Staying Safe from Malaria in Kruger Park, South Africa

Malaria Risk in Kruger National Park

The risk of contracting malaria is often a concern when visiting the Kruger National Park. The Kruger is one of the two South African National Parks that are situated in malaria risk areas. The other park is Mapungubwe National Park. It is important to note that the risk of malaria in both of these parks is usually low, even in the summer months.

The entire Kruger National Park is especially affected during the rainy season (summer in South Africa). It is projected that the malaria disease will spread further due to the impact of global warming. The World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates that about one million people are affecting by malaria. 90 of these are from Africa.

Malaria is mosquito borne disease transmitted exclusively through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. The risk of contracting malaria is often a concern when travelling to African game reserves. However, only two of the South African National Parks are in a malaria risk area. These are the Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park.

The use of malaria prophylaxis medications can reduce your risk of contracting malaria. The risk is also reduced if mosquito bites are prevented. This can be done by⁚

As of late September 2017 we have noticed an increase in the amount of Malaria diagnoses in Kruger National Park. We therefore advise all travellers to cover themselves by taking chemoprophylaxis whilst visiting the Park. Your family physician will be able to advise you on the most suitable medication.

Malaria Seasonality

The risk of malaria in Kruger National Park is higher in the summer months between October to February. This is the rainy season and there is more stagnant water around, which provides breeding grounds for mosquitos. The risk of malaria is usually low in the winter months (May to September) when the weather is dry and there are fewer mosquitos.

Although there is some risk throughout the year, the annual high malaria season (September to May) has started, and above-average numbers of cases have been reported from areas within the Kruger National Park.

During the rainy months near the Kruger National Park (October ― April) there is an increased risk of infection. By the end of the rainy season (April), the risk of infection is very low! However, it is always recommended to take malaria prophylaxis when visiting the Kruger Park.

Victoria Falls and The Kruger National Park both fall in areas where chemoprophylaxis is strongly recommended to travellers. Although the risk of being exposed to a malaria carrying mosquito is lower during the winter (dry) dry months, the risk of being bitten by a malaria-carrying mosquito still remains.

SASTM would like to advise visitors to the Park about the risk of malaria and precautionary measures to be taken. The high malaria season runs from September to May, although there is some risk throughout the year, especially after unseasonal rains.

The Kruger National Park management would like to advise visitors to the Park about the risk of malaria and precautionary measures to be taken. Although there is some risk throughout the year, the annual high malaria season (September to May) has started, and above-average numbers of cases have been reported from areas within the Kruger National Park.

Malaria Prevention

The surest ways to prevent infection when visiting the Kruger National Park includes covering up towards evenings, wearing long-sleeved shirts, trousers and socks, and applying repellents every few hours. Rule number one of malaria prevention is that if you dont get bitten, you wont get malaria. Unfortunately, the female Anopheles mosquito that carries the malaria parasite is most active at dawn and dusk.

The information provided here from the Kruger National Park Malaria Information Centre (South African Parks Board) will make your visit to Kruger National a safe and rewarding one. PROPHYLACTIC MEASURES TO PREVENT MALARIA. It is most important to note that no preventative measures are 100 safe. Should flu-like symptoms and signs of malaria develop during or after your visit to Kruger National Park, please seek medical attention immediately.

The risk of contracting malaria is often a concern when visiting the Kruger National Park. The Kruger is one of the two South African National Parks that are situated in malaria risk areas. The other park is Mapungubwe National Park. It is important to note that the risk of malaria in both of these parks is usually low, even in the summer months.

Yes, you should most certainly take anti-malaria tablets, Kruger is classed as a high risk area. I would recommend you ask your doc. for Malarone, very few reported side effects.

Yes you should most certainly take anti-malaria tablets, Kruger is classed as a high risk area. I would recommend you ask your doc. for Malarone, very few reported side effects.

The risk of contracting malaria is often a concern when travelling to African game reserves. However, only two of the South African National Parks are in a malaria risk area. These are the Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park.

The use of malaria prophylaxis medications can reduce your risk of contracting malaria. The risk is also reduced if mosquito bites are prevented. This can be done by⁚

Malaria-Free Alternatives in South Africa

South Africa has three regions ― with reserves smaller but just as rewarding as Kruger ― that are 100 per cent malaria free. The Eastern Cape, home to the Addo Elephant National Park, boasts amazing scenery and wildlife and beautiful thatched-roofed lodges from which to explore the park. The Northwest Province hosts two reserves, each with a unique personality and abundant wildlife, Madikwe Game Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park. And finally, the Western Cape is home to a host of reserves, including the famous Garden Route National Park, which is a great place to see whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

The following areas do not have active cholera transmission⁚ Cape Town, Durban, Kruger National Park, and Port Elizabeth. Cholera ― CDC Yellow Book. Hepatitis A⁚ Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to South Africa. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.

There are very few incidents of malaria among tourists due to the fact that the lodges take required precautions to protect their guests and most visitors are well educated and take personal precautions as well. Learn more about our Kruger Park Safari Packages and prices. Malaria free reserves for safari alternatives in South Africa

The current schedule for completely eliminating Malaria in all regions of South Africa by 2018 is still well on-course. This would put South Africa in the same category as countries such as the USA or UK where all reported malaria cases have been contracted by travelers while outside the country.

The risk of contracting malaria is often a concern when travelling to African game reserves. However, only two of the South African National Parks are in a malaria risk area. These are the Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park.

The use of malaria prophylaxis medications can reduce your risk of contracting malaria. The risk is also reduced if mosquito bites are prevented. This can be done by⁚

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