How can I prevent malaria?
Don't let malaria discourage you from experiencing a safari adventure—it's both preventable and treatable with the right precautions. To prevent malaria while visiting at-risk areas, use anti-malaria medication as prescribed by your doctor or travel clinic.
Prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing protective clothing, and staying in accommodations equipped with mosquito nets and insect screens. Taking these precautions can significantly reduce your risk of contracting malaria.
1. Take Anti-Malaria Medication
- Consult a Medical Professional: Before your trip, consult your doctor or a travel clinic to get a prescription for the most suitable anti-malaria medication.
- Start Before Your Trip: Begin taking the medication as directed, usually a few days before entering the malaria zone, during your stay, and for some time after leaving the area.
- Stay Updated: For the latest malaria prophylaxis recommendations, consult reputable sources like the Netcare Travel Clinic.
2. Avoid Mosquito Bites
The best way to prevent malaria is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Here's how:
- Use Insect Repellent: Apply a repellent containing 30%–50% DEET (e.g., Mylol, Peaceful Sleep, Tabard) to exposed skin and clothing. For pregnant women, avoid applying these directly to the skin.
- Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed shoes, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Stay in Protected Lodgings: Most safari lodges provide mosquito nets, insect screens, and air conditioning to minimise mosquito exposure. Even basic bungalows in national parks, such as Kruger National Park, often have insect-proof windows and doors.
3. Additional Precautions
- Electric Fans and Air Conditioning: Use these to keep mosquitoes at bay, as they dislike moving air.
- Timing and Destination: Consider visiting malaria-free safari destinations, such as Madikwe Game Reserve or Pilanesberg Game Reserve, if you have heightened concerns about malaria.
4. Awareness and Monitoring
- Symptoms of Malaria: Be aware of malaria symptoms, such as fever, chills, headaches, and flu-like symptoms, which can appear 7–30 days after being bitten. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop.
- Visit Our Malaria Information Page: Access our malaria map and detailed guides for more tips and insights.
5. Why the Risk of Malaria on Safari is Low
Malaria transmission is more prevalent in densely populated areas because the parasite requires human hosts to complete its life cycle. The risk of contracting malaria on safari is low since safaris typically occur in remote, sparsely populated wilderness areas. With proper precautions, you can enjoy your safari with peace of mind, knowing the chances of encountering malaria are minimal.
