Health & Safety
Confidential Medical Form*
All NOMAD travellers over the age of 65 must complete sections, “A” and “B”. If you have indicated that you have pre-existing medical conditions, you are required to complete section “C” also. The more information provided to Nomad, the more NOMAD would be able to assist and provide medical assistance in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Please note that Nomad will assess the information contained in this document, and reserve the right to further ask for a Physician assessment for any traveller.
You should always consult your Physician and anyone else familiar with your medical history and needs before embarking on any adventure travel. Please ensure that you have confirmed with a medical professional, that you are medically fit to embark on the tour you have booked. (For more information go to the NOMAD or ATC website)
General Safety
The guide has authority on tour at all times and this includes decisions regarding the safety of our guests on tour.
It is important that you inform your tour leader of any medical conditions or prescription drugs that you are taking such as diabetes or asthma etc. as NOMAD/ATC are sometimes 300km or more from the nearest medical assistance. This is especially important if your medication has to be kept at a certain temperature, therefore it is important that we be informed beforehand.
Please report to your tour leader immediately if you are feeling even slightly ill as they may need to make plans for you to get medical assistance promptly. Many travellers can feel sick within the first two weeks of travelling and this is very common due to your body reacting to germs and bacteria it is unfamiliar with. Keep this in mind, but do not take it lightly. Keep your guides up to date with how you’re feeling.
AIDS is an enormous problem in Africa. HIV estimates range between 20% and 50% of the population and in some areas it is even higher than this. Please be careful and practical, condoms are cheap and freely available.
Water
One of the most common ailments on tour is dehydration. You should be drinking a minimum of 2 to 3 liters of water per day, and even more during the hot summer months. The water on tour is not always drinkable, so your guides will advise you when not to drink the local water. Bottled mineral water is available for sale at most camp sites, but keep in mind that this can be expensive. In most places north of South Africa, it is necessary for you to buy your own drinking water. Your guides will point out where drinking water can be purchased (i.e at local shops / supermarkets). There is a 200 liter water tank on the truck, but this is for emergency use only and generally doesn’t taste very good.
