Pharmacies in Zambia often lack medicines and general supplies, and you will find very little in the rural areas. So you must take with you anything that you expect to need. If you are on an organised trip, an overlanding truck, or staying at hotels, lodges or safari camps, then you will not need much as these establishments normally have comprehensive emergency kits. In that case, just a small personal medical kit might include:

• Antihistamine tablets
• Antiseptic
• Aspirins or paracetamol
• Condoms and contraceptive pills
• Lip-salve (ideally containing a sunscreen)
• Malaria prophylaxis
• Insect repellent
• Micropore tape (for closing small cuts – and invaluable for blisters)
• Moisturising cream
• Sticking plaster (a roll is more versatile than pre-shaped plasters)
• Sunscreen

However, if you are likely to end up in very remote situations, then you should also consider taking the following:

• Burn dressings (burns are a common problem for campers)
• Injection swabs, sterile needles and syringes
• Lint, sterile bandage and safety pins
• Oral rehydration sachets
• Steristrips or butterfly closures
• Strong painkiller (codeine phosphate – also use for bad diarrhoea)
• Tweezers (perhaps those on a Swiss army knife)
• Water purification equipment (2% tincture of iodine and dropper is ideal)
• Several different malaria treatment courses and broad-spectrum antibiotics – plus a good medical manual (see Further Reading).

If you wear glasses, bring a spare pair. Similarly those who wear contact lenses should bring spare ones, also a pair of glasses in case the dust proves too much for the lenses. If you take regular medication (including contraceptive pills) then bring a large supply with you – much easier than hunting for your usual brand in Zambia. Equally, it's worth having a dental check-up before you go, as you could be several painful days from the nearest dentist.