As easy as it is to fantasise about your next vacation and desired destinations, the reality of actually going there and having an unforgettable experience may be hampered by a number of obstacles. That is why we provide travel recommendations from our qualified travel health expert to help you prepare for a safe and soothing trip.
As we are in the spring season. Our tourists’ natural and wildlife resource sites rejuvenate and bloom. However, the spring bloom comes with a seasonal malady called Pollen Allergy. In the Kgalagadi/Ghanzi region, an area of the famed CKGR and Trans Frontier Park, the commonest offending pollen is from a tree called Prosopis mesquite, or Sexanana, as it is popularly known locally. Therefore, travel with some antihistamines (Allergex, cetirizine, etc.), decongestants, eye drops, and inhalers (salbutamol) for the asthmatic in case one is affected. Remedy the symptoms and continue with the expedition. Otherwise, get a good rest, lodge somewhere, and leave the next day.
WEATHER
Our blue skies and clouds of white often come with dry and hot temperatures. Keeping yourself well hydrated is paramount. Drink lots of water, and more if boozing. Frequent local stores along the way for ‘water breaks’, for frequent stops also help to delay the onset of fatigue, which might induce sleep, especially when driving during hot summer days in the coolness of a running vehicle’s air conditioning. Otherwise, if overwhelmed, a power nap under that tree will be magnificent.
The rainy season locally begins around September–October. Rain brings rainbows with wetness and cool temperatures. However, unpredictable changes in temperatures and humidity may result in physiologic disturbances, thereby causing vulnerability to common colds. Carry an over-the-counter cough syrup or flu medication, especially if travelling with kids. Reaching your destination sick is like reaching a place at night. The next day, you might not be able to tell where the sun rose.
INSECTS
Stings from mosquitoes and other creatures can be a fun-spoiler, especially when camping or in swampy areas like Chobe and Okavango. Your package of insect repellents, antihistamines, and painkillers (Panadol) will come to your rescue in this instance.
LOCAL HEALTH FACILITIES
Locally, public health facilities fall into three categories that one might need to memorise. Although offering free services to citizens, visitors (non-citizens) are required to pay. However, emergency care is accessible to everyone. Call 997 for medical emergencies, mainly for life-threatening situations such as road crashes. Always carry your personal identity documents.
Nonetheless, for your convenience and travel pleasure, have some health bill funds or travel insurance. Visiting a private clinic or hospital anywhere in the world is surely fully dependent on your purse, regardless. Carry your chronic medication for your diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc., for if uncontrolled, it may lead to complications. So, leave for home with merry memories, not a medical mess.
Health posts are found in settlements or small villages. Surely, you may miss a gas station (always fill your tank) for a stretch of 200 kilometres, but not a health facility. Clinics and hospitals are found in all villages, towns, and cities. Batswana are generally friendly and peaceful English-speaking people, hence approachable. Therefore, asking, ‘Dumelang! Ke kopa thuso’, will open ways for you. If your GPS struggles with a location, a local will surely locate it for you.
Be well, and enjoy your travel.
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