Classic Africa Trip

laura espensen

For those that have gone on the Classic South Africa Safari Trip, how long are you out on the safari rides? AM and PM
My husband and I are scheduled to go this August. We also need to know what , if any, shots you had to have before entering the two countries. I have asked Tauck and they just told me to ask my doctor ( who doesn't know) or get on the website for each country. All I can find is that there are no REQUIREMENTs , only suggestions. Thanks for any tips you can give me.

British

There are hundreds of topics on this if you go back to look at past posts. You have also left it too late for some of the shots you may need. You need to go to a TRAVEL DR. as soon as possible, giving them a full medical history and records of all the vaccinations that you have had in the past. If you have been proactive about your health, you may already have most of the shots that are recommended, flu, pneumonia, Shingles, Measles and TDAP boosters etc but not Hep A or Hep B and they require two and three shots respectively over several months, incidentally the new Shingles is two shots over a few months too. Then there is the continued debate on Yellow fever. You will need Malaria pills, and some Drs give a supply of antibiotics just in case you fall ill with an infection too. And finally, Shame on your doctor for not sending you to a Travel Dr specialist, I would change your Dr too. Tauck did the right thing referring you to Drs, they are not medically trained. They also do not like people asking for medical advice on the forum either really since they and I have no idea of anything about you apart from the fact you are female, I do not know your age or anything about your Medical history. Several of us still chip in here because we get frustrated that people going on an expensive trip but a very different one often leave it too late to think about these really important topics, but want to help get you on the right track.Finally, you have posted this on the K and T forum but are asking about a South Africa trip, which are you going on? I hope all this helps you get organized, the Africa trips are wonderful.

AlanS

British wrote:

There are hundreds of topics on this if you go back to look at past posts. You have also left it too late for some of the shots you may need. You need to go to a TRAVEL DR. as soon as possible, giving them a full medical history and records of all the vaccinations that you have had in the past. If you have been proactive about your health, you may already have most of the shots that are recommended, flu, pneumonia, Shingles, Measles and TDAP boosters etc but not Hep A or Hep B and they require two and three shots respectively over several months, incidentally the new Shingles is two shots over a few months too. Then there is the continued debate on Yellow fever. You will need Malaria pills, and some Drs give a supply of antibiotics just in case you fall ill with an infection too. And finally, Shame on your doctor for not sending you to a Travel Dr specialist, I would change your Dr too. Tauck did the right thing referring you to Drs, they are not medically trained. They also do not like people asking for medical advice on the forum either really since they and I have no idea of anything about you apart from the fact you are female, I do not know your age or anything about your Medical history. Several of us still chip in here because we get frustrated that people going on an expensive trip but a very different one often leave it too late to think about these really important topics, but want to help get you on the right track.Finally, you have posted this on the K and T forum but are asking about a South Africa trip, which are you going on? I hope all this helps you get organized, the Africa trips are wonderful.

Amen to what British said.

As to your first question- If I remember the typical morning and afternoon game drives are 2 -3 hours at most. One exception is the "game drive" you will have at the end of the long drive from Ngorongoro crate. But typically, you leave after breakfast and return before lunch- with enough time to clean up eat, take a cap nap then back out for an afternoon game drive (or not, your choice). You return, maybe an hour or so before dinner. Some folks didn't change for dinner others changed into casual clothes or tomorrow's safari clothes.

Remember, for almost all game drives there are no restrooms of any kind- you are out in the bush with wild animals, so will be required to stay in the vehicle. If you get in extremus you may be required to "check the spare tire." Nighttime game drives are shorter.

Again, as British suggests, spend some time reading all the posts in the forum for the trip you are interested in.