Hello to everyone ..i would just like to introduce myself as a newcomer today... my name is sandra and i live in lincolnshire very close to skegness..i am 65years old married for 46 years 4 children and 7grandchildren.. i was diagnosed with diabeties 11 years ago at a routine new doctor check up at first i was in complete denile of the condition and still am to some extent i have always loved sweet things and find it very hard to resist them even now.i am hoping to go on a Safari some time next year as an invitation from my daughter but i am a little concerned of the health implications for a diabetic maybe some one has done this trip and could advise me that would be great..i hope i can help someone in the future with some of the health issues i have over come in the past thank you...
-
Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »
new to the forum
- Thread starter skyhigh
- Start Date
sallylondon
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 82
Hi Skyhigh
Just saw your post and wanted to say Hi!. I go on safari quite frequently. Can you tell me which country you are going to and what medication you are on?
Just saw your post and wanted to say Hi!. I go on safari quite frequently. Can you tell me which country you are going to and what medication you are on?
Hi sallylondon.. thank you for your reply i really am very new to all this so sorry if i get it wrong lol my daughter went to tanzania (kruger national park) a couple of years ago and wants to go back again ..i do take quite a few tablets metformin and linagliptin for diabetes but b/p tabs and thyroid ones as well, but its malaria that really scares me the most............
sallylondon
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 82
Hi Sandra,
I think you will find that Kruger is in South Africa not Tanzania :lol: I have been to Kenya, South Africa and Namibia so similar to either of the places you will be going to.
Firstly, GO!! You will love it. Don't let the fear stop you. South Africa and Namibia did not bat an eye at the medication. In Kenya I had to explain them once but no problems. You could look at the embassy web sites or send them an email with the list of your medication to see if there are any problems just to be sure.
Here are some of the things that I do:
Always take medication in its original packing. You can sort out daily tablets when you get there. I take my testing kit in hand luggage as well.
Take the printed prescription from the doctor.
Take several extra weeks worth with you. Split all medications 1/2 with your travelling partner and 1/2 with you. (ps always split your clothes 50/50 between suitcases when travelling - just in case. Personal experience of blow drying husband's underwear for 3 days in a row..... :roll: )
ALWAYS put medication in hand luggage NEVER pack it in hold luggage.
When you get to where you are staying LOCK your medication in your suitcase or safe if there is one as well as as any snacks you take. This is not to prevent theft by humans but theft by monkeys when on safari (Personal experience again! :shock: )
Malaria medication advice really varies by doctor (cost implications) and by area you are visiting. We always use Malarone. It is expensive if you have to pay for it yourself but my doctor (Lambeth in London) are now allowed to prescribe it. The reason we like it is: that you only have to take it 2 days before you go and 7 days after you return / it doesn't upset my stomach as much / we don't suffer from other side-effects. That is a purely personal preference so you should talk to your doctor and do some research yourself. The best advice is to not get bitten so get some high DEET spray and use it!
Always take some immodium and other basic first - aid supplies as there are no shops around! Take wet ones as well - useful for many things.
Depending on your diet you will have to avert your eyes away from the cakes and puddings that are provided. :wink: You often get coffee/tea first thing and then get out on safari so you may need to pack suitable snacks for yourself. Breakfast is usually after the morning safari. The rice/pasta/bread etc is usually white so you will have to be careful with that as well but there was always soups, salads, meat so you will be able to find something suitable for you to eat. If you have any concerns at all then you can contact the lodge/ tented camp you will be staying at and discuss any worries with them.
Make sure that you have suitable travel insurance and that you have disclosed everything to your insurers. Read the fine print!
That is all I can think of for the moment, I hope it helps.
Sally
I think you will find that Kruger is in South Africa not Tanzania :lol: I have been to Kenya, South Africa and Namibia so similar to either of the places you will be going to.
Firstly, GO!! You will love it. Don't let the fear stop you. South Africa and Namibia did not bat an eye at the medication. In Kenya I had to explain them once but no problems. You could look at the embassy web sites or send them an email with the list of your medication to see if there are any problems just to be sure.
Here are some of the things that I do:
Always take medication in its original packing. You can sort out daily tablets when you get there. I take my testing kit in hand luggage as well.
Take the printed prescription from the doctor.
Take several extra weeks worth with you. Split all medications 1/2 with your travelling partner and 1/2 with you. (ps always split your clothes 50/50 between suitcases when travelling - just in case. Personal experience of blow drying husband's underwear for 3 days in a row..... :roll: )
ALWAYS put medication in hand luggage NEVER pack it in hold luggage.
When you get to where you are staying LOCK your medication in your suitcase or safe if there is one as well as as any snacks you take. This is not to prevent theft by humans but theft by monkeys when on safari (Personal experience again! :shock: )
Malaria medication advice really varies by doctor (cost implications) and by area you are visiting. We always use Malarone. It is expensive if you have to pay for it yourself but my doctor (Lambeth in London) are now allowed to prescribe it. The reason we like it is: that you only have to take it 2 days before you go and 7 days after you return / it doesn't upset my stomach as much / we don't suffer from other side-effects. That is a purely personal preference so you should talk to your doctor and do some research yourself. The best advice is to not get bitten so get some high DEET spray and use it!
Always take some immodium and other basic first - aid supplies as there are no shops around! Take wet ones as well - useful for many things.
Depending on your diet you will have to avert your eyes away from the cakes and puddings that are provided. :wink: You often get coffee/tea first thing and then get out on safari so you may need to pack suitable snacks for yourself. Breakfast is usually after the morning safari. The rice/pasta/bread etc is usually white so you will have to be careful with that as well but there was always soups, salads, meat so you will be able to find something suitable for you to eat. If you have any concerns at all then you can contact the lodge/ tented camp you will be staying at and discuss any worries with them.
Make sure that you have suitable travel insurance and that you have disclosed everything to your insurers. Read the fine print!
That is all I can think of for the moment, I hope it helps.
Sally
Hi Sally.. thank you for your reply i told you i would get it wrong i should have said my daughter visited the Kruger national park as well on her very long honeymoon........i will certainly read your advice .....i think it would be a chance of a lifetime thank you...........
angieG
Well-Known Member
Hi Skyhigh,
Don't know anything about going on safari but just wanted to say Hi :wave:
I live near Coningsby in Lincolnshire, so not far from you.
Regards
Angie
Don't know anything about going on safari but just wanted to say Hi :wave:
I live near Coningsby in Lincolnshire, so not far from you.
Regards
Angie
hi skyhigh welcome to the forum im a newbie like you hope we can be friends im type 2 diabetic and finding it very confusing.sorry i cant help you with your holiday problem never been abroad but i see you live near my favorite seaside skeggy i live in nottinghamshire . jean 
Robinredbreast
Oracle
- Messages
- 18,446
- Location
- Planet Earth
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Insulin
- Dislikes
- Bullies, Liars, Trolls and dishonest cruel people
skyhigh said:
Hello and welcome skyhigh
