| Malaria is endemic to most of the areas in Africa | | | | mosquito repellent to any areas that your clothing |
| where safari trips are still possible which means | | | | doesn't cover particularly your hands and your |
| you will need to take malaria prevention | | | | neck. |
| precautions to protect yourself against catching | | | | Repellents that contain DEET are very good for |
| the disease when you travel there. | | | | keeping the mosquito's away but remember to |
| There are five things you can do to avoid | | | | re-apply periodically because the effect diminishes |
| catching malaria on a safari holiday. | | | | over time. |
| 1. Malaria Tablets | | | | 4. Mosquito Nets |
| It's important to consult your GP when deciding | | | | Most safari companies do have mosquito nets |
| on the brand of malaria tablets for your trip | | | | installed in the accommodation they provide for |
| because they affect everyone differently and | | | | their guests so make sure you check with them |
| your medical history might play a role in the | | | | first if you are planning on buying one for your |
| choice. | | | | trip. |
| There are three types of tablets that are still | | | | But not all accommodation in Africa has them and |
| considered to provide adequate malaria prevention | | | | if you are going to be spending time before or |
| (up to 98%) even though there is no drug that is | | | | after your safari it might be a good idea to have |
| 100% effective and some of them may have | | | | one handy. |
| mild side effects - Malarone, Larium and | | | | Make sure that you purchase Permethrin treated |
| Doxycycline. | | | | nets as that stop the mosquitoes from biting |
| Paludrine and Chloroquine are less than 60% | | | | through the material, protects against damaged or |
| effective because the disease has built up a | | | | poorly erected netting and decreases the amount |
| resistance to these drugs over the years. | | | | of insects in the room. |
| 2. Safari Clothing | | | | 5. Malaria Free Safaris |
| Mosquito's become much more active at dusk and | | | | The most effective way to avoid catching malaria |
| during the night and early morning so you need to | | | | is of course to stay away from the areas in |
| make sure that you cover up any exposed skin | | | | which it occurs and there are some safari areas in |
| with the right clothing when you are outside. | | | | South Africa which are malaria free and still |
| It is often still very warm during the evenings but | | | | provide an authentic safari experience with the big |
| resist the temptation to stay in t-shirt and short | | | | five animals available for viewing. |
| trousers and rather cover up with long trousers, a | | | | Madikwe, Shamwari, Pilansberg and Addo Elephant |
| long sleeve shirt and socks to protect your ankles | | | | Park are examples of some fantastic game |
| against bites. They can't bite you through material. | | | | reserves that are completely malaria free making |
| Remember that malaria prevention is much better | | | | all the other malaria prevention measures |
| than cure. | | | | unnecessary. |
| 3. Mosquito repellentmake sure that you apply | | | | |