vaccines for travel to africa

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Vaccines for Travelers

Vaccines protect travelers from serious diseases. Depending on where you travel, you may come into contact with diseases that are rare in the United States, like yellow fever. Some vaccines may also be required for you to travel to certain places.

Getting vaccinated will help keep you safe and healthy while you’re traveling. It will also help make sure that you don’t bring any serious diseases home to your family, friends, and community.

On this page, you'll find answers to common questions about vaccines for travelers.

Which vaccines do I need before traveling?

The vaccines you need to get before traveling will depend on few things, including:

• Where you plan to travel . Some countries require proof of vaccination for certain diseases, like yellow fever or polio. And traveling in developing countries and rural areas may bring you into contact with more diseases, which means you might need more vaccines before you visit.
• Your health . If you’re pregnant or have an ongoing illness or weakened immune system, you may need additional vaccines.
• The vaccinations you’ve already had . It’s important to be up to date on your routine vaccinations. While diseases like measles are rare in the United States, they are more common in other countries. Learn more about routine vaccines for specific age groups .

How far in advance should I get vaccinated before traveling?

It’s important to get vaccinated at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. This will give the vaccines time to start working, so you’re protected while you’re traveling. It will also usually make sure there’s enough time for you to get vaccines that require more than 1 dose.

Where can I go to get travel vaccines?

Start by finding a:

• Travel clinic
• Health department
• Yellow fever vaccination clinic

Learn more about where you can get vaccines .

What resources can I use to prepare for my trip?

Here are some resources that may come in handy as you’re planning your trip:

• Visit CDC’s travel website to find out which vaccines you may need based on where you plan to travel, what you’ll be doing, and any health conditions you have.
• Download CDC's TravWell app to get recommended vaccines, a checklist to help prepare for travel, and a personalized packing list. You can also use it to store travel documents and keep a record of your medicines and vaccinations.
• Read the current travel notices to learn about any new disease outbreaks in or vaccine recommendations for the areas where you plan to travel.
• Visit the State Department’s website to learn about vaccinations, insurance, and medical emergencies while traveling.

Traveling with a child? Make sure they get the measles vaccine.

Measles is still common in some countries. Getting your child vaccinated will protect them from getting measles — and from bringing it back to the United States where it can spread to others. Learn more about the measles vaccine.

Find out which vaccines you need

CDC’s Adult Vaccine Quiz helps you create a list of vaccines you may need based on your age, health conditions, and more.

Take the quiz now !

Get Immunized

Getting immunized is easy. Vaccines and preventive antibodies are available at the doctor’s office or pharmacies — and are usually covered by insurance.

Find out how to get protected .

Which Vaccinations Are Required for Travel?

By Cassie Shortsleeve

A trip abroad requires you to be up-to-date on a whole checklist of things these days: travel insurance, airline policies, visas, passports , and, as far as your health is concerned, vaccines. Yet while the COVID-19 pandemic has made us acutely aware of the importance of staying healthy on the road, travel vaccines have always been a mainstay of safe travel—a crucial tool in avoiding the (often expensive) headaches of getting sick , and treating sicknesses, abroad.

Whether you have travel on the horizon or want to be prepared for 2023 trips and beyond, this guide will get you up to speed on the vaccinations required for travel depending on your destination, itinerary, and health status. Follow the below steps to protect your immune system in another country.

Make sure you’re current with routine vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all travelers be up to date on routine vaccines before travel. Routine vaccines include shots like COVID-19; chickenpox; Hepatitis A and B; Influenza; Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR); Polio; and more. The CDC has a full list of routine vaccines here .

“‘Routinely recommended vaccines’ are vaccines that have been considered very important to prevent common diseases in the population to start,” says Lin H. Chen , M.D. director of the Travel Medicine Center at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the former president of the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM).

Routine vaccines protect against disease that exists at low levels (chickenpox) or barely exists at all (measles) in the U.S. They also protect against severe disease from diseases that are still present in the United States (influenza or COVID-19). Generally, they’re given in childhood or adolescence—though some are given through adulthood—so it’s always a good idea to double-check your vaccination records.

When traveling, routine shots are especially important because international travel increases your chances of both contracting and spreading diseases that aren’t common in the U.S. A good example of this is measles. While it’s practically non-existent in the U.S., international travel increases your risk of exposure and popular destinations including Europe still have measles outbreaks.

It’s worth double checking your status even if you think you’re up to date: “During the pandemic, some routine vaccination programs may have suffered lapses, so there is concern that diseases may become more common,” says Dr. Chen.

The routine vaccination recommendations have also changed over the years (the addition of the COVID-19 vaccine to the list is an example) and it’s easy to let vaccines like tetanus ( generally needed every 10 years ) lapse.

“It is even recommended at this time that certain adults who are traveling who have not had a polio vaccine for many years and are traveling to a risk area get an additional dose of the polio vaccine,” says Elizabeth D. Barnett , M.D., a professor at Boston University Medical School and a leader in the field of travel and tropical Medicine.

If you’re traveling with a child , talk to your pediatrician: Rules around vaccination can be different for babies traveling internationally. A baby who is not leaving the U.S., for example, gets their first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 months; if they will be leaving the country, they get the first dose at six months .

Utilize official resources to learn more about vaccination recommendations around the world

“Understanding the epidemiology of where diseases are circulating is really important,” says Dr. Chen.

That’s why, generally, she sends travelers to the CDC’s website , which outlines exactly what additional vaccines you may need for essentially every country in the world. All you have to do is plug in your destination and you’ll find information about vaccines and medications, health travel notices, COVID-19 travel information, and more.

Start a conversation with your primary care doctor—then consider seeing a travel medicine specialist

It’s always good to start a conversation with your primary care doctor about vaccines before you travel, but if your itinerary is complex, involving multiple countries, being in rural areas, areas without good hygiene, or areas where you may not be able to protect yourself from mosquito- or food-borne illnesses, or if you have questions based on what you found on the CDC website or your own personal health history, consider asking your physician for a referral to a travel medicine specialist or travel clinic.

After all, when it comes to vaccinations required for travel, it’s not just about where you travel, but how you travel.

“The art of travel medicine is listening to where the person is going, what they're going to be doing, and making a decision based on the risk-benefit ratio,” says Dr. Barnett. A travel medicine doctor will be able to analyze disease trends and trip details such as how long you’ll be traveling or how well you’ll be able to protect yourself against mosquitoes. “You have to really dig into those things,” she says.

