I’m heading to South Africa soon and planning to spend most of my time in Cape Town and along the Garden Route/Port Elizabeth, with a few days in Kruger National Park. I’m up to date on all my other vaccines and taking malaria pills, but I’ve seen mixed advice about whether or not I should get rabies shots.
Some sites say it’s only needed if you’re working with animals, staying for more than a month, or in really remote areas where treatment isn’t easily available. The risk seems pretty low for a regular tourist, but I’m still unsure.
Has anyone else been in the same boat or have any advice on whether it’s worth getting the rabies shot for a short trip like this?
Best wishes
It might be a good idea to be vaccinated against rabies before visiting Kruger National Park, particularly if you want to spend time in regions where you might come into contact with wildlife.
When an animal is bitten or scratches another animal that has the disease, it can spread quickly and fatally. Although it’s not 100%, the chance of coming across a rabid animal in Kruger is rather low.
Since Kruger is a large region, access to medical facilities may not always be rapid. Getting vaccinated might afford you valuable time in case you need to seek medical assistance.
it is always better to speak with a travel clinic or your doctor.