Kruger National Park malaria is a risk when going on safari at any time of year. We don’t want to put a dampener on your trip, but you do need to allow for it in Kruger National Park.
The park is in a malaria region, but it shouldn’t stop you from going.
See a doctor to get malaria preventative medication before taking a trip to the park or even going near it. There are different types of malaria pills and your doctor will help you decide which is best for you.
In most cases you will need to start taking your malaria tablets some days before entering the park and then some weeks after leaving it.
Malaria tablets can be expensive, so when you visit your doctor, make sure you know the exact number of days you intend staying in Kruger National Park and its surrounds.
To help remember to take our malaria tablets, we:
- Set a reminder on our mobile phones
- Check with all the people travelling with us to see if they’ve taken their tablets
- Pack our tablets with our toothbrushes so we see them when we clean our teeth
There is a doctor based at Skukuza, one of the main rest camps, should you need to see one for any reason while you’re staying at Kruger National Park.
Malaria is a disease carried by mosquitoes infected with parasites. If an infected mosquito bites you, the parasites get transferred to you.
Malaria symptoms are flu-like. See a doctor straight away if you’ve been to the park and feel like you’re getting a cold or flu.
The highest risk time for Kruger malaria is during the summer / rainy season which is from October to around the end of March. This doesn’t mean you can’t get it at other times of the year. You can. Any time of year is a risk.
The best prevention is avoidance! All accommodation in the park has fly screens on the doors and windows. Keep them closed so the mosquitoes stay out of your room.
Cover up in the evenings with long sleeves and long pants. Mosquitoes are also attracted to dark clothes. Try to wear something light-coloured. Sometimes it’s hard to cover up in summer when it’s nice and warm, but at the very least…
Wear insect repellent, especially at dawn, dusk and at night, even while you’re sleeping. It’s a good idea to use a citronella candle at meal times too. This type of candle repels mozzies.
Kruger National Park malaria is a risk. Don’t forget your malaria tablets! See a doctor before going to the park.