Namibia based in Southern Africa, has some amazing sights to see such as both the Kalahari and Namib deserts, the Etosha national Pak and the Fish River Canyon National Park. It is also home to the Kalahari bushmen and some of the worlds best quality diamonds. Although English is the national language, Namibia is home to nine languages and plenty of African Wildlife.
The Vaccinations and Medications that are needed for travel vary from person-to-person. Everyone should have a personal risk assessment with a travel health professional to take into account a range of factors such as itinerary, medical condition, occupational and lifestyle risk factors and previous vaccination history.
All Travellers should ensure that they are are up-to-date with Routine Vaccinations including Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
Most travellers will also need to consider a course or booster of Hepatitis A and Typhoid as there is a risk of these diseases across most parts of the world.
Some Travellers may also be advised additional vaccinations such as Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Hepatitis B based on their individual risk assessment.
Before travelling to Namibia please make sure you have had all of your routine UK Jabs, including:
Diphtheria Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Tetanus Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Polio Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Hepatitis A Vaccination
For information on vaccines for life in the UK see the British National Vaccination Schedule. Depending on where in Namibia you are travelling, your current health condition, lifestyle and occupational risks, the other vaccinations that you may require for Namibia are:
Cholera Vaccination
Rabies Vaccination
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Typhoid Vaccination
Book an appointment at our Travel Vaccination Clinic for more information and expert advice on the injections and other precautions you may need for Namibia.
Malaria
Malaria precautions are strongly advised for travel to Namibia. This is considered a malarial risk country. Talk to our travel nurse who will be best able to advise you. Taking reasonable steps to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes is always advisable to give yourself the greatest protection against infection.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever precautions should be taken for travel to Mozambique. Dengue fever is caused by mosquito bites from a specific mosquito, which seems to be most active during daylight. There is no medical protection against dengue fever. What you can do is try to avoid mosquito bites and use mosquito repellent. Our travel nurse will be best able to advise you.
Schistomiasis
Schistomiasis is a flatworm infection. You can get it through contact with affected fresh water streams, rivers or lakes. If you think you may have been exposed to or have contacted Schistomiasis, seek professional medical help.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness may be a problem in Namibia depending on where in the country you are travelling. You can obtain altitude sickness medication and practice appropriate acclimatisation and gradual ascents to counter altitude sickness. Don’t forget, its not just your climbing altitude but your sleeping altitude as well that must be considered. Our travel nurse will be able to talk these through with you.
Heat and Humidity
Both rainy seasons in Namibia happen in the summer. Namibia also experiences long periods of sunshine so please check the weather for the period you are travelling as you will need to pack adequately and take reasonable precautions
Water Safe
Tap water is considered safe to drink here unless it has been labelled otherwise. If you have a particularly sensitive tummy though consider bottled water and always check the water source if on a campsite as that may not be safe.
Food and Drink
You can pretty much get any cuisine in the big cities in Namibia. However, due to the high level of imported food(there are large deserts here remember) food can be a little expensive.
Animals and Insects
Lots of different infections can be spread through insect bites, including Malaria which is spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms can include fever, headache and severe joint, bone and muscular pain. Advice for malaria is listed above.
Health Insurance
Make sure you have health insurance in place that will cover the full range of activities you plan to undertake while abroad
Personal Safety
There are lots of vast open spaces to drive through here – just make sure you have a lot of petrol so you don’t get caught short. As with all parts of the world, please be aware of your surroundings, especially at bank machines and in all that you do always put your own safety first.
