South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

DH and I have always wanted to go to South Africa, but all of our time/money has been consumed by this house project we've had going on. We're finally seeing the light and think we'd be able to go on vacation around April - May. Problem is, I'll be about 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months, depending on when we go. I don't see any point in going if we can't do the safari bit. would you go?

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

I would discuss with my OB first.. not sure if there are any bugs carrying diseases that you would need to be more concerned with being pregnant and all ... or shots you may need to get before going that can have an effect on the fetus.

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

Do you know if there are hospitals nearby where you're staying if god forbid you need one?

It's not so much South Africa that would keep me from going, but I don't think I'd do a safari (not at that point in your pregnancy)...what happens if something happens when you're out in the desert...do you know how far/long you will be out on safari (I've never been on one so I don't know). If you're going to be miles and miles away from a city center where there's a hospital, then I don't think i would go. Also, will you be on jeeps, will it be a long bumpy ride...I don't know if that's a good idea, but that you might want to check with your doctor first.

That said, DH and I wanted to go to South Africa for our honeymoon but we couldn't swing it financially. One day.....

ETA: I also agree with pp about shots. Make sure the shots you'll have to get are safe for pregnancy if you do decide to go.

Message edited 1/27/2009 11:51:27 AM.

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

I've always wanted to go on a Safari, but I don't think I would while pregnant.
DH and I went to Aruba (I know it's no safari!) when I was 16 weeks, the heat itself made me miserable! Not to mention that I had to watch everything I eat and drink. We end up not having any fun, sure it was relaxing, but I would of love to enjoy it to the fullest, not constantly feel like I was going to faint.

This is JMO

ETA: Completely agree with pp, totally forgot about the shots.
Also, I would avoid all bumpy rides.

Message edited 1/27/2009 11:53:18 AM.

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

I think travel is fine at 5.5 - 6.5 months pregnant but I wouldn't travel to S Africa while pregnant. JMO.

My doctor recommended that I try not to fly out of the country if it wasn't necessary.

My husband didn't even want me to travel to Costa Rica while we were TTC.

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

dont you have to get a bunch of shots to go to Africa?? is that ok for the baby? When I was that far along I was tired alot, but that was me, I dont think I would have enjoyed myself, especially since it sounds like its alot of walking around....but that is me, everyones pregnancy is different...good luck

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

I don't think I'd feel up to that much travel. That's a lot of stress on your body.

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

I would question the affects of the extra vaccines. JMHO

BTW.,...totally jealous.. I always wanted to Safari, but DH is terrified of the thought. I might have to go with my girls for my 40th.

Message edited 1/27/2009 12:01:59 PM.

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

Thanks everyone.
There are no vaccines required for travel to South Africa. There is a slight risk of malaria, but that can be all but eliminated by avoiding certain areas at certain times of the year.

I hadn't thought about the jeep thing though...that might put me off...

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

I personally wouldn't go, between the shot you would need, the long travel, bumpy roads, hot weather and bugs. I wouldn't want to chance effecting my baby. JMO always wanted to go but JMO I would hold off till my child was much older and off maybe at college to go on a vaca like that.

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

I wouldn't go... you have such a small window of time being pregnant. I wouldn't risk it with a Safari any time in my pregnancy. Wouldn't you rather be able to relax and have fun and not worry?

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

Sounds like an amazing trip - but I don't know if it is such a good idea when you are 5 - 6 months pregnant.

My DH and I were thinking of taking a cruise and my doctor suggested we don't go too far from a hospital or leave the country...just in case. I think being on safari would just cause me to stress about the "what if's" KWIM?

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

I did a safari several years ago and I can tell you, the roads are not smooth so it can be VERY bumpy --similar to an amusement ride where they say pregnant women should not go on. So if I were you, I would probably wait.

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

Hey Farah-
I emailed you about SA.


FYI- NO vaccines are required.

Message edited 1/28/2009 8:16:04 AM.