Olivia Morelli

Caitlin Morton

Stacey Lastoe

Take a vaccine called the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, which prevents a type of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). “We can't just say the risk is present in a specific country, because the risk depends on the time of year, whether the disease is being transmitted at that time, the exact location—rural areas, especially farming regions are associated with much higher risk — whether there's a local outbreak situation going on, and more.”

You may not be able to get every shot you need at your primary care doctor’s office either. The yellow fever vaccine, for example (which you may need if you’re traveling somewhere like Sub-Saharan Africa or specific parts of South America), is only available at special travel clinics or public health settings, says Dr. Barnett. You can find a list of travel medicine clinics on the CDC’s website.

Your health background (what diseases you’ve had in the past, whether or not you’re immune-suppressed, and if you’re more predisposed to a certain condition) also play a role in what vaccines to consider. (A very small subset of people vaccinated against yellow fever, for example, experience severe adverse events, says Dr. Barnett.)

The bottom line

For many people and many trips, discussing travel plans with your primary care doctor and using the CDC’s destination feature for vaccine guidance will suffice. Other, more complex trips require a visit to a travel clinic. If you’re aiming to get into one, start the process at least a month before your departure date—appointments can be hard to get and your body needs time to build up immunity from any additional vaccines you may require.

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Get Vaccinated Before You Travel

It’s important to plan ahead to get the shots required for all countries you and your family plan to visit.

Protect your child and family when traveling in the United States or abroad by:

• Getting the shots required for all countries you and your family plan to visit during your trip
• Making sure you and your family are up-to-date on all routine U.S. vaccines
• Staying informed about travel notices and alerts and how they can affect your family’s travel plans

Avoid getting sick or coming back home and spreading the disease to others.

Vaccinate at least a month before you travel

See your doctor when you start to plan your trip abroad. It’s important to do this well in advance.

• Your body needs time to build up immunity.
• You may need several weeks to get all the doses of the vaccine.
• Your primary doctor may not stock travel vaccines. Visit a travel medical clinic .
• You’ll need time to prepare for your pre-travel appointment .
• If the country you visit requires a yellow fever vaccine , only a limited number of clinics have the vaccine and will probably be some distance from where you live. You must get it at least 10 days before travel.

Find out which vaccines are recommended or required for the countries you plan to visit .

TIP : Save time by getting routine vaccines during the same doctor visit. Use the Vaccine Self-Assessment Tool and discuss the results with your doctor. It tells you which U.S. recommended vaccines you (19 years and older) or your child (birth – 18 years) might need.

Last-minute travelers

When traveling to another country be aware your doctor may not carry a travel vaccine and you may have to visit a medical clinic.

Many travel vaccines require multiple shots or take time to become fully effective. But some multiple-dose vaccines (like hepatitis A) can still give you partial protection after just one dose. Some can also be given on an “accelerated schedule,” meaning doses are given in a shorter period of time.

• Discover and learn about specific diseases that can affect you while traveling
• What to do if you get sick after traveling
• Vaccines & Immunizations

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Travel Vaccines: How to Get Vaccinated for Yellow Fever, Malaria, and More

Key takeaways: 

Yellow fever, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and hepatitis A are a few examples of vaccines you may need before traveling. The specific vaccine(s) you’ll need depends on your destination.

Some travel vaccines are given more often than others. For instance, the yellow fever vaccine offers lifelong protection for most people. But typhoid vaccine boosters are recommended every 2 to 5 years.

The typical yellow fever vaccine cost is around $170 — but this can vary by clinic and location. GoodRx can help make your travel vaccines more affordable.

Planning an international trip can be an exciting time for you and your family. Whether you’re traveling by plane or cruising to your destination, you likely have a checklist of fun places to eat and visit. But staying healthy should also be at the top of your priority list.

Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need some vaccinations — like a yellow fever vaccine — to protect you from certain illnesses. Being up to date with your vaccines can help keep you and your loved ones healthy on your trip .

What vaccines do I need for travel?

The vaccine(s) you’ll need depends on your destination. It’s important to make sure you’re current on both routine and travel vaccines before your trip. Reach out to your healthcare provider to see if you need any of these vaccines before your trip : 

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)

Yellow fever

Japanese encephalitis (JE)

If you or your child never received the MMR vaccine, it’s a good one to put at the top of your to-do list before traveling. Routine vaccinations — including those with MMR vaccines — dropped drastically during the COVID pandemic. In fact, almost 40 million kids worldwide missed an MMR dose in 2021. Babies traveling to countries with high rates of measles should get a measles vaccine before traveling.

What factors are involved in choosing the right travel vaccines?

You can search the CDC’s travel health page online to find out which vaccines are important based on where you’re going. Your healthcare provider can also help you with this.

These are some important factors to consider about travel vaccines before you set out on your adventure or business trip:

Which cities/countries are you visiting? For example, if you’re traveling to rural or agricultural areas in Asia or the Western Pacific, then your healthcare provider may recommend the JE vaccine ( Ixiaro ). JE is spread through infected mosquitos and may cause brain swelling.

Where are you staying (hotel, hostel, tent, cabin)? Vaccine recommendations may be different based on whether you’re staying in a hotel or spending more time outdoors. 

How long are you staying there? The longer you stay in areas where certain diseases are more common, the higher your risk.

What season are you traveling? If you’re traveling to the “ meningitis belt ” of sub-Saharan Africa during the dry season (December to June), or performing Umrah or Hajj , your healthcare provider may recommend the meningococcal vaccine ( Menactra ).

What type of foods do you plan to eat? Eating out often not only increases your chances of getting traveler’s diarrhea, but also typhoid fever or hepatitis A.

What current health conditions do you have, if any? If you have a weak immune system , you may not be able to receive certain live vaccines. For example, someone with uncontrolled HIV may not be able to receive the oral typhoid vaccine ( Vivotif ).

Is a malaria vaccine available in the U.S.?

No. While most travel vaccines are available in the U.S., the malaria vaccine is an exception. Malaria is a disease that’s spread through infected mosquitos .

Mosquirix is the world’s first malaria vaccine for young kids. But so far it’s only available in certain African countries where malaria is common. A different malaria vaccine — known as R21/Matrix-M — was also approved in Ghana and Nigeria for kids ages 5 months to 3 years old.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccine?

The only travel vaccine that is required in certain regions of the world is the yellow fever vaccine — specifically for certain areas in Central Africa and South America. A special certificate called the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (“yellow card”) is given to you after vaccination. It will allow you to travel to and from these countries.

