Please note, this information is valid as of November 2024, and if in doubt, we recommend checking with your local Doctor, or Travel Clinic, in your home country.

Additionally, this article is designed to merely inform the reader of the risks and recommendations; there is no requirement to be vaccinated in order to participate in The Africa Rally.

The 2025 Routes of The Africa Rally.

Key Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever

Although there is no risk of catching Yellow Fever in the majority of countries driven through on The Africa Rally, and only low risk in Tanzania and Kenya, they all require a Yellow Fever Certificate of Vaccination in order to cross between their borders.

In reality the Port Health Authorities of these countries do not always ask to see the physical certificate, but it’s recommended to have the Yellow Booklet (pictured below) to hand.  This is especially the case between Tanzania and Kenya where the proof is more frequently requested (on average 1 in 3 people transiting).

A copy of the Yellow Fever Vaccination Booklet.

Please note that since July 2016 you are only required to receive the Yellow Fever vaccination once, and you are covered for life.  This means even if your Yellow Fever Certificate is over ten years old, it will still be accepted as proof of vaccination at the borders.

The following recommended vaccinations for the Africa Rally Route are listed in alphabetical order.  There is no requirement to prove vaccination for these in order to cross borders:

Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial infection transmitted by contaminated food and water.  Cholera can cause severe watery diarrhoea although mild infections are common.

Most travellers are at low risk throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and vaccination is only recommended for those whos medical history puts them at increased risk, and are going to areas where access to safe, clean, water is limited.  Access to clean bottled water is available throughout the route of the Africa Rally.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection.  It’s spread by coughs and sneezes, or through close contact with someone who is infected.  There is a low risk of Diphtheria in a number of the countries on the route of the Africa Rally, however cases are almost exclusively in poor, overcrowded, informal settlements.

This vaccination is recommended, however most western governments provide this as standard to all citizens during infancy, and have done since the 1940s.  This vaccine is covered under the UK Routine Childhood Immunisation Schedule so the likelihood is that if you grew up in the UK, you will already have received it.  Check with your Doctor if you are unsure.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection transmitted through contaminated food and water or by direct contact with an infectious person.  The UK Health Security Agency states that immunity from a single vaccination should be lifelong, however a booster may be required after 25 years, or for those with a reduced immune system.

This vaccination is recommended for all countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and is free of charge on the NHS in the United Kingdom.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids.  This mostly occurs during sexual contact or as a result of blood-to-blood contact (for example from contaminated equipment during medical and dental procedures, tattooing or body piercing procedures, and sharing of intravenous needles).

This vaccination is recommended for all countries in sub-Saharan Africa, however most western governments provide this as standard to all citizens during infancy.  This vaccine is covered under the UK Routine Childhood Immunisation Schedule so the likelihood is that if you grew up in the UK, you will already have received it.  Check with your Doctor if you are unsure.  One full course as a child will cover most immunocompetent adults for life.

Polio

Polio is caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person.  It usually spreads through contact with the poo of an infected person.  For example, from not washing your hands properly and putting them in your mouth, or from contaminated food or water.

Although easy to spread, it is extremely rare, with Polio officially eradicated in Europe in 2003.  In Africa cases exist, but they are in single figures in countries including Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Vaccination is recommended to assist in fully eradicating the disease, however most western governments provide this as standard to all citizens during infancy – famously given to Generation X on a sugar cube.  This vaccine is covered under the UK Routine Childhood Immunisation Schedule so the likelihood is that you will already have received it.  Check with your Doctor if you are unsure.

Tetanus

Tetanus is caused by a toxin released from Clostridium tetani bacteria and occurs worldwide.  Tetanus bacteria are present in soil and manure and may be introduced through open wounds such as a puncture wound, burn or scratch.  Depending on the level of DIY mechanical work you expect to do on the Africa Rally, and how rusty your vehicle is, cuts and scratches may be common, or they might not.

A booster Tetanus vaccination is recommended if the last dose was over 10 years ago, however a Tetanus jab can also be issued post-injury and is available at the majority of Hospitals and Medical Centres along the route of the Africa Rally.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and water. Previous typhoid illness may only partially protect against re-infection.  It is recommended an oral booster of three further tablets be received on a three year basis for those at continued risk.

This vaccination is recommended for all countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and is free of charge on the NHS in the United Kingdom.

Other considerations:

Bilharzia:  This is a parasitic infection spread through contaminated water and is present in Malawi.  Regular tests are carried out in the water around our Half Way Party venue, and no Bilharzia has been reported during any previous Africa Rally event.  The advice for anyone particularly concerned is simply to not swim in the lake.  For reference, the drug of choice to treat Bilharzia is praziquantel.

COVID-19:  Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required to cross any international borders in Africa.

Health / Travel Insurance:  This is mandatory for anyone taking part in the Africa Rally, whether they are vaccinated or not – should your standard Travel Insurance not cover you for this type of event, please get in touch with JS Insurance who have a specific policy for The Africa Rally.

Malaria:  While present in all countries on the Africa Rally, the risk is extremely low due to the time of year of travel (July).  During July there are minimal mosquitos in the air, and therefore the decision on whether to take antimalarials should be a personal one.  The Africa Rally HQ Team elect not to take them during Africa Rally events.

Mpox:  While there are cases of Mpox in Kenya, the risk is extremely low in the areas which the Africa Rally goes through, and transmission is only possible through direct person to person contact with an infected individual – usually during sex.  An Mpox vaccine is already available in most regions for those particularly concerned, simply speak to your local Doctor.

Rabies:  The vaccination simplifies post-exposure treatment, but if bitten by a dog (or bat), you must still seek Hospital treatment immediately.  The risk is low in the countries the Africa Rally goes through, but it does exist.

Timeframes:  It is recommended that vaccination doses be completed well in advance of Africa Rally participation.  We suggest a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks prior to departure.

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Disclaimer:  This information has been collated using a variety of government health authority backed sources, but it is intended merely as an initial guide.  Should you have any concerns around vaccinations prior to travel, please consult with a medical professional in your home country. 

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