With its impressive biodiversity and unique natural phenomena, including the great migration of the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the extraordinary wildlife that has evolved in isolation on the island of Madagascar, East Africa is a must-see for travellers who are into nature.
Rich in natural resources, East Africa is also home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, including Rwanda, Ethiopia and Tanzania.
Facilities in East Africa range from basic campsites designed for backpackers to luxurious resorts in Mauritius and the Seychelles and bespoke travel experiences in Rwanda aimed at high-end tourists. Whatever you have planned in East Africa, make an appointment with Canadian Travel Clinics six to eight weeks before you leave: we’ll help you to assess and mitigate risks to your health while you are travelling.
Find out which vaccines you need to go to East Africa
Various factors will play into the decision-making about vaccines recommended for a holiday or business trip in East Africa. These include:
- where you are going
- what time of year you are going
- activities you have planned
- intended accommodation
- underlying health conditions
- your previous vaccine history
The recommended vaccines for a trip to Kenya, Uganda, or Ethiopia may include:
- cholera
- hepatitis A and B
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- meningococcal meningitis
- rabies
- tetanus, diphtheria, and polio (Tdap)
- typhoid
- yellow fever
Malaria prophylaxis might also be recommended for a trip to East Africa, alongside advice on avoiding insect and mosquito bites.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate in East Africa?
There is potential for exposure to yellow fever in some countries in East Africa. You may need a yellow fever certificate if you’re coming from a country where this mosquito-borne illness occurs. We recommend getting tailored advice when deciding whether to get a yellow fever certificate for your trip abroad. At our designated yellow fever centres, we can give advice on avoiding mosquito bites to support the action of the yellow fever vaccine.
Shots for a safari holiday
Travel in remote areas of East Africa, such as national parks including the Maasai Mara and Nairobi National Park, and staying in basic accommodation, such as bush camping sites, increases the chances that you will be exposed to insect-borne diseases. A lack of infrastructure might also increase your risk of food- and water-borne diseases.
At your travel health appointment let the pharmacist know if you’re planning to go on a wildlife watching trip during your visit to East Africa.
Health and travel in a desert environment
The climate in parts of East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, is hot and dry. Travellers who will be spending time in the desert will want to take some extra precautions. We have an article about protecting your health in the desert.
How travellers can avoid malaria in East Africa
There is a risk of contracting malaria from the bite of an infected mosquito throughout East Africa. Malaria is a serious feverish illness that can be fatal. So it’s likely that your travel health adviser will recommend steps to avoid exposure and to prevent infection. This could include advice on avoiding mosquito bites, and a prescription of antimalarial drugs.
Making a travel health appointment for a trip to East Africa
Get your travel shots from Canadian Travel Clinics by making an appointment six to eight weeks ahead of your trip to East Africa.