Africa travel health — the essentials
Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest concentration of travel health risks of any region — malaria, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, and Meningococcal disease are all relevant depending on your destination. Preparation starts 6–8 weeks before departure.
Vaccines for all sub-Saharan Africa travellers
- Hepatitis A: Universal recommendation across all Africa destinations
- Typhoid: Recommended for all travellers eating outside high-end lodges
- Yellow Fever: Required or strongly recommended for most sub-Saharan destinations
- Malaria prophylaxis: Required for nearly all sub-Saharan Africa
- Rabies pre-exposure: Recommended for safari, wildlife, or rural travel
Country-by-country guide
Kenya — Serengeti, Masai Mara, Nairobi
Malaria: yes (all areas except high-altitude Nairobi city). Yellow Fever: strongly recommended. Rabies: yes for safari. Full preparation required.
Tanzania — Serengeti, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro
Malaria: yes — including Zanzibar (NOT malaria-free). Yellow Fever: required from endemic countries, strongly recommended. Full preparation.
Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda
Malaria: yes, year-round. Yellow Fever: required for entry. Full preparation — similar to Kenya/Tanzania.
South Africa — Johannesburg, Cape Town, Cape Winelands
Johannesburg and Cape Town city are low malaria risk. Johannesburg airport transit is malaria-free. Malaria risk IS present in Kruger National Park, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal coastal areas. Yellow Fever: not required for entry from Canada. Hepatitis A + Typhoid still recommended.
Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt
North Africa is a different profile — largely malaria-free, lower overall risk than sub-Saharan Africa. Hepatitis A + Typhoid recommended. No Yellow Fever or malaria prophylaxis for standard tourist itineraries.
Malaria medication for Africa
Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) is first-line for most sub-Saharan Africa destinations. Generic atovaquone-proguanil is identical and less expensive for longer trips. Our physician reviews your specific destination and prescribes accordingly.
Book your Africa pre-travel consultation
Book at Virtual Travel Clinic — serving Mississauga, Ottawa, Edmonton, and all of Ontario.
Sources: PHAC Travel Health | CDC Yellow Book 2024
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