Mia78

I have read a bit about the dreaded tsetse flies, but am not sure what area's of Africa that they post a problem...
I am travelling to Kenya and to Vic Falls...am I likely to encounter a problem?

Patty

Only place I've seen tsetses in Kenya is Meru although I hear they're in parts of Tsavo as well. It's not really a worry.

mcwomble

I've been bitten by them and seen traps for them in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

I think they are the reason no cattle are in the Delta, and hence why it is pristine. The traps were a dark blue cloth impregnated with insecticide. I asked why blue, and was told it resembled buffalo. So don't wear blue (I had a blue shirt). Apart from the bites, I didn't think they did humans much harm these days...

Dlemma

I was in Botswana (Okavango and also the Linyati area) in Sept. 2007 and was told that the tsetse fly has been eradicated in that area. Our guide said that this was a mixed blessing - good for people and creatures who can get bitten but perhaps bad because now there is no reason not to raise cattle in the area.

ShayTay

We encountered them in Zimbabwe, especially on the Lower Zambezi.

safarichuck

Sorry but I couldn't help but put my two cents in on this and shed a bit of light. African Sleeping sickness infects 15,000 to 20,000 people a year. A few international travelers are infected each year (2-5 U.S. tourists) are infected each year. Just be aware that the tsetse fly is still a problem/
Regards-Chuck

safarichuck

The original post mentions Kenya and Vic Falls. According to WHO and CDC, most international travelers become infected at one of the East Africa Game Parks. While the percentage of infected tourists is low it is nevertheless significant. Dark blue is supposed to be the most attractive color to the tsetse fly. Parasitologits beleive that is because the wavelength of that color closely resembles the hide of the Buffalo. So, do whgatever you can to not look like a Buffalo and you should be allright.
Regards-Chuck

ann_nyc

H Safarichuck -- I always enjoy your good advice, but I particularly appreciated that last one:

"try not to look like a buffalo"

I think maybe I'll try that advice at home, too.

sandi

... and Tsetse's seem to like woodland areas.

Cooncat4

I sure hope sunshine007 is averting her/his eyes at yet more errant apostrophes.... ;-)

sandi

Oooops
Cooncat... since when are you up to "4" Did I miss something?

hills27

bump