This vaccine is currently available in the U.S. You can search for a clinic near you that has the yellow fever vaccine.

Where can I get travel vaccines?

You can get travel vaccines from a variety of places. Your healthcare provider, county public health department , or even your local pharmacy are a few examples.

If you have an appointment through a primary care provider or travel clinic, your visit can usually be billed through your insurance as a medical appointment. The cost for the visit and any vaccines or medications will differ based on your insurance.

Other people like to visit travel-certified pharmacies as a one-stop shop. You can meet with a specially-trained pharmacist for a one-on-one visit and receive all your vaccines and medications at one location.

WHAT TO READ NEXT

How much do travel vaccines cost?

How much you’ll pay out of pocket for travel vaccines depends on your insurance status. Routine vaccines are usually covered by most insurance companies. But some travel vaccines — like yellow fever — may not be covered. So the yellow fever vaccine cost may be on your mind. It’s unknown what the malaria vaccine cost would be in the U.S. since it’s not available yet.

The average cost of three popular travel vaccines are detailed in the table below.

There are also other ways to save on vaccinations, including travel vaccines. GoodRx can help you navigate your options, which may include GoodRx discounts or copay savings cards. You can find vaccination prices as low as $18 with a free GoodRx discount.

Do travel vaccines have side effects?

Even though you can’t get sick from travel vaccines, side effects are possible. The most common side effects of injectable vaccines are pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. These are often mild and go away quickly. Other possible side effects include:

Muscle and joint aches

Serious side effects and reactions are rare. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any concerns about vaccine side effects.

How long before traveling should I think about travel vaccines?

It’s a good idea to start thinking about travel health at least 1 month before you leave. But you may need more time if you haven’t had any routine vaccines in the past. It takes time for your body to build immunity once you’re vaccinated.

Here are a few examples of vaccines you should get in advance before you travel:

Yellow fever: This vaccine must be completed 10 days prior to travel in order for your yellow fever card to be valid. The vaccine provides lifelong protection against yellow fever for most people.

Typhoid vaccine (shot): You should receive this vaccine ( Typhim Vi ) at least 2 weeks before travel to allow your body time to build immunity. You also need a booster every 2 years before traveling to an area where the typhoid vaccine is recommended.

Typhoid vaccine (oral capsule): Vivotif is an oral version of the typhoid vaccine. You need to take it in 4 separate doses. The last dose should be taken at least 1 week before you travel. Boosters are needed every 5 years.

Hepatitis A vaccine: This vaccine ( Havrix , Vaqta) is given as 2 injections at least 6 months apart. If you don’t have time to get the second shot before traveling, you’ll still receive partial protection from the first shot.

MMR: MMR is a routine vaccine for kids that starts at 12 months. But adults and teens who haven’t been vaccinated can receive 2 doses at least 28 days apart . Babies can receive their first dose early if they’re traveling to a high measles area, but that dose will need to be repeated later on.

Do I need malaria prevention medications?

Sometimes. Depending on where you’re traveling, your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications to prevent malaria . Since there is no malaria vaccine available in the U.S., these medications — along with mosquito repellents and bed nets — serve as extra safety precautions.

Malarone (atovaquone / proguanil), doxycycline , and chloroquine are a few examples of oral medications that prevent malaria. Malarone is started 1 to 2 days before traveling. You continue taking it for 7 days after leaving your destination. Doxycycline is started 1 to 2 days prior to travel. But you keep taking it for 4 weeks (1 month) after leaving the region with malaria. You can start chloroquine 1 to 2 weeks before travel and keep taking it for 4 weeks after you leave.

The bottom line

If you need travel vaccines, it’s best to start the process at least 1 month before you leave. Yellow fever, MMR, and typhoid are a few examples of vaccines you may need before traveling. Routine vaccines are usually covered by insurance, but travel vaccines may not be. The yellow fever vaccine cost, as well as the cost of other travel vaccines, varies by clinic and location.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Destinations .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Search for yellow fever vaccination clinics .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Malaria’s impact worldwide .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Transmission of Japanese encephalitis virus .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Yellow fever .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Need travel vaccines? Plan ahead .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Plan for travel - Measles .

Gambrell, A., et al. (2022). Estimating the number of US children susceptible to measles resulting from COVID-19 related vaccination coverage declines . Vaccine.

Hughes, M., et al. (2023). Typhoid & paratyphoid fever CDC Yellow Book 2024 . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

McNamara, L., et al. (2023). Meningococcal disease CDC Yellow Book 2024 travel-associated infections & diseases . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

National Association of County and City Health Officials. (n.d.). Directory of local health departments .

Parker, S., et al. (2023). Saudi Arabia: Hajj & Umrah pilgrimages CDC Yellow Book 2024 . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Precision Vaccinations. (2023). Mosquirix malaria vaccine .

Tan, K., et al. (2023). Malaria CDC Yellow Book 2024 travel-associated infections & diseases . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

University of Oxford. (2023). University of Oxford malaria vaccine receives regulatory clearance for use in Ghana and Nigeria .

World Health Organization. (2022). Nearly 40 million children are dangerously susceptible to growing measles threat .

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Recommended Vaccines for Travel to Africa: Vaccinations for African Safari Trips

Posted by Briony Chisholm on November 12 2018 in Safari Health and Medical Advice Enquire Now!

Our consultants often deal with clients who are anxious about various medical concerns before their trips, the main one being what vaccinations are needed for Africa. It’s not quite as simple as ‘Africa’ – considering Africa covers over 30 million km 2 – and different areas have different vaccination requirements.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive blog, detailing exactly what shots you need for the countries in southern and East Africa that our safaris visit, when to get them, and where.

IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER:

This is a general, basic overview of some vaccinations needed for safaris. Before traveling to Africa, every person should visit their own doctor or local travel clinic, well in advance of their departure, to obtain advice. Each person is different and has different underlying conditions, allergies, etc., so a pre-trip health check and discussion of what vaccines and malaria prophylaxis are necessary, and other health concerns, are imperative.

This blog does not replace the advice of your doctor/travel nurse.

Medical Insurance

This is a non-negotiable must. Before traveling to Africa, be sure to get good medical insurance, including medical evacuation. Many areas visited are far from medical facilities and difficult to reach. Should there be a medical emergency, you want to feel safe in the knowledge that your insurance will cover any eventuality. Check out our full section on medical insurance  on how to get it.