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

I say it is complicated...

there are like 4 shots you need...

I went to South africa 3 years ago to visit brother in law he lives there and I am telling you that it is imperative that you have the shots and then when i got back my doctor had to run blood tests and also a stool sample....

I was not pregnant and it was still intense imagine being pregnant

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

I went to E. Africa on my honeymoon, some other girls went to S. Africa (andrealmt comes to mind) so check with them on shots, etc for S. Africa.

But I will tell you, safari's are BUMPY and uncomfortable - they warn pregnant women, people with heart problems and back problems about the dangers of being bounced, so if it was me, I would pass on the safari portion of the trip. I think S. Africa has good infrastructure (unlike E. Africa where it is primarily dirt and gravel roads) so you could percievably enjoy a vacation there safely.

Message edited 1/27/2009 3:25:12 PM.

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

I say go to South Africa, do Jo'burg etc, but I would personally stay away from Safari during pregnancy. I would not be convinced that the water (drinking and bathing) would be 100% safe. Sorry! Chester Zoo is always lovely!

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

I went to South Africa and it is an amazing trip. Similar to what the other girls stated, I would suggest that you avoid going on the safari part of the trip while you are pregnant. Between the jeep rides on bumpy roads, bugs, animals and just being a distance from civilization (god forbid something happened) I do not think it is a wise idea. However there are other places you can visit like Capetown, which is amazing, and Johannesburg etc which are still doable. That said I cannot imagine you are going to go back so quick and would probably wait until you are no longer pregnant to go and do the safari as well!

Feel free to FM with any questions regarding traveling to SA.

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

NO WAY I WOULD!! I've been to South Africa and the plane ride was horrendous NOT pregnant!! i could not imagine going pregnant- no way!! Also, have you been vaccinated? I do not know that I'd want to get those vaccinations while pregnant!

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

No way!! I don't think it is safe while PG. I'm going to to guess your OB is going to say no.

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

Posted by usuk2004

Thanks everyone.
There are no vaccines required for travel to South Africa. There is a slight risk of malaria, but that can be all but eliminated by avoiding certain areas at certain times of the year.

I hadn't thought about the jeep thing though...that might put me off...

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

i wouldn't. i was to go to Turkey in a month and my OB said no. not so mcuh for the flying. but will you get the health care you need if something should arise? yes, South Africa is very Westernized and hospitals are probably good, but going on safari? you might be too far away from quality care. i wouldn't risk it. also, you may need vaccinations and i wouldn't get those while preggers. JMO

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

That is my absolute Dream vacation.

However, I would ABSOLUTLEY not go while pregnant.

One of my friends went and got very ill, and someone else I know got very sick because of the Malaria VAccine.

I'm not sure what special immunizations you would need before traveling there, but I don't know if you could get them while pg.

I am 100% for that trip, just not while pregnant.

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

Posted by MrsP747

Posted by usuk2004

Thanks everyone.
There are no vaccines required for travel to South Africa. There is a slight risk of malaria, but that can be all but eliminated by avoiding certain areas at certain times of the year.

I hadn't thought about the jeep thing though...that might put me off...

I'd have to look at my vaccine card thingie but I know I had at least 3 vaccines from an infectious disease doctor before I went to S. Africa. I spent my trip in Plettenburg Bay and Capetown

Re: South Africa/safari at 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months?

My dream vacation too! That was my dream honeymoon but DH didn't want to go there.

Given that I had extremely easy pregnancies, physically I would have been fine. However even with that, I would pass on it.

Even with the immunizations, I still would have a hard time with drinking the water, the bumpy safari ride, the long plan ride, etc. While there are plenty of pregnant women in SA, they are already aclimated to any parasites in the water & any local illnesses.

I think I'd put it off until my kids were 7-10ish & take them.

My girlfriend used to work with Kerr & Downey and has gone on numerous safaris. If you're still thinking of going, I can ask her what she thinks. She's from South Africa so she may have a different take on it.