Africa (Lonely Planet Healthy Travel)

For those who have never been to Africa before, it can be difficult to imagine just how different the facilities are on the ground to those to which we have become used in Europe and North America. The vast majority of those who visit Africa do so without any adverse reactions except for loosening bowels. Nevertheless, because of the risks and the different health threats which are encountered in the region, self-diagnosis and basic self-treatment are crucial tools for the traveller, and this handy pocket-book is the perfect source of information for those in need.

The guide is designed specifically with Africa in mind, so there is a specific and invaluable section with listings of medical facilities in every African country, from Algeria to Zimbabwe via Guinea-Bissau. There is also an illuminating section on local healers--or medicine men--and their potential benefits as providers of local remedies for local ailments.

This is all quite apart from voluminous information on virtually every disease imaginable, detailed advice on which malarial prophylaxis are advisable for which regions, sections catering for specifically male or female travellers, children and older travellers, advice on how to combat mental health problems, and intelligent and lucid advice for both before and after your trip. With contributions from many doctors experienced in the field, it is a book that everyone travelling to remote African destinations ought to have with them. --Toby Green