We appreciate that recent news stories regarding the Mpox outbreak in Africa may cause fear if you plan a future trip to Africa. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the spike in Mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease linked to the now-extinct smallpox virus.
Rest assured that your health and safety are our top priorities. We are committed to keeping you informed with clear and accurate information about any forthcoming visits.
Understanding the situation
Africa is a vast and diverse continent, bigger than China, the United States, and Europe combined. The current Mpox outbreak is mostly centred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and does not pose a significant risk to the entire continent. To put this in perspective, the distance between the DRC and South Africa is about 3,000 kilometres, which is nearly twice the length of New Zealand.
Transmission and Risk
Mpox is transmitted through close physical contact, such as skin-to-skin contact or bodily fluids. As a result, the chance of catching Mpox on an aeroplane or during a safari is quite minimal, especially if you follow basic hygiene measures such as regular handwashing.
It is vital to highlight that instances in Africa are still fairly contained.
From January 2024 to the present, East Africa has seen:
0 cases in Tanzania.
There is one verified case in Kenya, reported in Taita-Taveta County. The patient has been treated and recovered. Contact tracing has been conducted, and no new cases have been reported.
Two confirmed cases have been reported in Uganda, one in the Kasese District. All patients are being treated. Contact tracing has been conducted, and no new cases have been reported.
Four confirmed cases have been reported in Rwanda. People who routinely visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reported this. All patients are being treated. Contact tracing has been conducted, and no new cases have been reported.
In South Africa, from May to July 22 instances were documented, with two more cases recorded in August, bringing the total to only 24. This tiny figure, in a country of roughly 60 million people, shows that the issue is well-managed and that the risk to travellers is small.
There is no need to cancel your African safari plans.
There are no extra travel restrictions or cautions for travel to Africa, and safaris are still available throughout East Africa and Southern Africa region.
We closely monitor the situation and communicate with our partners on the ground, who are in contact with local authorities and health organisations.
Our commitment to your safety
We emphasise that your safety is paramount. We attentively follow these steps:
- Close Monitoring: We frequently communicate with local authorities about new developments.
- Strict Safety rules: We follow stringent health and safety rules, revising them as needed based on expert suggestions.
- Open Communication: If any issues may affect your itinerary, we will notify you quickly.
Staying Informed and Travelling With Confidence
We recommend that you stay informed through credible sources such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) website. Based on current information and the outbreak’s localised nature, there is no reason to change your trip arrangements. Relax and enjoy your trip to Africa, discovering its beauty in peace.
We are Here for You.
We, along with our trusted safari partners in Africa continue to be cautious and diligent about safety and hygiene.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or additional information.