Recommended Vaccines for Travel to Africa

The only vaccine that is compulsory in some countries (i.e. you won’t be allowed across the border without proof of vaccination) is the yellow fever vaccine, but there are many recommended shots in others. We have a whole blog on yellow fever, so head over there for all things yellow fever , including a map of where it is endemic.

Remember to check that all your routine childhood vaccinations – which in most countries include tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, TB and meningitis – were done and get boosters where necessary. You can also discuss getting various optional shots, like the flu and pneumococcal shots, with your healthcare provider/travel clinic.

The choice of whether to get the recommended vaccinations or not depends on a number of things including:

• Where you’re traveling to in each country e.g. rural vs. urban
• Local outbreaks e.g. cholera
• Length of stay
• What your accommodation will be e.g. camping vs. 5-star hotel
• Activities you’re going to be involved in e.g. swimming in dams, helping out at a clinic, being involved in veterinary work
• Your medical history e.g. underlying conditions, medicines that may affect immunity
• Vaccination history i.e. did you receive all your childhood immunizations?

Local outbreaks/Travel warnings

Outbreaks of diseases such as cholera do, at times, occur and this will mean that you may need to get a specific vaccine for that outbreak (or, in severe cases, avoid travel to some places). The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) publishes these travel warnings  and it’s advisable to keep an eye on these in the build-up to your safari.

When to get your vaccinations for African safari travel

Remember that vaccinations may take a little while to work and some are given over a couple of days/weeks, sequentially. This means you may need to visit your doctor/travel clinic on a couple of occasions if you need to get numerous shots, so go as early as possible.

To help you plan, here we’ll list the most common shots recommended for an African safari (there are numerous other vaccines that you could consider prior to your African safari, depending on all risk factors), how the disease they protect you against is spread, how long they take to work and who the American Advisory on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Centre for Disease Control and/or World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends gets them. Later in the blog, we will list each country our safaris visit and specify what’s needed for where.

Transmission: food and water Recommended for: at-risk travelers to an area of active cholera transmission How long before entering the area should the vaccine be given: > 10-14 days

Transmission: person-to-person (air-borne) Recommended for: all travelers should be up-to-date with the diphtheria toxoid vaccine How long before entering the area should the vaccine be given: Boosters are given every 10 years

Hepatitis A

Transmission: person-to-person, food and water Recommended for: all travelers to countries with high or intermediate HAV endemicity  How long before entering the area should the vaccine be given: > 1 month/as soon as possible (3 doses)

Hepatitis B

Transmission: blood and body fluids Recommended for: all unvaccinated travelers to areas with a prevalence of HBV infection  How long before entering the area should the vaccine be given: as soon as possible (3 doses)

Transmission: person-to-person (air-borne) Recommended for: travelers to parts of sub-Saharan Africa known as the “meningitis belt” How long before entering the area should the vaccine be given: > 10 days

Transmission: Faecal-oral, oral-oral Recommended for: travelers to areas that have polio should ensure that they have completed the recommended age-appropriate polio vaccine series and that adults have received a single lifetime IPV booster dose. In addition, a booster dose for certain adult travelers to some countries that border areas with polio is recommended How long before entering the area should the vaccine be given: > 4 weeks (booster)

Transmission: animal bites Recommended for: travelers to rabies-endemic countries who may come in contact with animals How long before entering the area should the vaccine be given: > 1 month (3 doses)

Transmission: non-intact skin, injuries/bites from contaminated objects Recommended for: travelers who do not have up-to-date immunization (10-yearly booster)

Transmission: food and water, fecal-oral Recommended for: travelers to areas where there is an increased risk of exposure How long before entering the area should the vaccine be given: > 2 weeks

Yellow fever

Transmission: mosquito-borne Compulsory for: all travelers≥ 9 months of age to areas with yellow fever risk How long before entering the area should the vaccine be given: > 10 days

Where to get vaccinations for travel to Africa

The best place to go and get advice on what shots to get for your African safari is a travel clinic. Most major towns across the world have specialist travel clinics, so seek out the nearest one. If there isn’t one close, get your doctor to call one and then you can decide which shots you should have for the specific countries you’re visiting.

While you’re at the doctor, have a general check-up, stock up on any meds you take chronically (and get an official prescription, with generic names. Keep a copy with your passport). Remember that some medications may not be available in the countries you visit on your safari, so go prepared. If you want an overview of all things health-related, see our blog, The Complete African Safari Medical Guide .

Country-specific vaccinations for African travel

Vaccinations for south africa  travel.

Required vaccinations : proof of yellow fever vaccination, if traveling from or transited (> 12 hours spent) through a yellow fever endemic country Recommended shots : routine vaccinations should be up-to-date; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids (including sexual contact); typhoid, if going to be traveling in rural areas Consider : cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others (dependent on risk)

Vaccinations for travel to  Namibia

Required vaccinations : proof of yellow fever vaccination, if traveling from or transited (> 12 hours spent) through a yellow fever endemic country Recommended : routine vaccinations should be up-to-date; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids (including sexual contact); typhoid, if going to be travelling in rural areas Consider : cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others (dependent on risk)

Vaccinarions for Botswana safari  trips

Required vaccinations : proof of yellow fever vaccination, if traveling from or transited through a yellow fever endemic country Recommended shots : routine vaccinations should be up-to-date; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids (including sexual contact); typhoid, if going to be traveling in rural areas Consider : cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others (dependent on risk)

Vaccinations for travel to  Zimbabwe

Required vaccinations : proof of yellow fever vaccination, if traveling from or transited (> 12 hours spent) through a yellow fever endemic country Recommended shots : routine vaccinations should be up-to-date; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids (including sexual contact); typhoid, if going to be traveling in rural areas Consider : cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others (dependent on risk)

Vaccinations for  Mozambique holidays

Vaccinations for travel to  Malawi

Vaccinations for  Zambia  safari trips

Vaccinations for Tanzania safaris

Required vaccinations : proof of yellow fever vaccination, if traveling from or transited (> 12 hours spent) through a yellow fever endemic country Recommended vaccinations : routine vaccinations should be up-to-date; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids (including sexual contact); typhoid, if going to be traveling in rural areas Consider : cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others (dependent on risk)

Vaccinations for Kenya safaris  trips

Required shots : proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers traveling from a country with a risk of YFV transmission and all of those visiting yellow fever-endemic regions of the country Recommended : routine vaccinations should be up-to-date; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids (including sexual contact); typhoid, if going to be travelling in rural areas Consider : cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others (dependent on risk)

Vaccinations for travel to  Uganda

Required vaccinations : yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers and proof is required if traveling from YFV endemic country Recommended shots: routine vaccinations should be up-to-date; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids (including sexual contact); typhoid, if going to be traveling in rural areas Consider : cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others (dependent on risk)

What vaccines do you need for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)?

