safe and healthy African bush environment and following these advisories will ensure you enjoy your trip to the fullest!