Should I be worried about malaria?
Don't let malaria keep you from experiencing the safari of your dreams. Malaria risk is low in sparsely populated safari areas and is easy to prevent and treat with proper precautions. The risk is even lower during the dry season and in remote regions where mosquitoes are less active.
Pregnant women, young children, and individuals with compromised immune systems should consider malaria-free safari destinations, while others can reduce their risk by taking prescribed anti-malaria medication and preventing mosquito bites.
Some safari areas, such as the greater Kruger National Park, northern Botswana, and parts of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya, have a low to moderate malaria risk depending on the season. However, the risk of contracting malaria is low in less densely populated areas, where most safaris take place, and even lower during the dry season. Mosquitoes need humans to complete their life cycle, so they are more prevalent in densely populated regions and during the rainy season. With proper preparation, malaria should not deter you from enjoying an unforgettable safari.
Who Should Be Cautious?
Pregnant women, young children, and individuals with compromised immune systems (e.g., those without a spleen) are more vulnerable and should consider malaria-free destinations. Fortunately, there are many exceptional safari options in malaria-free zones.
Preventative Measures
- Medication: Consult a healthcare provider or travel clinic about anti-malarial prophylactic medication before your trip.
- Mosquito Bite Prevention: Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants during the evening, and stay in accommodations with mosquito nets, screened windows, or air conditioning.
- Most safari lodges and camps take significant measures to minimise mosquito activity and often provide mosquito nets and other protective measures.
Malaria-Free Options
If you prefer to avoid malaria areas entirely, there are outstanding malaria-free safari options in regions such as the Eastern Cape, Madikwe Game Reserve, and Pilanesberg National Park.
For more practical tips and a malaria-risk map, read our Malaria Information Page and check out our blog post The Best Way to Prevent Malaria.