Required vaccinations : proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers Recommended : routine vaccinations should be up-to-date; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids (including sexual contact); typhoid, if going to be traveling in rural areas Consider : cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others (dependent on risk)

Vaccinations are not 100% effective

Please remember that no vaccine protects you 100%. The most important way to not get an infectious disease – after vaccination – is to avoid the causes.

This means, amongst other measures, mosquito repellants and nets and covering up between dusk and dawn, to avoid mosquito bites (yellow fever and malaria), drinking bottled water (no ice!), being careful about what you eat, and washing fruits well before eating, using condoms and avoiding risky behavior.

On the matter of malaria, for which there is no vaccination, chemoprophylaxis is recommended in endemic areas (many of the places our trips go). See our blog Malaria made simple .

Planning well & being prepared = dream safari trip

That, in a nutshell, is what you need to do regarding getting your vaccines after you’ve booked your dream African safari . As discussed, only the yellow fever vaccine is compulsory – if going to, or passing through, a yellow fever endemic country.

The rest of the recommended vaccines for travel to Africa can be decided on, in consultation with your travel health consultant, according to the current risks in the areas you’re traveling to and your personal health. Speak to our consultants for more guidance about what vaccinations you need to travel to Africa.

Here’s to a magnificent, healthy African safari!

If you liked this post, these trips cover similar ground…

• 4 Day Private Garden Route Tour from Cape Town (return)
• 6 Day South Africa Safari - Garden Route Small Group Tour

About the Author

Briony chisholm wordsmith & pharmacist.

Places Mentioned in this Post

1. South Africa

3. Botswana

4. Zimbabwe

5. Mozambique

8. Tanzania

10. Democratic Republic of the Congo

Similar & Related Blog Posts

Below you’ll find further reading and articles related or similar to this post.

Malaria Made Simple: How to Stay Safe on African Safaris

Briony Chisholm | February 13 2015

Malaria-free South African Safaris for family holidays

Landia Davies | July 22 2012

Yellow Fever: Facts you need to know for safe African Safaris

Briony Chisholm | September 01 2015

The Complete African Safari Medical Guide

Briony Chisholm | March 23 2017

5 Must See South African Movies to Watch Before you Travel

Andrew Hofmeyr | May 02 2017

Complete Safari Packing List: Easy Guide 2 What to Pack for African Safaris

Landia Davies | February 01 2022

What You Need To Know About Ebola

Briony Chisholm | August 15 2014

The Safari Safety Guide: How to Stay Safe on African Safaris

Briony Chisholm | June 15 2022

Tipping on Safari: The Best African Safari Tipping Guide on Who & How to Tip

Andrew Hofmeyr | August 23 2023

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South Africa Travel Requirements & Vaccinations

South Africa is located at the southernmost region of Africa, with a long coastline that stretches more than 1,500 miles banking the South Atlantic and Indian oceans. South Africa is about twice the size of Texas, making it the 25th-largest country in the world. Zulu is the most commonly spoken of the 11 official languages, but English is the second language of most South Africans and is widely spoken and understood throughout the country.

South Africa is a diverse country in both geography and climate, ranging from the extreme dry heat of the Namib Desert in the northwest to the lush subtropical conditions found on the east coast. Visitors to South Africa will enjoy a wide variety of activities and destination locations, including:

• Varied cultural and historical attractions
• Diverse wildlife and scenery
• Beautiful, sandy beaches

Recommended Vaccines for Travel to South Africa

• Hepatitis A
• Malaria (pill form)

*Rabies vaccination is typically only recommended for very high risk travelers given that it is completely preventable if medical attention is received within 7 – 10 days of an animal bite.

Travelers may also be advised to ensure they have received the routine vaccinations listed below. Some adults may need to receive a booster for some of these diseases:

• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)

Older adults or those with certain medical conditions may also want to ask about being vaccinated for shingles and/or pneumonia.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a travel medicine professional. Not all of the vaccines listed here will be necessary for every individual.

Talk to the experts at UH Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine & Global Health to determine how each member of your family can obtain maximum protection against illness, disease and injury while traveling, based on age, health, medical history and travel itinerary.

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Travelers' Health Most Frequently Asked Questions

On this page, travel vaccines and medications, yellow fever vaccine.

CDC Travelers’ Health Branch provides health advice to international travelers, including advice about medications and vaccines. On this page, you’ll find some of our most frequently asked questions and responses.

1. What vaccines or medicines should I get before traveling to my destination?

A: It depends on where you are going and what you will be doing. Use our destination tool to find the vaccines and medications you need for your next trip, and schedule an appointment with your doctor or a travel medicine specialist at least a month before traveling to get recommended or required vaccines and medicines.

2. If I am going on a cruise that will stop in several countries, which vaccines should I get for each country?

A: You should be up-to-date on routine vaccines, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, and flu. Depending on where you’re going and what activities you plan, other vaccines may be recommended. More cruise information .

3. What is the difference between routine, recommended, and required vaccines?

A: Routine vaccines are those that are recommended for everyone in the United States based on their age, health condition, or other risk factors. You may think of these as the childhood vaccines you got before starting school, but some are routinely recommended for adults, like the adult pertussis booster Tdap, and some every year (like the flu vaccine) or every 10 years (like the tetanus booster for adults).

A required vaccine is one that travelers must have in order to enter a country, based on that country’s regulations. Yellow fever , meningococcal, and polio vaccines may be required by certain countries.

Recommended vaccines are those that CDC recommends travelers get to protect their health, even if they aren't required for entry by the government of the country you are visiting. They protect travelers from illnesses that are usually travel-related. For example, a typhoid vaccine can prevent typhoid , a serious disease spread by contaminated food and water, which is not usually found in the United States. The vaccines recommended for a traveler depend on several things, including age, health, and itinerary.

Find out more about travel vaccines . Clinicians: Use our 2-page Quick Guide to Travel Vaccination Recommendations .

