You’ve probably heard about malaria and yellow fever in Africa, but for many people, that is as far as their knowledge about these diseases goes. Since both of these diseases are prevalent in Africa, we thought we’d give you a little more information.
Malaria is caused by a parasite that is transmitted from one human to another by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The parasites travels through the bloodstream to the liver where they start to multiply within red blood cells of the human host.
The symptoms characteristic of malaria include flu-like illness with fever, chills, muscle aches, headache and sweating.
The first symptoms usually occur 10 days to 4 weeks after infection.
Avoiding malaria while traveling in infected regions is fairly simple. There are a number of different pills your doctor can prescribe to prevent malaria, the most frequently used is called malarone. Also, be sure to always use bug repellent, the more deet the better, and try to cover up during prime mosquito feeding times around dusk and dawn. When necessary, all of your lodges will provide a net under which you can sleep. If you do this, chances are you will return home malaria free!
Yellow fever, like malaria, is spread by mosquitoes. It is a virus that is transported around the body and can reproduce itself in a variety of the body’s cells – usually the liver, kidneys and blood vessels. If a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, symptoms usually develop 3 – 6 days later.
During the first of three possible stages of the virus, headache, muscle and joint aches, fever, flushing, loss of appetite, vomiting, and jaundice are common.
Yellow fever can be prevented by vaccination. Travelers should also take basic precautions against mosquito bites when in affected areas, whether they have received the vaccination or not. These are the same measures taken to prevent malaria including using bug repellent and covering exposed skin.
Please consult with your physician (and www.cdc.gov) regarding these diseases and the appropriate medication and precautions you should take. The requirements vary depending on the countries you are traveling to and from.
I must admit, life doesn’t get much better than relaxing and being pampered aboard a 5-star cruise boat… unless of course you are in the midst of Africa’s most beautiful ecosystem cruising the Chobe River. Bordered by Botswana and Namibia, the Chobe is home to the largest concentration of elephants on earth and a huge diversity of other wildlife from buffalo to lion, hyena, puku, impala, giraffe…the entire Ark! The brand new Zambezi Queen gives you luxury and wildlife all at once.
It offers 14 opulent cabins, a small outdoor plunge pool for cooling off in the hot months, a very chic bar with a classy/cool lounge area and wood-burning fireplace, an air-conditioned library filled with documentaries on African history and wildlife and meals created by qualified South African chefs.
Mountain gorillas are massive, shy, majestic and so human-like it is almost beyond belief. Since the 1970s when the now famous primatologist Dian Fossey brought the horrible plight of gorillas into the mainstream, these amazing animals have held a special place in the imagination of many. With only about 700 mountain gorillas remaining, seeing these creatures in person is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Trekking through the lush, cloud shrouded tropical jungles of central Africa in search of a family of gorillas is quickly becoming a popular adventure and a great way to make a contribution towards helping save the species. For the greater part of the last 30 years the mountain gorillas’ habitat has been in war zones and as a result the gorillas have been affected by massive habitat loss, poaching and disease. As peace spreads through the area conservation has become a top priority.
The rains have finally returned to parched Kenya bringing welcome relief for this country that has suffered more than a year of devastating drought. Tens of thousands of animals, including livestock, elephant, hippo and antelope have perished and millions of people forced to rely on food aid as the rains failed and suns dried up what little water was left on the ground.
THE GREAT MIGRATION
HOLIDAY TIME IN CAPE TOWN
If the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain doesn’t sound like a good time to you, how about the annual running of the sardines? This mass migration occurs from the beginning of May through the end of July.
EXPLORE would like to personally thank Zambezi Airlines, Courtyard Eastgate in Johannesburg and all other donors for their generous support of the Chiawa Mini World Cup in the Lower Zambezi. As we mentioned in a previous blog, Zambezi Airlines donated 4 airline tickets for the project and recently the Courtyard Eastgate in Johannesburg has supplied the hotel rooms that will afford 4 lucky Chiawa villagers the chance of a lifetime… going to Africa’s first World Cup! In addition to this, EXPLORE and Multi Choice Satellite TV are donating a TV, installation of a satellite dish and receiver, and one year of service to the local school at Chiawa. This way many of the village residents can enjoy the games and in the future have access to educational TV viewing (Discovery, History channel, BBC news, etc). Viewings will be carefully monitored by the Chiawa Headmaster. 
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Randall “Rich and Beautiful” Trip to Morocco
“We couldn’t have had a more special experience in terms of variety, people, culture, art, food, and natural beauty. Everything worked seamlessly- our guide and EXPLORE anticipated our needs, interests, and comforts.
We would not have had as special a trip without the special care and intelligence that the guide EXPLORE booked for us shared. He is an expert on Morocco and has great enthusiasm for his country.
We loved our trip. It was so much richer and more beautiful than we ever imagined.”
-Emily Randall, Spring 2010