Kruger and Southern Africa

[Jacques Vert]

Thank you so much for an awesome TR. fir those of us who are more armchair travellers than actual travellers, I have enjoyed every minute of "my" trip. Great photos, well written report. I felt loved ke I was there! Well done.

You're very welcome.

 

[froggerADL]

JV, and/or anyone else, would you mind posting some details of which anti-malarial you used? I'd like to know what you used, any side-effects, where you obtained it and cost. Also, how long before your trip did you have to begin the treatment?

 

[Milboo]

I took doxycycline without any side effects. Friend reported vivid dreams. From memory started it a couple of days before and took for maybe a month afterwards.

 

[Gem56]

JV, and/or anyone else, would you mind posting some details of which anti-malarial you used? I'd like to know what you used, any side-effects, where you obtained it and cost. Also, how long before your trip did you have to begin the treatment?

We both take Doxycycline Sandoz. Only available via prescription. The main side affect that I'm aware of is the tendency to burn more easily. As with most medications though there is ususlly a whole list of things that may occur as a side effect so I would suggest that you enquire at the chemist

The dose is 1 tablet per day and begins 2 days before you arrive in malaria infested areas and then continues for one month after leaving the area. My concern was the effect on my liver however the GP assures me it is perfectly safe. You should check with your GP as to the recommended medication for you... everyone is different. The cost was $22.50 for 63 tabs. Best to check about Hep A, B & C as well. All of this can be sorted out with your doctor. Hope this helps.

 

[froggerADL]

Hope this helps.

Thank you for your very comprehensive reply Gem56. I'm pleasantly surprised at the cost.

 

[Flying mermaid]

JV, and/or anyone else, would you mind posting some details of which anti-malarial you used? I'd like to know what you used, any side-effects, where you obtained it and cost. Also, how long before your trip did you have to begin the treatment?

we have used doxycyline a number of time now and for quite extended periods - one trip was about 7 weeks we had to take it. Start 3 days before entering a malaria area and 4 weeks after leaving. There are warning about increased risk of sunburn, so we took care with sunscreen but had no issues. We did feel nauseous, but took a probiotic (inner health or something like that). Mr FM initially said he didn't need it, but after a few days of feeling nauseous he started taking the probiotic and felt fine after that.

We obtained the prescription from a travel clinic and then bought from a standard chemist in Australia. Can't remember the cost - nothing too outrageous. There are others but given we have no side effects we stick with doxy. The ranger at one camp we went to reckoned that doxycycline was the safest as he had seen lots of side effects/hallucinations with guests taking others.

 

[JohnM]

I've always only used doxy. No side-effects. It's substantially less costly than malarone.

 

[Jacques Vert]

JV, and/or anyone else, would you mind posting some details of which anti-malarial you used? I'd like to know what you used, any side-effects, where you obtained it and cost. Also, how long before your trip did you have to begin the treatment?

We both take Doxycycline Sandoz. Only available via prescription. The main side affect that I'm aware of is the tendency to burn more easily. As with most medications though there is ususlly a whole list of things that may occur as a side effect so I would suggest that you enquire at the chemist

The dose is 1 tablet per day and begins 2 days before you arrive in malaria infested areas and then continues for one month after leaving the area. My concern was the effect on my liver however the GP assures me it is perfectly safe. You should check with your GP as to the recommended medication for you... everyone is different. The cost was $22.50 for 63 tabs. Best to check about Hep A, B & C as well. All of this can be sorted out with your doctor. Hope this helps.

... There are warning about increased risk of sunburn, so we took care with sunscreen but had no issues.

G'day Frogger,

As my +1 (Gem56) has already stated, our doctor recommends Doxy. On one past trip to PNG I have also taken Malarone which from memory is one tablet per week whereas Doxy is one per day.

Doxy is taken with food and a full glass of water and you should remain upright for at least half an hour after taking the tablet, to help reduce side effects.

Main side effect (at least for me) is, as +1 & FM have said, the increased risk of sunburn. OK so I burn easily at the best of times so I used 50+ on this trip. All good except the day at Sossusvlei when I missed a small patch on the back of my neck; that patch ended up with the worst sunburn I can remember!

If you are the type that likes to lay around the pool for hours, then best discuss this with your doctor.

JV

 

[drron]

We also use doxycycline.

 

[Lemon_Party]

WOW....I just noticed that this thread has passed 4,000 views; amazing.

It's so nice to see that you guys are actually reading this; makes it all seem worthwhile.

Currently planning a 3-4 week trip to SA and surrounds for early next year and reports like this are invaluable when trying to decide where to go. So much to see, so little time...