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Venture To Africa

Worried about Malaria

Worried about Malaria?

Yes, malarial mosquitos (of the Anopheles genus) are found throughout much of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia (generally north of Swakopmund), Mozambique, South Africa (Kruger Park and surrounds, northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, for example)…. But don’t let this put you off your African Safari!

It is only the female mosquito that bites, as she just needs blood in order to produce eggs. The actual insect is just an irritation, but not the problem... that is the job of the parasite (various species of Plasmodium) that she might be carrying. It is the parasite that actually causes malaria. Of the 4 species, it is P. falciparum that causes the potentially deadly Cerebral Malaria. The other 4 species (malariae, vivax, ovale and knowlesi) cause a malaria that can recur over a number of years.

Malarial transmission is at its highest during the warmer and wetter months of November to April, and the mosquitos are general active in the early evening and throughout the night, at the times when you are usually sleeping or sitting around the campfire. The best prevention is to avoid being bitten (!), therefore a mosquito repellent is recommended (Lodges generally provide a good spray version). We also suggest that you wear long-sleeved shirts/ blouses and slacks/ trousers in the evening – as this aids in bite prevention.

As the mosquito picks up the parasite when it bites and already infected person, the risk of spreading tend to be higher in areas where there are more people. But this does mean that you should take the potential for getting infected lightly should you be spending most of your time in remote areas. 

In terms of medication to prevent Malaria – please consult your Doctor or local Travel Clinic for the most up to date information, before you travel, as the actual parasites (and there are five species) that cause the malaria can become immune to some of the medication. 

Also, some people have different reactions to some of the anti-malarial medication and your home country might also have varying regulations regarding whether the medication can be over-the-counter, or has to be prescribed. Additionally, some medication needs to be taken daily, whilst others are taken weekly. Also, the trade name of the prophylaxis might change in different countries.
Sunset on the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Anopheles mosquito
Sunset overlooking the Zambezi River
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Website by Campbell's African Safari Ventures (Pty) Ltd, 2012/155386/07; T/A Venture To Africa (www.venture-to-africa.com)
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Botswana >
      • Botswana Safari Areas >
        • Okavango Delta
        • Chobe National Park
        • Kalahari and surrounds
      • Botswana Safari Suggestions
      • Botswana Accommodation >
        • Okavango Lodges
        • Chobe Lodges
        • Kalahari Lodges
    • Zambia >
      • Zambia Safari Areas >
        • South Luangwa
        • Lower Zambezi
        • Kafue National Park
        • Livingstone
      • Zambia Safari Suggestions
      • Zambia Accommodation >
        • Luangwa Lodges
        • Luangwa Bush Camps
        • Lower Zambezi Lodges
        • Kafue Lodges
        • Livingstone Accommodation
    • Zimbabwe >
      • Zimbabwe Safari Areas >
        • Hwange National Park
        • Mana Pools
        • Matusadona
        • Victoria Falls
      • Zimbabwe Safari Suggestions
      • Zimbabwe Accommodation >
        • Hwange Lodges
        • Mana Pools Lodges
        • Matusadona Lodges
        • Victoria Falls Accommodation
    • Mozambique >
      • Mozambique Holiday Areas >
        • Bazaruto Archipelago
        • Quirimbas Archipelago
        • Coastal Areas
      • Mozambique Accommodation >
        • Bazaruto Lodges
        • Quirimbas Lodges
        • Coastal Lodges
    • South Africa >
      • South Africa Areas to Visit >
        • Safari Areas >
          • Kruger National Park
          • Sabi Sands
          • Kapama Game Reserve
          • Thornybush Game Reserve
          • Balule Game Reserve
          • Timbavati Nature Reserve
        • Cape Town
        • Johannesburg
      • South Africa Safari Suggestions
      • South Africa Accommodation >
        • Cape Town Accommodation
        • Johannesburg Accommodation
    • Namibia
  • Safari Specials
    • SADC residents >
      • SADC Botswana Specials
      • SADC Zambia Specials
      • SADC Zimbabwe Specials
      • SADC Mozambique Specials
      • SADC South Africa Specials
      • SADC Namibia Specials
    • Botswana Specials
    • Zambia Specials
    • Zimbabwe Specials
    • Mozambique Specials
    • South Africa Specials
    • Namibia Specials >
      • Unique Namibia Fly In Safari
  • Unique Experiences
    • Horseback Safaris >
      • African Horseback Safaris
      • Limpopo Horse Safaris
      • Horizon Horseback
    • Luxury Trains >
      • Rovos Rail
      • The Blue Train
    • Birding Southern Africa
    • Chobe Houseboats
    • Hot Air Ballooning
  • F A Q
    • What is a Safari?
    • Planning a Safari
    • How Safe is a Safari?
    • Safari Bucket List
    • Best time for Victoria Falls?
    • Worried about Malaria?
    • Lodge or Camp?
    • What is a Charter Flight?
    • Packing for your Safari
    • Photography?
    • Car Rental?
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
    • Testimonials 2020
    • Testimonials 2019
    • Testimonials 2018
    • Testimonials 2017
    • Testimonials 2016
    • Testimonials 2015
    • Testimonials 2014
    • Testimonials 2013
    • Testimonials 2012
    • Testimonials 2011
    • Guest Gallery
  • Blog
  • Map