Malaria hasn’t taken a holiday even in the dry months. August may offer cooler, clearer skies across Southern Africa, but it doesn’t mean travellers are off the hook when it comes to mosquito-borne risks.
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If you’re planning to travel during peak season, it’s important to know which areas still carry a risk of malaria and to take the right precautions before you go. Staying informed can help protect your health and ensure a worry-free trip, as previously reported by Travel News Africa.
Where the risk still lingers
Malaria risk isn’t uniform — it’s concentrated in specific regions, many of which are bucket-list favourites. These include:
- Namibia: Zambezi, Kavango, Ohangwena, and Oshikoto regions
- Botswana: The lush Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park
- Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools, Zambezi Valley
- Mozambique: Coastal and northern provinces like Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Zambézia
- Malawi: Lakeshore areas and the Lower Shire Valley
- Zambia: South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and parts of the Western Province
- South Africa: Northeastern areas including Kruger, Tembe, and Ndumo (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal)
Even though drier weather reduces mosquito activity, residual populations can still thrive in warm, humid microclimates or where rainfall occurs unexpectedly.
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Why August still demands vigilance
August brings a mix of conditions that can increase the risk of malaria. Even though it’s the dry season, mosquitoes can still linger in warmer, damp areas. More people are travelling to remote regions with limited healthcare, and occasional rainfall can create standing water where mosquitoes breed. There’s also frequent cross-border travel from nearby high-risk countries like Mozambique, Angola, and the DRC.
Prevention starts before departure
The most effective protection is preparation. Encourage clients to book a travel health consultation 4–6 weeks before departure. A medical professional can prescribe antimalarial medication such as atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine, depending on the destination and the traveller’s profile.
Essential gear should also include:
- Insect repellent (at least 30% DEET, or alternatives like picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus)
- Long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing
- Permethrin-treated clothing and mosquito nets
- Accommodation with air conditioning or window screens
Don’t forget post-travel monitoring
Keep in mind that malaria symptoms—like fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue—can show up anytime from 7 to 30 days after being exposed. If you feel unwell after your trip, especially with flu-like symptoms, see a doctor right away and let them know you recently travelled to a malaria-risk area.
Travel safety precautions
Before your Southern African getaway, take these simple steps to stay safe:
- Book a travel health check at least 4–6 weeks before you go
- Pack smart with a malaria checklist (think repellent, long sleeves, and antimalarials)
- Monitor your health after your trip — if you feel unwell, seek medical advice and mention where you’ve been
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