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The yellow fever vaccine is necessary for many popular safari destinations in Africa such as Kenya, however, due to health problems, not all travelers are able to receive this vaccine. Luckily, the chance to experience an African safari without concern for yellow fever disease is possible in Namibia.
Namibia Safari Options without Yellow Fever
In general, the wildlife viewing opportunities in Namibia rival other African countries in biodiversity without the risk of yellow fever disease. The most popular safari options include Etosha National Park and Erindi Private Game Reserve. Wildlife viewing is also common in the Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region) in less developed settings. For more adventure-seeking a tracking tour of wildlife in the rugged Damaraland offers opportunities to spot black rhinos.
Many travelers to Namibia also stop at wildlife parks in South Africa such as Kruger or Botswana. Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe is also a popular destination before or after a safari.
Is Yellow Fever Vaccine Required for Namibia?
Although there is no risk for yellow fever illness in all of Namibia, the vaccine may be required to enter if you have recently visited another country in Africa where yellow fever is found. The yellow fever requirement can apply for layovers in a yellow fever country even if you did not leave the airport. In these cases, proof of yellow fever vaccination must be documented in the International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis (ICVP) also known as the “Yellow Card.”
Does Namibia Require Yellow Fever if Arriving From South Africa?
Nearly all international flights to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, arrive from South Africa. Because South Africa is also a yellow fever free country, there is no yellow fever vaccination requirement on arrival to Namibia. Keep in mind, that if you visited or had a layover in another African country before South Africa or Namibia, the yellow fever vaccine may be required. If you have a direct flight from the US to South Africa, or with a layover in Europe before arriving to South Africa, the yellow fever requirement does not apply.
Do I Need Malaria Tablets for Safari in Namibia?
Some regions of Namibia do have risk for malaria including the Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region) and Etosha National Park. While the risk of malaria may be low during dry season in Etosha National Park, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends antimalarial medication year-round for visitors. The Erindi Private Game Reserve is located in the Erongo Region of Namibia and is considered malaria-free by the CDC.
Several malaria medications are available in US pharmacies with most travelers taking a daily medication to prevent infection. Malaria infection can result in life-threatening illness, especially in young children, so review your travel plans carefully or speak with a travel clinic about your risk for malaria while on safari in Namibia.
Keep in mind, other mosquito or tick illnesses can still occur, so it’s important to apply insect repellant on skin and clothing.
Vaccine Recommendations for Namibia
Although yellow fever vaccination is not needed for most visitors to Namibia, it’s still recommended to receive other immunizations before arriving. Important vaccines for travel to Namibia include typhoid fever and hepatitis A because these are easily spread from food and beverage contamination.
Additional routine and travel vaccines to consider include; COVID, chickenpox (Varicella), hepatitis B, flu, measles (MMR), pertussis (Tdap), polio, rabies
Adults over 60 years may also be recommended these vaccines before they travel; Shingles, Pneumonia, RSV
Visit Destination Health Clinic Before Your Trip to Namibia
Friendly and knowledgeable staff are available to meet with you before your trip to Namibia. Pre-travel consultations are available in any of our three Massachusetts locations, Braintree-Southshore, Natick-Framingham, or Springfield-Longmeadow.
In addition to vaccinations, if antimalarial tablets are needed for your safari to Namibia, a prescription can be provided and sent to your local pharmacy.
Many travelers to Namibia also venture to South Africa (including Kruger National Park), Botswana, and/or Victoria Falls on the same vacation, and we can assist with vaccination and malaria suggestions for each country in the same appointment.
