I'm mainly concerned about combatting the effects of a bad tick/bug/spider bite, etc if one should occur. I have Immodium AD already to help with the possibility of that issue. I've read some of the merits of having antibiotics around. I'm scheduled for a checkup about a week before I leave for SA in May. There are no mandatory injections that I'm aware of for the NW Province of SA. Thought I'd ask you guys this question beforehand. If my doc will give me an RX for it, is it a good idea to go ahead and start taking it several days before I leave, or just wait and see if I need it? This may be a stupid question...guess I'm a little bored tonight. Thanks though.

Be careful deluging your body with a lot of anti-biotics...you can kill so much stuff you'll end up with c-diff...which is a bloody mess...

I have the doctor prescribe Lomotil, Cipro and Ambien for me on my trips. I take the Ambien almost every night, at least at the beginning of the hunt. The Lomotil and Cipro I only take if I feel there is a reason to take it, queazy stomach, sore throat, etc. I took Doxy for several trips as my anti-malarial med but the side effects, i.e., sun sensitivity, were simply unbearable. Now I just take Malarone.

JG,

It's always a good idea to have antibiotics available when doing a remote hunt. However, you'll find RSA isn't that remote and is very similar to Texas in many ways.

Yes, take the antibiotics along just in case so that you don't have to go into town if bitten or you get a bad scratch. Don't take them ahead of time however.

Have a good time on your trip. You'll be hooked before you get back.

Except for antimalarial prevention, don't take antibiotics unless symptoms come up that you need them.

Actually a good preventattive measure for traveler's diarrhea (but not necessarily some of the parasites) would be the probiotics that are being advertised all over the place these days. A simple more natural way to get them is to load up on live culture yogurt leading up to your trip.

I take them with me. I only use them when needed. I have taken a Cipro or 2 from time to time. I have yet to need a Doxy.

Hunting in SA is like hunting at a lodge in the States. Don't over think things and enjoy the hunt.

When hunting in the Selous my Outfitter/PH had antibiotics in his kit. The only thing I brought was Malarone and Ibuprofen.

Good advice guys. Especially the "enjoy the hunt" part. Thanks.