4. What are the prices of vaccines needed for travel outside the United States?

A: Prices vary by provider and insurance coverage. You should be able to get routine vaccines from your primary health care provider, health clinic, or health department. Travel clinics and yellow fever vaccine clinics should be able to give you any vaccines that your health care provider cannot.  

5. How long do travel vaccines last (when do I need to get a booster dose)?

A: How long travel vaccines last depends on the vaccine. If you're traveling outside the United States, you should see a health care provider who is familiar with travel medicine at least a month before your trip. They can give you advice about any vaccines and vaccine boosters based on where you are going and your previous vaccinations. Be sure to bring your vaccine records to your appointment!

6. Which medications can I travel with?

A: When packing for trips abroad, don’t forget there may be special considerations for bringing your prescriptions and other medicines with you. Some medicines that are commonly prescribed or available over-the-counter in the United States can be illegal in other countries. Check with the embassy or consulate in the country you will be visiting to make sure your medicines are permitted in that country.

See your health care provider at least a month before you go to get any needed or extra medications, and pack medications in your carry-on in case your luggage is lost.

7. Which countries require yellow fever vaccine for travel?

A: Some countries in South America and Africa require you to provide proof that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever by presenting an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis when entering the country. However, there are other popular travel destinations where the threat of infection with yellow fever virus is very real, and there is no requirement for you to be vaccinated to enter the country.

If you only get the yellow fever vaccine before going to countries that require it, you could be putting your health at risk. Since yellow fever disease can be serious or even fatal, CDC recommends that individuals be vaccinated when traveling to any areas where there is a risk of acquiring infection with yellow fever virus. Use our   destination tool to find out which vaccines the CDC recommends you have for anywhere you travel around the world and talk to a travel medicine provider for more details.

Yellow fever vaccine is only available at yellow fever vaccine clinic , so call ahead (well in advance of travel) and book your appointment.

Even if you get the yellow fever vaccine, you can still get other diseases from mosquito bites, like malaria, dengue, and Zika. The best ways to prevent mosquito-borne diseases are to use insect repellent while outdoors, wear long pants and long sleeves, and choose accommodations with air conditioning or mosquito nets. For travel to areas where malaria is a risk , taking medicine that can prevent malaria may also be advised.

8. How far in advance of my trip do I need to get the yellow fever vaccine?

A: For most people, it takes up to 10 days after the vaccine is given to be protected against the yellow fever virus . If your destination requires yellow fever vaccine, the proof of vaccination does not become valid until 10 days after the vaccine is given.

9. Where can I get a yellow fever vaccine in my area?

A: The nearest yellow fever vaccination clinic may be far away from where you live, and appointments may be limited. Be sure to contact the clinic ahead of time.

10. Who should not get the yellow fever vaccine?

A: Some people should not get the yellow fever vaccine : infants younger than 6 months, or people with a history of a bad reaction to the vaccine should not receive yellow fever vaccine. If you have a thymus disorder associated with abnormal immune cell function (such as a thymoma or myasthenia gravis) you should not receive yellow fever vaccine. If cancer, or the drugs or radiation used to treat cancer, has weakened your immune system, you should not receive yellow fever vaccine. If you received an organ transplant and take medicines to prevent rejection of that transplant, you should not receive yellow fever vaccine. Other conditions and medicines can also affect your immune system and could be a reason not to receive yellow fever vaccine. Check with your doctor to find out more.

If you are older than 60 years old, pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before getting a yellow fever vaccine. There are potential risks to your health from the vaccine. If you are infected with HIV, talk to your doctor; you may still be able to get yellow fever vaccine, depending on your CD4 cell count and immune function. Infants 6–8 months old can receive yellow fever vaccine, although it is less risky to postpone travel to areas with yellow fever until the baby is 9 months of age or older. After the age of 9 months, the health risks from the vaccine are considerably lower.

11. Is Zika a risk in my next destination?

A: Check our world map of areas with risk of Zika for the most up-to-date information before you make international travel plans. Please be advised: CDC does not track the number of Zika cases outside the United States.

It is difficult to determine the risk of Zika in other countries. Zika frequently causes only mild symptoms, and people with Zika might not go to the doctor. If they go to a doctor, the doctor might not test for Zika or report cases to the government. A lack of reported cases does not mean a lack of risk. CDC considers any country that has ever had Zika cases to have possible risk, but we cannot say how high or low that risk is.

CDC now recommends pregnant women and couples trying to become pregnant within the next 3 months first talk to their healthcare providers and carefully consider the risks and possible consequences of Zika infection before traveling to areas that report past or current spread of Zika but no current outbreak. Pregnant women: avoid mosquito bites and sexual exposure during travel. If partner travels, avoid sex or use condoms for remainder of pregnancy. Women planning to conceive may wish to delay pregnancy,

CDC continues to recommend that pregnant women not travel to areas where a Zika outbreak is occurring.

12. How can I contact the local US embassy?

A: 1. Enroll with the nearest US embassy or consulate through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . It’s a FREE service that allows US citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates for their location. 2. If you need to contact a US embassy or consulate, call 1-888-407-4747 (from the US or Canada) OR 00-1-202-501-4444 (from other countries).

Travel healthy, from CDC’s Travelers’ Health!

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Africa Trip Cost: How Much Should You Budget?

A frica is a continent that’s famous for its wildlife and safari experiences, remote villages, tribes and miles and miles of untamed, unspoiled natural beauty.

Those who travel to Africa will leave in a sense of awe. It’s not only a place where you can experience wildlife encounters up close, but a place where you can learn interact with a culture so diverse, and so different, from anywhere else.

Most people expect Africa to be a cheap continent to travel to, because it’s famously underdeveloped, but this is not the case. Safaris, gorilla treks, Masai Warrior experiences etc, all come at a high price tag – and you’d be surprised by how much the bucket list experiences can eat into your budget.

Which is why we prepared this guide on the cost of travel in Africa on a budget, so you can save your hard earned cash to spend on those bucket list experiences by knowing how to save on other items.

Can I Go To Africa On A Budget?

Cheapest countries to travel to in africa, accommodation, african safari costs, gorilla trekking, vaccinations, when is the cheapest time to visit africa, group tours of africa, final thoughts, more africa travel tips.

Craig and I backpacked from Kenya to South Africa for 5 months, and we are here to tell you it’s absolutely possible to travel Africa on a budget – and when we say budget, we mean a shoestring budget.

Some African countries are more expensive than others, such as South Africa , and so it’s not a case of saying “Africa is cheap”, but there are ways you can travel on a modest budget.

The truth is, Africa can be expensive, but it can also be incredibly cheap if you’re prepared to give up some luxuries.

The cost of day-to-day living, transport, and accommodation on the whole is usually far less than Europe or America , but not quite as cheap as Asia (from our experience). But we would still class most of Africa as a budget destination.

What gets expensive are the cost of safaris, game viewing, and other adventure activities.

You must travel to Africa with a plan of exactly what parks you want to visit, what activities you want to do, and what your daily budget should be, in order to save money for those big ticket items.

You can blow your budget really quickly, so careful decisions must be made. You will have to give up luxury in some areas in order to be able to do more of the things Africa is famous for.

We spent approximately $7,000 over 5 months. This included the very expensive gorilla trekking in Uganda , white water rafting the Nile, and safaris in the Masai Mara, Kruger National Park , Addo Elephant Park, and Etosha National Park.

So if you work this out, we spent around $50 a day for 2 people , including everything. Today, a budget of $80-$100 per day may be more realistic.

North African countries such as Egypt and Morocco tend to have higher prices than countries in East Africa. Prices in North Africa are comparable to places in Southeastern Europe/East Asia, such as Greece or Turkey.

We haven’t been to West or Central Africa, so cannot comment on those countries.

Uganda and Rwanda are cheap countries to visit, but tourists end up spending a lot of money because most people visit to see the gorillas, and Gorilla Trek experiences are not cheap.

The same goes for Tanzania, where the Serengeti lies. Safari trips to the Serengeti are expensive, as are trekking experiences up Mount Kilimanjaro, but exploring the rest of the country can be quite affordable.

Kenya is another country that you think will be cheap but isn’t. Most people who visit Kenya are looking for luxury safari experiences, and it historically attracts wealthy travelers, so much of the accommodation and experiences are catered towards travelers with a high price point.

Zambia is comparable to Tanzania in terms of cost, but a really cheap country in Africa to visit is Malawi. If you like beautiful beaches, Mozambique is also somewhere you can travel on a modest $50 per day budget.

South Africa is not as expensive as you would imagine. You can travel South Africa for a budget of around $50 per day, per person, and live quite comfortably.

Cape Town and Johannesburg are quite backpacker friendly, but again, your biggest expense in South African will be game drives.

Cost of Travel in Africa

The following is just a general overview of costs of travel in Africa, so you can work out what budget you should allow yourself.

Want to know how we reduced our backpacking Africa costs? We camped almost the whole way .

All you need is a lightweight tent, a sleeping mat, and a sleeping bag/sheet. Our nightly costs ranged from $1 to $5 a night. You can sleep in national parks and safari destinations for around $10 – $15 per night, or you can upgrade to one of their lodges (though remember you still need to pay national park fees and permits).

You can find basic lodges for around $30 per night, or you can find 5* safari lodges for $300 per night. It really depends on the level of luxury you require from your vacation.

You’ll find most backpackers and hostels have areas set aside for campers, so you still get full use of the backpacker facilities, but at budget prices .

We camped at our favourite backpackers, Mayoka Village in Malawi,on a terraced garden at the edge of Lake Malawi for two weeks for only $1 a night. It is now $8 a night.

The average price of a camp site in a hostel is around $10 a night to camp in most African destinations .

If camping is too low budget for you, then next cheapest option is a hostel.

Hostels in Africa is great for backpackers to stay in. They are clean, the staff are friendly, and there are usually a lot of activities going on – many of which are free – that you can participate in with other backpackers such as quiz nights and communal dinners such as braai (South African BBQ).

The costs of a backpackers hostels tends to increase in the larger cities, and more expensive countries of South Africa and Namibia, but you can still find a dormitory bed for as little as $15 USD and private rooms for around $30 per night.

Prices range from $10 – $20 for a dorm bed in cheaper East African destinations, such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Zanzibar in Tanzania. You can expect to pay around $20- $80 for a private room.

Food choices for budget travel in Africa rarely differ from budget food choices backpacking in any country. It will be cheaper if you eat with the locals or cook food yourself.

Most African hostels and backpackers will have kitchen facilities, and markets and supermarkets provide cheap food options.

We carried around two plastic bowls and spoons, a packet of cereal and powdered milk. This was our cheap breakfast every morning.

Camping facilities usually have fire circles, so braais or barbecues are easy to do and cheap.

Venture out of your hostels and into the local towns, for some cheap food in the local restaurants . Africa is a poor continent so you will find their diet is very staple and bland.

Everyday in Malawi we would walk into town for some rice with a basic curry tomato sauce. It was less than a $1 and quite tasty.

Hostels usually have restaurants where you can purchase food. It will be a little more expensive, but can be a nice break. Look out for drink specials as well.

Be warned that if you order fries you could be waiting hours for it, particularly in Uganda where they don’t have the proper cooking facilities for it.

If you can, camp under a mango tree , so they can drop on your tent all day for free food–and delicious too.

We also carried a water filter around with us to reduce the cost of bottled water. Africa is hot, you drink a lot, and this can really add up to dent your budget .

If you do eat out, you can expect to pay around $8 – $10 per meal, per person.

Travel in Africa is really cheap. But it comes at a different sort of price – it’s uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous.

Put it this way, you’ll get to know your heart and breath a lot better, and maybe have more conversations with those guiding forces from ethereal lands.

In each town, local min-vans will zip you to wherever you want to go from anywhere from 20cents to a couple of bucks .

Mini-vans, otherwise known as matutus, or pick up trucks can also take you on longer distances between towns for a couple of bucks more.

Buses will cost anywhere from $3-$32 depending on distances and the countries you visit.

Train journeys although infrequent are more comfortable and safer . A second or first class sleeper is the best way to travel and fares are usually around $20-$30.

In South Africa , taking the on-off Baz bus, made especially for travellers is a comfortable and luxurious form of travel (after 4 months of pick ups it’s heaven).

Tickets start from around $220 USD and are quite flexible in their itineraries for taking you to the main backpacker areas.

Listen to one of our craziest pick up rides in Africa, in this podcast on Uganda Travel.

You are going to need careful planning for your safaris . They can get really expensive and you have to be selective about which parks you go to.

We wanted to go to everyone, but it is just not possible.

Do your research and read the reviews from people who visited recently. You really only need 2-3 days max in each of the parks. It can get very tiring looking for the animals, and after your 50th zebra, the novelty wears off.

You have to weigh up the costs of doing a safari with your own hire car, or on a guided tour.

It is usually best to book the tour when you arrive in the nearest town to the park. We only went on a guided tour for the Masai Mara, all the rest we hired cars for and drove ourselves.

3 day camping budget safari tours of the Masai go for about $450 pp all inclusive. This would be a better option for a Kenya safari, as car hire is not as easy as it is in South Africa and Namibia.

Costs for guided safaris in South Africa for the game reserves are a lot more. However, car hire is cheaper. You can hire cars for as little as $30 per day in South Africa , in other countries from about $75 – $100 a day. Check rates and availability on Discover Cars .

When you work out the costs of car hire (watch for extra mileage charges), fuel, accommodation and food, it usually works out to be cheaper, more practical and flexible to do it yourself.

However, you may want to save money and book a tour, for the reasons we mention in our guide on the best African Game Reserves .

To reduce the cost of the expensive car hire, we camped at the designated campsites and cooked our own meals around the campfire.

We do recommend allowing for extra costs such as guided night drive or walking safari. Limit this to just once, in one park.

Allow for around $300 – $500 for a 3-day do-it-yourself safari, or for a 3 day tour.

The more people you can travel with the less that will work out individually. If you are on your own, then a tour might just be easier.

Consider hiring a car for a longer period of time and fitting in other activities as well. We hired a car for a week to drive along the beautiful Garden Route in South Africa , taking in Addo Elephant park at the same time.

Didn’t Craig and I get off lightly for this one? Right time, right place. It cost us $250 each for the licence to trek for gorillas in Uganda and then it cost about another $20 each to get there (which is a lot for African travel).

Now, you can expect just the permit to cost $700, and then you need to factor in car rental, fuel, accommodation and other expenses. Just going the Gorilla trekking experience for a day can set you back close to $1000.

But, worth it to see gorillas in the wild?

You can take comfort in the fact that a lot of this money goes to gorilla conservation. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity .

Plan for it and make room for it in your budget . Camping is looking more attractive now, right?

One thing people forget to budget for is vaccinations. You may also need to pack malaria medications, depending on where in Africa you are going to.

You may want to speak to your local doctor about what vaccines you need before you visit, as this varies depending on which countries you go to and for how long you stay there.

Some countries will need Typhoid vaccines, and others may require Yellow Fever vaccines, and some may not need either.

The prices are also different for vaccines in various different countries, so we can’t tell you how much to put aside for this – just know it’s an extra cost to consider. Also, remember to consider any layovers if you are spending a couple of days somewhere before/after your trip.

The cheapest time to visit Africa would be in the off season, which would be from September to April.

June and July are considered peak season and is when the prices will be higher.

The shoulder season on either side of the high season, in May and August.

January and February are supposedly the cheapest months to fly to African destinations from the USA, but again, it varies depending on where you are flying from.

If you’re considering joining a group tour for Africa, consider our long-term partner Globus family of brands. We have a discount in the blue box below.

• Globus tours of Africa
• Cosmos tours of Africa

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To stretch your money out and make up for the expensive safari days, remember there will be plenty of down days where you are only spending money on accommodation and food.

You can get away with doing this for as little as $10, depending on your choices.

These are some of your best days .

Spend them exploring local villages, visiting markets, hiking mountains, lazing at beaches, and relaxing on the edge of lakes.

We hope this guide gives you an idea on how to budget for Africa and answers the question; how much does is cost to travel to Africa!

Need more inspiration for your trip to Africa? Check out these other guides!

• Top 5 Things in Botswana to experience the natural beauty
• 7 Reasons to visit Mozambique
• 13 awe-inspiring things to do in Eastern and Southern Africa
• Africa Travel Safety Tips
• 8 Safari game parks in Africa not to miss
• Africa safari tips to see the best wildlife
• Why this couple is traveling Africa and you should too
• 7 Reasons to honeymoon in South Africa
• 5 Extraordinary places to visit in Nambia

Travel Vaccines and Advice for North and West Africa

West African beaches, bazaars in Tangiers and the Pyramids of Giza are just a few reasons to visit North and West Africa. Before they go, travellers need to ensure they’re health and safety is protected while abroad.

Passport Health offers personalized care, medications and vaccinations care for your trip. See our What Vaccines… section to learn more.

Countries in this region include:

What Vaccines Do I Need for North and West Africa?

The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travellers to North and West Africa: hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , cholera , yellow fever , rabies and meningitis .

Some routine vaccinations are also recommended, this includes: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) , influenza , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia and polio .

Anthrax vaccination may be required by companies or the U.S. government for certain individuals working or travelling through specific regions. Be sure to contact your organization if you are part of one of these groups.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travellers, based on their specific itinerary.

Some countries in North and West Africa fall in the meningitis belt, a region with active seasonal transmission of meningitis. Make sure you are up to date on this vaccination.

See the tables below for more vaccination information:

Are There Other Health Concerns in North and West Africa?

Cases of dengue and chikungunya can, and do, occur in various parts of North and West Africa. Other insect-borne infections are also present that can cause serious or fatal symptoms. Be sure to use mosquito repellent and netting regularly while in the region.

Malaria is also present in some parts of the region. Antimalarials will be recommended based on your need and drug resistance within the area.

Travellers’ diarrhea can be a serious risk for travellers in North and West Africa. Medical facilities are often lacking resources, meaning you should take what you may need with you. Passport Health offers a variety of travellers’ diarrhea kits specifically deisgned to help you with symptoms and even avoid the illness.

What Are the Entry Requirements in North and West Africa?

A tourist or business visa is required for almost all countries in North and West Africa. Some airlines will not allow you to board your flight if you do not have a visa.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to some countries as well. Other may require proof if travelling from a region with active infection. Check individual destination advice pages to learn more.

Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page.

Travelling to Another Destination?

Travelling outside of North and West Africa? Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages!

• Afghanistan
• American Samoa
• Antigua and Barbuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Canary Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Christmas Island
• Cocos (Keeling) Islands
• Cook Islands
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• Easter Island
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• French Guiana
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• North Macedonia
• Northern Mariana Islands
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• Philippines
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• Saint Barthelemy
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• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Sint Eustatius
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Wake Island
• Western Sahara

On This Page: What Vaccines Do I Need for North and West Africa? Are There Other Health Concerns in North and West Africa? What Are the Entry Requirements in North and West Africa? Travelling to Another Destination?

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