As a family, you should decide what type of vacation you want. The structure of your trip will dictate any further steps you'll have to take before traveling. For example, if you plan to stay in luxurious hotels and travel only in larger cities, you won't need to take as many health precautions, but you will need more luggage. If you plan to rough it on safari, you will need a much lighter pack and will have more preliminary steps to take in preparation for traveling.
Before you leave, you will need to plan in advance to get certain immunizations. Some countries will require additional vaccines besides the standard ones given in the U.S. These immunizations might include typhoid, rabies and yellow fever. You can usually find the travel requirements and recommended vaccines for each country by going to the CDC's Travelers' Resource site, or by checking with the embassy of the country. You will need a trip to the doctor for a routine exam. Don't forget to schedule a dental checkup before you leave, to avoid having to track down a dentist while on vacation. Some cities offer clinics that specialize in assisting travelers. They will know which immunizations you need for your destination. If you or your child takes a daily medication, make sure to have an adequate supply for your trip--usually the amount required for the duration of your trip, plus seven days worth.
When you arrive in Africa, take some simple precautions. Don't drink the water or ingest ice if you don't know the source. Always carry a bottle of water for every family member to avoid dehydration. Wash your hands whenever you can. Use bottled or purified water to brush your teeth and to mix infant formula (if applicable). Avoid any areas where malaria is a risk. Antimalarial drugs can have harsh side effects, especially in children. Even malarial preventatives can be difficult for little ones to tolerate. In general, you should try to minimize mosquito bites by using some type of bug repellent, mosquito netting on your bed at night and wearing lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants when the weather permits. Finally, when you are back home from your trip, don't forget to schedule a checkup with your doctor, just to make sure everyone is still in good health.
