Malaria
South Africa Nov2025
What you need to know about Malaria when visiting the Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands Nature Reserves.
Naturally one of the most common questions asked when visiting the Kruger National Park concerns the risk of Malaria and what precautions should be taken. If you are planning a trip to the Kruger National Park we do recommend that every traveller first consult their Doctor or the appropriate medical practitioner but below covers some detail insights to disease and answers to critical questions asked.
Remember we are not Doctors and always recommend that you ask their advice !
As per SANParks, they note that the risk of contracting malaria is often a concern when visiting the Kruger as it is one of the Parks that is situated in a Malaria risk zone however they observe the risk of malaria as usually low, even in the summer months. That said its always wise to err on the more cautious side as we believe that with the improved quality of todays prophylaxis medications, its worth rather taking and having peace of mind.
What we do agree with is that the surest ways to ensure you avoid or prevent malaria when visiting the Kruger National Park is cover up in long sleeve and pants late afternoon towards evening.
That includes long shirts, trousers, socks and closed shoes! There are few basic rules to note and they are as follows :
Number 1 : Avoid being bitten.
If visiting a Malaria area the first and primary focus must be to obviously not get bitten but this is easier said than done. The reality is that the malaria transmitting Anopheles Mosquito is a silent biter and is virtually impossible to hear or detect. Yes there are usually most active at dusk and dawn with heightened activity at night, but truth is they could bite at anytime of the day. Its also important to note that they can bite through thinly layered clothing so its wise to administer an anti-mozzie spray over such clothing.
In the Kruger National Park all the bungalows in the Parks Camps have mozzie screens over the windows and they regularly spray the eves of each bungalow to restrict Mosquito breeding sites. Our Guides ensure that when they overnight in the bungalows that the screens are always closed, air-conditioners and fans are blowing and a mosquito diffuser is plugged in. All of these measures help but don’t guarantee.
Number 2 : Consult your Doctor and take a Malaria Prophylaxis
Whilst we advocate always consulting your own Doctor and taking a Prophylaxis, its widely acknowledged that no malaria prophylaxis is 100% effective.
There are a few options, however, the most common (with few/no side effects) is Malarone
Malarone: With almost no side effects and a easy to administer daily dose, this prophylaxis is the one that we have found to be most commonly provided by Doctors to guests visiting South Africa and the Kruger National Park.
From the USA, this drug can be obtained online. The link can be found below.
Important to note that home remedies such a Citronella, Garlic, Vitamin C and B, