We are a security risk management company with vast experience in different sectors of the security industry. Our close protection assistants will be with you at all times during the journey, help with logistics and make sure you are safe. That said, no destination can claim to be 100% safe and during your journey through Africa, you should use the same travel precautions you would in other parts of the world.

The East- and Southern African countries on our list of possible travel destinations are safe for millions of tourists that visit the region each year. Criminal incidents are rare.

Local violence does occur occasionally; however, it is normally not directed at visitors and happens generally in regions far away from tourist routes and our destinations. We monitor the situation in all the chosen countries on a regular basis and only travel to regions deemed safe. People in all our destinations are very friendly and well disposed towards visitors.

Healthcare standards in East Africa and Southern Africa significantly vary depending on the location, available hospitals and type of treatment required. In many major towns and cities in East Africa and Southern Africa, private healthcare including dental care, is on average good to very good. As you move away from major towns into the bush; for example, on safari or along the coast in small places, healthcare standards are below international standards.

For instance, in Nairobi, Kenya, two of the best hospitals are the Nairobi Hospital and the Aga Khan Hospital. In the event of an emergency or referral, these are the hospitals we use. Both have excellent private healthcare facilities, are equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure and have well-trained and qualified doctors and nurses at their service.

It is Expedition Discovery’s policy to register all our clients as temporary members of the “AMREF Flying Doctors” (www.amref.org ), a private organization offering medical evacuation flights from most East African countries – even remote locations – to Nairobi.

Once out of Nairobi, we have a paramedic with a comprehensive medical First Aid kit on the team. In addition, along the journey’s routes, we have a network of medical facilities and doctors to ensure one has access to medical treatment if required.

Currently, there are no compulsory vaccinations for entering Kenya, except for yellow fever in some cases (see below). The following vaccinations are recommended for Kenya, but not compulsory: Hepatitis A and B, meningitis, rabies, typhoid and boosters for tetanus, diphtheria, polio and measles. This is just a recommendation; depending on the chosen destinations, some may not be necessary. About 6-8 weeks before embarking on the journey, please seek your doctor’s advice and start with vaccinations if needed.

Yellow fever: For some East African countries and if your flight originates in or has a long transit through a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is compulsory. As your journey is likely to take you to other countries than just Kenya, we recommend you get this vaccination. The yellow fever vaccination certificate will only become valid 10 days after you have had the vaccination. It will be valid for 10 years.

Malaria: Nairobi and the Masai Mara are malaria free. However, for trips outside these areas, it is advisable to take either malaria prophylaxis or malaria emergency medication.

Private comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory. Furthermore, we strongly recommend medical transfer insurance to your country of residence.

In Nairobi and in the capitals of other destination countries, there are a few well-stocked pharmacies of international standard.

However, should you require any form of medication, we strongly recommend you bring it with you. Import restrictions may apply to certain medication, please make sure to discuss this with your doctor before departure.

While on the journey in remote areas or on safari, there is absolutely no access to any medical facility or pharmacy of international standard.

Here are some general rules we recommend you follow when traveling to tropical countries and countries with different hygiene standards, including to East African countries:

• Only drink bottled or canned water and other beverages.
• Hot beverages should be made with boiling water.
• Use only bottled water to brush teeth (not tap water).
• Always wash your hands with water and soap before eating. If not possible, use antibacterial gel or wipes.
• Eating out can be a very great experience. To ensure you do not come down with a stomach problem, ensure your food is well prepared.
• Do not eat road side food, if you notice unsatisfactory conditions around where they are preparing or selling the food.
• Ensure your meat is fully cooked. Avoid buying fruit in the street to eat straight away. Wash or peel all fruit and vegetables before eating.
• Only eat raw vegetables, salads and fruit from places we recommend or in top class hotels, camps and restaurants. These locations apply generally very good hygiene practices. Their food, including raw food, is handled with care and is generally safe for consumption.

The most common health problem encountered by travellers in Africa is traveller’s diarrhoea. While the risk cannot be entirely ruled out, stomach upsets are rarely due to poor food hygiene. Stomachs most often get upset due to the different diet, jet lag or climate change.

Precautions are recommended in order not to spoil your journey and some medication to stop light cases of diarrhoea should be in your personal pharmacy.