Health Information

IMPORTANT: The information provided on this page should not replace the advice of a trained medical professional. After reviewing the information presented here, Simplistic Journeys, LLC  highly recommends you consult with your primary care physician. All travelers are responsible to ensure they meet the entry requirements for the countries they visit and are physically prepared for the activity level of their itinerary.

Resources for U.S. Passport Holders

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The United States CDC is the national public health agency tasked with protecting the public health of Americans. They provide information to the public about disease outbreaks, vaccine information, and prevention and treatment recommendations. Among these tasks, the CDC also regularly issues health advisories to travelers. Click here for more information.

U.N. World Health Organization (WHO): The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that provides information and guidance for all nations to protect international public health. This can be a helpful resource for understanding the public health situation of a country you plan to visit. Click here for more information.

Access to Pharmacies and Medical Facilities: Some destinations, especially remote locations, may lack easy access to a local pharmacy or a medical facility. Some common medications may also not be available. We strongly recommend that travelers bring basic medications with them. This may include over-the-counter medication for motion sickness, cough drops or suppressants, anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines, pain and fever medicine, and sleep aids. All motor coaches on your tour will be equipped with a fully stocked first aid kit.

For travelers that require special storage of medications: If you have medication that requires special storage, such as being in a cold location or needing distilled water for a CPAP machine, please contact our Service Department prior to departure.

Common Ailments to Consider:

Ebola, Marburg and Mpox (previously called Monkeypox): These are viral illnesses that spread through contact with the fluids of an infected person, animal, or object. Travelers can protect themselves by avoiding contact with infected people, animals, their fluids, objects, and by practicing good personal hygiene. For Mpox, travelers should consult with their primary care physician prior to departure to see if they are eligible to be vaccinated.

Outbreaks have occurred in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in the recent past.

Malaria: This is a disease caused by parasites in mosquito bites. Travelers should consult with their primary care physician to see if they are eligible to be prescribed Malaria medication prior to departure. Travelers are also recommended to bring and use mosquito repellant to avoid infection.

Rabies: This is a virus that primarily spreads through bites or scratches from infected animals. Travelers should consult with their primary care physician to see if a rabies vaccine is recommended for them. Travelers should avoid direct contact with wild animals and, if bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately after washing the affected area.

Zika: This is a virus the spreads primarily through mosquito bites that can lead to severe birth defects if pregnant travelers are infected. Zika can be found in mosquitos in Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Travelers should avoid mosquito bites and seek medical attention if they believe they have become infected. Pregnant travelers should consult with their primary care physician prior to booking.

Routine Vaccines: These are those recommended to all Americans by their primary care physician to protect against common ailments and diseases. This may include those to protect against Chickenpox, COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, Influenza, Measles and Mumps, and Polio. Travelers should consult with their primary care physician to make sure they are up to date on recommended routine vaccinations.

Air Quality: As wildfires become an increasing problem around the world, air quality can be greatly impacted. Travelers with asthma and other respiratory conditions should consult their primary care physician prior to travel.

Altitude Sickness: Regions located at high elevations can be colder and have lower air pressure, which can cause health problems for those who are not prepared for the change. Itineraries are designed in a way that gradually acclimates travelers to large elevation changes and tour managers will be able to assist in finding medications and treatments for those affected by altitude sickness. Travelers should also consult their primary care physician prior to travel.

South Africa, is a destinations with extremely high elevations.

Is This Trip Right for You?

This active program covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking on some touring days. The pace is fast, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. A few early wake-ups are required. There are two long days spent on the coach between eSwatini and Hazyview, as well as between Hazyview and Johannesburg. For your comfort, several stops will be made along the way including a lunch break. While the majority of the tour will be performed in an air-conditioned motor coach, game drives will be conducted in small safari vehicles that cannot be air-conditioned. Visitors to Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe are encouraged to consult their health-care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. We suggest you check with your health-care provider before signing up for this tour. During this tour, you may come into proximity of wild animals whose actions can be unpredictable. Certain inherent risks are involved which should be considered at your own discretion. Short power outages are a regular occurrence in South Africa. Hotels in major cities are equipped with back-up generators so there are no interruptions to normal services, however hotels outside of major cities may have supplemental generators that provide electricity to only essential services.