| Questions about health and safety are often among
the leading concerns cited by prospective travelers to Africa.
It is natural to wonder about these critical issues when one
hears about exotic diseases in the Congo or political unrest
in West Africa.
Tourism plays a significant role in the economy of each country
we visit, and everyone involved with the tourism business
– from government officials to those who prepare our
meals – has a strong, vested interest in the success
of your safari. We often lead our travelers’ safaris,
and we feel very comfortable in these countries because we
rely on the expertise and judgment of the professionals with
whom we work. We also study the recommendations of independent
organizations that evaluate health and safety issues for travelers
on a global basis. We will give you those resources so that
you may examine the professional information others have developed.
It is in the best interest of all of us to make sure you are
not subjected to unacceptable risks.
Health
There are certain health precautions you should take before
traveling to Africa. Because we are not medical professionals,
it is beyond our scope of expertise to advise you on precisely
what you may need, as situations and requirements change and
vary among individuals. The information we will share with
you will enable you to intelligently discuss your personal
circumstances with your physician and seek appropriate medical
advice.
Fresh foods; proper food preparation techniques, and excellent
sanitation keep food-related health problems to a minimum
in the areas we visit. Special arrangements can be made for
those who have special dietary needs. You will be provided
with plenty of safe, bottled water as we strongly recommend
against drinking any local water.
We also discuss the ways in which we can respond to an unexpected
medical situation. From emergency medical attention to medical
evacuation, we explore the options and make all necessary
arrangements before your departure.
Safety
We make every effort to assure you a safe, healthy, and rewarding
journey. Any travel, however, involves some risk, much of
which you can minimize by following our suggestions. While
most accidents occur in the home, traveling away from home
can increase your risk of accidents. You are in new, unfamiliar
territory and you may be distracted, enthusiastic, or tired
enough to make mistakes and forget the little hazards around
you. Our gentle reminders to watch your head as you climb
in and out of safari vehicles may become a bit repetitious
over the course of a safari. But it always helps avoid what
could be a less-than-pleasant start to a game drive. We will
provide you with our suggestions so you may help make your
safari a safe, while still exciting, journey.
Our selection of transportation methods is made with a combination
of safety and comfort in mind. Our internal air transportation
is provided by well-established charter and scheduled commercial
carriers, all of which have excellent safety records. The
extended 4-wheel-drive Land Rovers and Land Cruisers we use
for ground transportation in the bush have been especially
designed to be both safe and effective in dealing with on-road
and off-road conditions. (Frankly, it's sometimes hard to
tell the difference!) We were among to first to request the
installation of seat belts when these new customized safari
vehicles were first developed.
Understanding the rules of conduct you must follow to ensure
that your wildlife viewing is safe for you and the animals
we come to watch is another important part of safari safety.
With your awareness and cooperation, you will help us ensure
you have a safe journey.
For more information about Safari Professionals Unlimited
and what we do, please click here.
If you would like to contact us to ask a question
about your safari, please click here.
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