No web page replaces your doctor. This one helps you know what to ask and how far ahead: book an appointment at a travel medicine clinic six to eight weeks before departure, taking your itinerary with you.
Yellow fever
For travellers arriving directly from Italy, a vaccination certificate is not required in Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia and Zambia (for Zambia, the Italian Foreign Ministry lists no compulsory vaccinations). It becomes compulsory for those arriving from a country with a risk of transmission, and this also applies to a transit of more than 12 hours in a country at risk, for example in Ethiopia, or to journeys combining several African countries, such as Kenya and Tanzania. On our multi-country itineraries we flag this in the quote. The vaccine must be given at least ten days before entry, and the certificate is valid for life.
Malaria
Malaria is present in most safari areas and along the coasts. In Tanzania it affects almost the whole country, with low incidence in the Zanzibar archipelago. In Kenya it concerns the coast, the areas near Lake Victoria and some parks, especially in the rainy seasons. In Madagascar it is endemic, above all along the coasts.
Prevention has two parts. Prophylaxis, prescribed by your doctor according to your itinerary, the time of year and your medical history. And protection from bites: repellent on exposed skin, long sleeves and trousers from sunset, a mosquito net where provided. Any fever in the weeks after your return should always be reported to your doctor, mentioning that you have been to Africa.
Other vaccinations
Your doctor will review routine vaccinations, such as tetanus, diphtheria and measles, and those recommended for travellers, such as hepatitis A and typhoid, according to the length and type of journey. For long stays or remote areas they may suggest others. None of these is compulsory for entry into the countries we take you to.
Water, food, sun and altitude
Drink only water from sealed bottles, including for brushing your teeth, and avoid ice of uncertain origin; choose fruit you can peel. In lodges, water is generally treated or provided in bottles. No swimming in lakes or rivers: the Italian Foreign Ministry warns of the presence of bilharzia. The equatorial sun burns even under cloud: wear high-factor sun cream and a hat.
On Kilimanjaro the main risk is altitude. That is why our ascent itineraries follow the “climb high, sleep low” rule and include acclimatisation stages: the guide decides when to stop, and should be listened to.
Ebola
On 16 May 2026 the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak (Bundibugyo strain) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. According to the Italian Foreign Ministry, this is what changes for travellers in the region:
- Uganda: health checks and compulsory online registration for anyone arriving at or leaving Entebbe; non-essential travel to the affected areas should be limited.
- Rwanda: entry is refused to foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the previous 30 days.
- Madagascar: entry may be refused to anyone who has stayed in or transited through an affected country in the previous 21 days; health declaration and screening for everyone on arrival.
- Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia: stricter health checks at points of entry, especially for travellers arriving from or transiting through the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda.
- Returning to Italy: anyone who has been in Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the previous 21 days is subject to the Italian Ministry of Health’s surveillance measures.
Before booking a gorilla trip, and again before you leave, check the up-to-date country pages on Viaggiare Sicuri or your own government’s travel advice. If the situation changes, we will let you know and look at alternatives with you.
Health insurance
This is the item not to underestimate. Private healthcare is expensive, and in Kenya hospitals ask for proof of cover before even admitting a patient. In Tanzania the Italian Foreign Ministry describes healthcare outside the cities as very limited; in Madagascar serious cases require transfer to South Africa or Réunion. Italian and European health cards are not valid in these countries.
Our packages with flights include medical, baggage and cancellation insurance. Your quote sets out the limits and conditions: if you have particular needs, for example sporting activities or pre-existing conditions, tell us straight away and we will look at additional cover.
Safety
The parks and lodges we take you to are peaceful settings. The precautions concern mainly the cities, where petty crime is widespread: in the evening, travel by taxi rather than on foot, and do not display phones, jewellery or cash. In Madagascar the Italian Foreign Ministry reports an increase in incidents in Antananarivo and in the tourist areas of Nosy Be and Diego Suarez: our transfers are always with a driver.
In the parks, your guide’s rules apply: do not leave the vehicle except at designated points, move around camps at night only when accompanied, never feed the animals. Photograph people only after asking, and never soldiers, police or public buildings; in Tanzania, circulating images that offend another person’s dignity is a criminal offence. In Kenya and Tanzania plastic bags are banned: best not to pack any. Drug laws are extremely severe in all these countries.
Before you leave, check the up-to-date country page of the FCDO travel advice (or your own government’s advice) and, if you are an Italian citizen, register your trip on Dove siamo nel mondo (the Italian Foreign Ministry’s travel registration service): in an emergency, the Ministry’s Crisis Unit will know you are there and how to reach you.
What we do
We follow the Italian Foreign Ministry’s advisories for all our destinations and, if anything changes before departure, we let you know. Your travel documents include the contact details of our local partner and our own. During the journey, if you have a health problem or find yourself in difficulty, we are obliged to assist you: we point you to medical services, put you in touch with the local authorities and the consulate, and help you find alternative arrangements. Your protections, in detail.
Updated 11 October 2026. Rules and fees may change: always check the official sources listed before you travel.