Should I be worried about malaria?

Don't be worried about malaria, just be informed. The risk of malaria should not stop you from going on safari –malaria is preventable and treatable. The only people who should perhaps avoid malaria areas are pregnant women, small children and those with a compromised immune system, e.g. no spleen. There are plenty of exciting malaria-free safari options available – please ask us for details.

If you're going to visit the greater Kruger National Park, northern Botswana, or any safari destination in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania or Kenya, we recommend that you take anti-malarial prophylactic medication as prescribed by your doctor or travel clinic, before travelling to Africa.

Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid malaria, so remember to bring insect repellent with you. Most (but not all) game lodges and safari camps have mosquito nets over the beds, and even the basic bungalows in the Kruger National Park have mosquito screens at the windows and doors. Electric fans and air conditioning are also effective in keeping mosquitos away. Read our blog, "The best way to prevent malaria ..."

Please also see our malaria information page for practical advice, malaria-free safari options and a map showing areas where malaria can occur.