Travel With Children in Africa

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What to pack…
The answer is, as little as possible. If you travel within Africa by small plane, you will face strict weight restrictions for luggage. There is really no need for a big wardrobe. Safari dress codes are extremely relaxed. Laundry service is usually available in hotels and most upscale camps. The warm climate during the dry season does not require heavy clothing, although in some places in can get cool during the night. For your kids, you should bring cloths that are comfortable, simple and easy to wash. Avoid bright colors, especially on game drives and walking safaris. Sturdy shoes, sneakers or light hiking boots are preferable to sandals and flip-flops. There are plenty of critters on the ground that tend to fight back if stepped upon. For the same reason, you should not let your kids walk barefoot outside hotel rooms or otherwise enclosed areas.

If you travel with babies and very young children, you need to bring your own feeding equipment. Also, pack a sufficient amount of nappies (diapers), since those may not be readily available outside of major cities. If you plan to travel by bus or car, you may consider bringing your own child safety seat. If you intend to walk longer distances, you should have a backpack or other baby carrier with you. Strollers don’t really work well in areas with no paved roads.

Some rules to travel by…
It goes without saying that all the vaccines in the world cannot eliminate certain health risks. Without being overprotective, you must be vigilant at all times when it comes to your children’s health. In the mostly warm and hot climate of Africa, dehydration is a constant danger for everyone, but even more so for children. It is absolutely imperative that you always carry sufficient supplies of safe drinking water with you. Don’t force your kids to eat if they’re not hungry or don’t like the unfamiliar food. But, under all circumstances, make certain they drink lots of fluids throughout the day.

Unfortunately, you can’t always rely on the safety of the water, not even when it’s bottled. If you have any second thoughts about the quality of your drinking water, apply your own purification measures. I personally prefer using a SteriPEN®, but there are other ways that work just as well. Don’t ever let your kids use tap water, not even to brush their teeth with. Have drinks without ice. Explain to your kids why they must be extra cautious about water, but don’t assume they remember your warnings every time they are thirsty. If your kids get invited into someone’s home, make sure you know what they’re being offered in terms of food and drink. In case of doubt, it is better to violate the rules of hospitality than to get sick.

Use only trustworthy bottled or boiled water to make up baby formulas or when you bottle feed. It is a good idea to prepare all of your baby’s meals yourself. Wash the utensils thoroughly in boiled water or, better yet, sterilize them (with sterilizing tablets).

Have lots of antibacterial wipes handy for frequent cleaning of dirty or sticky fingers. Discuss the need for extra hygiene and cleanliness with your children and explain how they can guard themselves against potential health hazards. Discourage touching of mouths, eyes and noses as well as scratching of insect bites and other open wounds. But don’t get carried away! It is important that you strike a balance between caution and unnecessary fear. There is no point in scaring your children to the point where they can no longer enjoy their vacation.

Where malaria is an issue…
Generally speaking, it is not recommended to bring young children to an area where malaria is widespread. Unfortunately, this is the case in many parts of the African continent today. Malaria may be less present in the higher terrains of East Africa and along the coastal regions of South Africa. You may consider visiting only those places.

Since the malaria virus is carried by mosquitoes, it is very important to protect your family as best as you can against mosquito bites. Only females can pass the virus on, but how can you tell which is which? Use child-friendly insect repellents only (no DEET!) and make sure everyone‘s safely tucked in under their mosquito nets at night.

Adults and older children should by all means take malaria preventive drugs, such as Chloroquine or Malarone. Sometimes, these drugs can have unpleasant side-effects, but you must continue taking them throughout your stay in potentially malaria infested areas and for some time after you return home. A doctor or nurse at any travel medicine institute can give you all the information you need. If you or your child develop a fever, you should not hesitate to seek medical attention right away. African doctors are very familiar with the local diseases and will be able to help you before things get out of hand.

One last thought: It may be a good idea to get a medical check-up for yourself and your family when you’re back home, even if everyone feels fine – just to be safe.

Related Articles:

• Travel With Children in Africa
• Health Concerns of Families Traveling With Young Children
• Going Places – On Safari in Africa
• Travel Tips
• Going Places – On Safari in Africa