Entry into Namibia:

Vaccination & Health Recommendations

Yellow Fever

A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over the age of 1 year only if arriving from a Yellow Fever risk country.

Travellers arriving directly from the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom do not require a Yellow Fever vaccination for entry into Namibia.

If you are travelling via or have recently visited a Yellow Fever endemic country, please verify the specific entry requirements in advance.

Routine & Recommended Vaccinations

It is recommended that all routine childhood and adult vaccinations are up to date according to the guidelines of your national health authority (CDC in the United States, Public Health Agency of Canada, or NHS in the United Kingdom).

Commonly recommended travel vaccinations for Namibia include:

• Tetanus

• Diphtheria

• Hepatitis A

For longer stays (over four weeks) or in cases of special exposure risk, additional vaccinations may be considered:

• Hepatitis B

• Rabies

• Typhoid

• Meningococcal vaccine (ACWY)

Please consult your healthcare provider or travel clinic for personalised medical advice.

Additional Vaccination Consideration

As you will be in close contact with many people during your long-haul flight and throughout the journey, and as much of the travel involves time spent in air-conditioned vehicles and lodges, we strongly recommend considering a seasonal flu shot and/or pneumococcal vaccination.

Based on experience, some guests develop coughs or flu-like symptoms a few days after arrival. Preventive vaccination may therefore be beneficial.

Kindly discuss this with your primary care physician or travel health specialist prior to departure.

Malaria in Namibia

Malaria is a serious but preventable disease transmitted by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. After HIV/AIDS, it remains one of the most significant health concerns in parts of southern Africa.

In Namibia, malaria risk is geographically limited. The northern regions are affected, while large parts of the country, including most classic safari routes in the south and along the coast, are low risk or risk free.

With proper planning and simple protective measures, the risk for tourists is generally low.

Risk Areas

• High Risk
  River systems and floodplains in the north, northwest and northeast of Namibia. Precautions are required year round, with increased risk after good rains.

• Moderate Risk
  Kaokoland, Etosha National Park, the Otavi Mountains and Bushmanland, mainly during and shortly after the rainy season, November to April.

• Low Risk
  Central Namibia. Mosquito protection is still recommended, especially after rains.

• No Risk
  The coast, the Namib Desert and southern Namibia.

Important Practical Facts!

• Malaria mosquitoes are active mainly from dusk to dawn.
• Risk increases after good rainfall seasons.
• Transmission is far less common in dry years.
• Most safari lodges in higher risk areas are well managed and provide mosquito nets or air conditioned rooms, which significantly reduce exposure.
• Short term travellers who follow precautions have a relatively low statistical risk.

Symptoms:

Malaria typically begins like a severe flu:
• High fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Sweating
• Fatigue

The incubation period is usually 7 days to 6 weeks.

Any fever during travel or within several weeks after returning home must be taken seriously.

If symptoms occur, consult a doctor immediately and clearly state that you have travelled in a malaria area. Early diagnosis makes treatment highly effective.

Preventive Medication

There is currently no fully reliable malaria vaccine for travellers.

Several prophylactic medications are available. In Namibia they can be obtained without prescription, though medical advice is strongly recommended before travel.

Most doctors recommend:

• Malarone (Malanil in Namibia)
  Well tolerated, few side effects, short intake period after travel.

• Lariam
  Generally not recommended due to possible neurological and psychological side effects.

Prophylaxis should begin before entering a malaria area and continue after leaving, according to medical instructions.

Important to understand:

• Prophylaxis does not prevent infection 100 percent.
• It reduces the severity of the disease and prevents complications.
• No medication replaces mosquito avoidance.

Some experienced travellers choose not to take prophylaxis and instead rely strictly on mosquito protection. This is a personal medical decision and should be discussed with a physician.

Using malaria medication only as a standby emergency treatment without medical guidance is not recommended.

Practical Mosquito Protection!

• Wear light coloured, long sleeved clothing in the evening.
• Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET or similar active ingredients.
• Use products such as Peaceful Sleep or Tabard locally available.
• Sleep under mosquito nets where provided.
• Use room insect spray, especially in bathrooms and dark corners.
• Keep doors and windows closed or screened after sunset.
In malaria areas, wear closed shoes with socks in the evening.
Air conditioning and fans also reduce mosquito activity.

Leaflove Safari Perspective

Over many years of guiding in Namibia, we have rarely experienced malaria cases among our guests. With sensible precautions and awareness, the risk remains manageable.

The key is not fear, but informed and responsible travel!