Malaria Risk & Prevention on Safari: What You Need to Know

Planning a safari but worried about malaria? This guide covers everything you need to know about malaria risk and prevention when travelling in Africa. Learn which safari destinations are malaria-free, which areas have a low risk of malaria, and how to protect yourself with simple precautions. We also provide expert advice on malaria prevention and what to do if you experience symptoms. Whether you're heading to Kruger, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, or beyond, this resource will help you stay informed and enjoy a safe and worry-free safari.

Many travellers are concerned about malaria when planning a safari in Africa. While malaria exists in some safari regions, the risk is manageable with the right precautions. Malaria is both preventable and treatable, and it should not deter you from experiencing the adventure of a lifetime.

Pregnant travellers and families with young children often prefer malaria-free safari destinations, as some malaria medications are not recommended during pregnancy. Fortunately, there are excellent malaria-free safari options in South Africa, as well as low-risk regions across Southern and East Africa.

If you prefer to avoid malaria areas entirely, consider these top malaria-free safari destinations in South Africa:

• Madikwe Game Reserve
• Pilanesberg National Park
• Waterberg Region (Marataba, Welgevonden, Lapalala, Qwabi, Mabula)
• Eastern Cape Game Reserves (Greater Addo Elephant National Park, Shamwari, Lalibela, Amakhala, Kariega, Pumba, Kwandwe)

These reserves offer outstanding Big Five game viewing, luxury lodges, and diverse safari experiences without the need for malaria prophylaxis.

Some of Africa's most famous safari destinations are classified as low-risk malaria areas, particularly during the dry season (May to October), when mosquito activity decreases significantly. Malaria risk is also lower in remote lodges far from densely populated areas.

Malaria risk in Kruger National Park is low, with cases among tourists being rare. Most safari lodges and camps provide mosquito nets, window screens, ceiling fans, or air conditioning to minimise the risk of bites. Mosquito nets create a physical barrier, preventing mosquitoes from reaching you while you sleep. Window screens block entry points, while ceiling fans and air conditioning disrupt mosquito flight patterns and make the environment less hospitable. And if you do get bitten by a mosquito while on safari, don't panic—less than one in 10,000 mosquitoes carry the disease.

• Botswana: Many luxury lodges in the Okavango Delta, Moremi, and Chobe provide mosquito nets and air-conditioned rooms.
• Zambia: Safari camps in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi take extensive precautions to reduce mosquito exposure.
• Zimbabwe: Top safari destinations like Hwange and Mana Pools experience minimal malaria risk during the dry season.

Malaria-carrying mosquitoes require human hosts to complete their life cycle, making them more prevalent in densely populated areas. However, in the remote safari regions of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe where human presence is minimal, the risk of malaria is significantly lower.

• Kenya: Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Laikipia are among Kenya's top safari destinations. The risk of malaria is lower at high altitudes and in remote wildlife areas.
• Tanzania: While malaria is present in some parts of Tanzania, the risk is significantly lower in high-altitude regions like the Ngorongoro Crater and in dry-season Great Migration safaris in the Serengeti.

Namibia is one of Africa's safest safari destinations when it comes to malaria risk. The country's arid climate and vast desert landscapes make it less hospitable for malaria-carrying mosquitoes. In most of Namibia, including popular safari areas such as Etosha National Park and the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the risk of malaria is low, particularly during the dry season (May to October).

However, the far northern regions, including the Zambezi (Caprivi) Strip, have a moderate risk, especially during the rainy season. Many lodges and camps in malaria-prone areas take precautions by providing mosquito nets, window screens, and repellent.

Your best defence against malaria is prevention. Follow these key steps:

1. Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Sleep under a mosquito net where provided.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing in the evenings.
• Apply insect repellent with DEET to exposed skin.

2. Take Malaria Prophylaxis

• Consult your travel clinic or doctor before your trip to get prescription medication suited to your itinerary.
• Take your malaria medication as directed, starting before your trip and continuing after returning home.

3. Be Aware of Symptoms

• Flu-like symptoms, fever, or chills appearing seven to 18 days after travel may indicate malaria.
• Seek immediate medical attention and inform your doctor about your recent travel history for proper diagnosis and treatment.
  

While malaria statistics in Africa may seem concerning, the disease primarily affects vulnerable groups—such as young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems—who often lack access to healthcare. For healthy travellers who take precautions and seek early treatment if needed, malaria is both preventable and treatable.

Many locals in malaria-prone regions do not take prophylaxis due to potential side effects but instead keep rapid malaria test kits and treatment medication, such as Coartem, on hand. If diagnosed early, malaria is treatable.

For in-depth malaria guidance, refer to the University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control for expert advice on malaria prevention, treatment, and travel recommendations for pregnant women and families.

View our Malaria Risk Map to see affected areas in popular safari destinations across Southern and East Africa.

For more detailed information, check out our blog: How to Prevent Malaria on Safari