Visiting Uganda for the first time? The most challenging part in life is to plan a trip to a new destination. And so it is a case with Uganda and several things have to be put together in order for one to have ultimate safari in Uganda. For starters, there are a number of health tips you need to consider when planning a Uganda safari through the pearl of Africa. They include;
You need proper travel vaccines
Prior setting off on a road trip or safari to Uganda, take note of travel immunizations you are expected to take. In most cases, visitors on Uganda safari are expected to immunize themselves against hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, meningitis, polio, measles, chickenpox and many others.
Malaria awareness
Prior embarking on actual trip, your health specialist must have prescribed for you some anti-malarial medication. Always take medication as recommended by the doctor! If you are going to have a night in an open place make sure that you come with a mosquito net. As well, you need insect repellent, long sleeved shirts or t-shirt, trousers and others.
Waterborne diseases
Keeping yourself hydrated is very good but where you get that water or the kind of water you take matters a lot. The intestinal infections are common cases for people who take contaminated water or eating food which has been exposed to contaminated water. It is because of this that we recommend you to take bottled or distilled water. You will need some pack of anti-diarrheal medication and oral rehydration packets in case of intestinal illness.
Sunscreen
The sun heat in Uganda may not be that favorable to everyone and that is why you need a good hat to protect you from that scotching sun heat and sunscreen, sunglasses or shaded to help protect you from dust, bacterial conjunctivitis which is also popular as pink eye. Avoid over staying out for long and try as much as possible to be under an umbrella.
Carry prescription and over the counter medications
Having medicine alone is not a bad thing but take note that some medications do have psychoactive properties and because of this they are abused. You therefore need a full written list of your medications, the physician and home pharmacy’s contact details. Be mindful of your health when considering which medicine to carry and do so as directed by your doctor.
Research
To learn more new things, you need to conduct some research. Check through the latest health warnings in different platforms to stay up to date. Ask yourself which contagious diseases can easily be transmitted through mosquitoes, water, unsanitary conditions and others; what are the climatic conditions in that destination are and others.
Protect your feet
When showering, you need sandals to protect your from fungal infections and parasitic infections. For those of you who plan for adventure, waterproof hiking boots are essential.
First aid kit
First aid kit or medical kit is very significant for any travel need. It is best for general emergencies and mainly contains a collection of supplies and equipment which are used to give medical treatment. In a first aid kit you will need latex gloves, bandages, antibiotic ointments, aspirin, hydrocortisone, lip balm, tweezers, iodine wipes, alcohol swabs, digital thermometer among others.
Where to seek medical care
There are many hospitals in Uganda for you to seek for medication. They include Mulago Hospital-the national referral hospital and private hospitals include Case Hospital Kampala, Nakasero Hospital Kampala, Kampala Hospital, SAS Clinic Kampala and The International Hospital of Kampala.
Travel health insurance
Make your travel complete with travel or medical insurance. With medical or travel insurance, you get to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, accidents and others. This kind of insurance can be planned when booking for a trip such that it covers exactly that period of your tour.
Altitude
Uganda is an ideal destination for breathtaking adventures and if this is what you hope to take part then be ready to get to higher altitude. You therefore need to be physically well and ask your doctor to prescribe for you the altitude sickness medication for instance the Diamox.