Safety and Health

Please note: We are not medical professionals. Always consult with healthcare providers before your trip.

Firstly, it’s important to understand where this common perception of the African continent comes from, and perhaps the answer lies in the word “continent.”

Africa, as it is often depicted in the media, is seen as a single entity, sometimes even mistaken as a single country. As evidence, one of the most popular Google searches about Africa is:

“Is Africa a country?”

When a disease outbreak occurs in one of the vast continent’s countries, newspaper headlines scream “Epidemic in Africa.”

When a terrorist event occurs in a small country in West Africa, major news sites will publish headlines like “War in Africa,” giving the impression that every event affects the entire continent, thus creating a persistent misconception about Africa.

In reality, Africa is the second-largest continent in the world. It has 54 countries and over 2000 languages, with diverse cultures and varying conditions.

(Is Africa a country? Google)

So yes, there are dangerous areas in Africa, and there are regions where sanitation levels are not adequate. These are specific areas, and for this purpose, we’ve provided this article to help you identify places to avoid and offer the best sanitation tips.

Security

There are conflict zones on the continent, and the best way to stay updated is to consult our Facebook and WhatsApp groups, and of course, follow updated travel advisories maps

(Example conflict zones and warnings map)

Personal Security

In major cities, as in any place around the world, there are areas best avoided at night. However, don’t let this fact cause you to miss out on the exciting nightlife of some African cities – just be smart and alert when you go out, after consulting and ensuring you are in safe areas.

Pickpocketing

In most African countries popular with travelers, violent robberies are not common (unlike the stories about South America, etc.). Of course, there are exceptions, so it’s essential to read about the countries and understand the local atmosphere. However, pickpocketing is prevalent in the big cities on the continent. Protect your pockets as you would on the subway in New York.

Traveling in Africa as a Woman

Many female backpackers will attest that Africa is wonderful. Female backpackers from around the world, traveling alone or in pairs, have explored the continent. In fact, we’ve found the African backpacking community is primarily composed of women!

To this end, we have compiled articles on the subject written by two wonderful female community backpackers:

Traveling as a Woman in Africa (link)

A White Woman in Africa (link)

Sanitation

There is also a misconception about sanitation, the mistaken belief that the entire continent is plagued with diseases that cannot be avoided – the reality is quite different. Any backpacker who has done proper research, visited a travel clinic, received vaccinations, and uses preventive medications can return healthy and whole!

Pharmacies and hospitals are common across most of the continent.

The content in this article is not written by doctors. We always encourage consulting with professionals.

Malaria

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Unfortunately, there is currently no preventive vaccine for malaria. Initial symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and nausea. Confusion may also occur. These symptoms can appear cyclically and are often accompanied by anemia and jaundice. If you start feeling flu-like symptoms on the continent, it’s recommended to get tested at a local clinic.

The disease can emerge from seven days to two months after the bite, and after stopping preventive treatment. It’s important to note that malaria often causes death only when left untreated, and with any treatment, the risk of death is nearly eliminated. During your trip, it’s advisable and straightforward to carry anti-malaria pills, as the disease is widespread across the continent.

(Malaria prevalence in Africa)

Malarone or Lariam?

We do not personally recommend which anti-malaria pill to take. Please consult a travel clinic for advice.

However, here are some facts:

Lariam (Lariam, Mefloquine)

Dosage: One pill, once a week. It’s recommended to start treatment one to two weeks before arriving in a malaria area and to continue for a month after leaving the area.

Common side effects: According to studies, these include nausea and sleep disturbances. These mild effects usually do not cause treatment discontinuation. Vomiting, diarrhea, and depression may also occur.

Rare: Severe mental disturbances. There is no research support for hair loss rumors.

Note: The severity and frequency of side effects are much less than the urban legends suggest. The drug is not recommended for those with psychiatric disorders, seizures, or heart rhythm disorders treated with beta-blockers. It is cheaper than Malarone.

Malarone (Malarone, Atovaquone/Proguanil)

Dosage: One pill, daily. It’s effective against all types of malaria worldwide and causes fewer side effects. Its main drawback is the cost and the need for daily administration. Start treatment two days before arriving in a malaria area and continue for seven days after leaving. It is not recommended for pregnant women, children under 11 kg, or those with kidney failure.

Malarone can also serve as an “emergency treatment” if malaria is suspected. If symptoms appear, take the recommended emergency dose (four pills together, once a day, for three days) to delay disease progression and allow more time to reach a hospital. For this reason, even those taking Lariam or no anti-malaria medication at all should carry at least one pack of Malarone for emergencies.

Bilharzia

Bilharzia is a disease transmitted by larvae of small worms living in freshwater, which penetrate the skin and attach to the intestines or urinary tract. The initial symptom may be itching and sometimes a slight rash at the entry site. After a few weeks, high fever, skin rashes, eye and lip swelling, and cough may develop. In later stages, abdominal pain, blood in urine, urinary tract blockages, diarrhea, and even tumors in the digestive tract may occur.

While this sounds severe, it doesn’t necessarily mean you must avoid swimming in areas where bilharzia is present. In Malawi, for example, known for Lake Malawi, where the parasite is found, travel clinics often recommend not swimming at all. However, the entire country is built around the lake, with activities like snorkeling, diving, and swimming being popular. Most travelers choose to enjoy the lake and swim in it, as you can find bilharzia medication in any pharmacy. The pills are taken after exposure to water, with a dosage determined by the pharmacy. Usually, the medication is taken a few weeks after exposure, but these details will be provided at the pharmacy.

Can you drink the water?

In most African countries, tap water is not recommended for drinking. However, mineral water is good, widely available, and relatively cheap. You can usually brush your teeth with tap water and don’t need mineral water for this purpose. In southern Africa – Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia – in urban areas, you can generally drink tap water. In South Africa, you can drink tap water throughout the country (it’s still best to check locally).

Can you eat vegetables? Street food?

The easiest answer would be to avoid eating anything, following the logic of “if you never go into the water, you’ll never drown.” However, many travelers can testify that fruits and vegetables across most of the continent are excellent, fresh, and delicious. Each person knows their body, so if it’s not for you, avoid it. The same applies to street food – many have eaten it, survived, and even enjoyed it immensely. We recommend not missing out on this experience – from a backpacker’s, not a medical perspective.

Dysentery

Dysentery is severe diarrhea accompanied by blood and mucus in the stool and high fever caused by an intestinal infection. The term refers more to symptoms caused by various diseases or health conditions and is generally not used as a disease name.

Those with dysentery should drink large amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration due to diarrhea. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be required. Anti-diarrheal medications are not recommended as they prolong the disease duration. Specific medications for dysentery, not just diarrhea, should be obtained with a prescription from a travel clinic.