Travel Health
and Safety

First Aid & Medication

All Gabon Adventure Tours are equipped with a first aid ‘Trauma Kit’. This is intended for use in an emergency and contains the necessary items to administer basic first aid.The kits do NOT contain any personal medication such as painkillers, anti-histamine, etc and you should bring a small personal medical kit with suggested items like: antiseptic ointment or spray, cotton wool, sterile dressings, crepe bandage, band aids, scissors, tweezers, tape, antibiotic powder, painkillers, lip salve, sun block, insect repellent, water purification tablets, hypodermic needles and syringes, anti-malaria tablets, anti-diarrhoea tablets, and a good supply of re-hydration powder sachets.You may wish to consult your doctor or vaccination clinic regarding a broad-spectrum antibiotic (for skin and/or bowel infection) as there are occasions when you cannot obtain these locally. Don’t forget a supply of any prescription medicines you usually use (asthma, birth control etc).

Flexibility

Gabon is in a developing part of the world, and we can’t tell you that everything runs like clockwork in Africa. What we can tell you is that we are experienced adventure travel company, and we know how to keep things operating as smoothly as possible, even when conditions are challenging. That’s why we are here! If you bring flexibility, an open mind and a sense of humour you’ll find your trip goes even smoother!

Vaccinations

We strongly advise that you contact your local travel clinic or doctor well in advance of travelling as you may well need vaccinations prior to travel. Gabon require a compulsory yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. Failure to provide one may result in a denied entry. We also recommend vaccines such as Poliomyelitis (childhood booster), Tetanus (childhood booster), Typhoid (food & water borne diseases) and Hepatitis A (food and water borne diseases). For those venturing outside cities and towns, further recommended vaccines are Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese B Encephalitis, Tuberculosis, Meningitis and Malaria prophylaxis.

Physical Level and Fitness

A good level of fitness is required to travel with Gabon Adventure Tours. You should read the specific trip description carefully as some include walking, hiking, canoeing, etc. which may be arduous. If you have any doubts please contact us for more information. These adventures are not for everyone. If you have any physical or mental disability that may limit your ability to fully participate, please consult Gabon Adventures Tours. We may require a medical certificate prior to the departure.

Inherent Dangers

It is important that you understand that Gabon Adventure Tours operates adventure tours where the accommodation, transport, hygiene, medical facilities and other factors may not be of the standard that you are accustomed to at home. By booking with Gabon Adventure Tours you are accepting these conditions.

Malaria

Malaria is the most common serious ailment affecting both residents and visitors in Gabon. Seek professional medical advice regarding whether you may take anti-malaria medication, the different types available and which is most suitable for you. Anti-malaria medication will offer some protection, however you must also use a good insect repellent cream/spray to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place.

When TAKING anti-malarial medication:

  • Make sure you get the right anti-malarial tablets before you go (check with your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure).
  • Follow the instructions included with your tablets carefully.
  • Continue to take your tablets for up to FOUR (4) weeks (depending on the type you are taking) AFTER returning from your trip to cover the incubation period of the disease.
  • If you become ill while travelling in an area where malaria is found or after returning from travelling, you MUST IMMEDIATELY seek medical help (even if you have been taking anti-malarial tablets).
  • If you develop symptoms of malaria while still taking anti-malarial tablets (either while you are travelling or in the days and weeks after you return), remember to tell the doctor which type you have been taking – the same type of anti-malaria medication should NOT be used to treat you as well.
  • If you have taken anti-malarial medication in the past, do not assume that it is suitable for future trips.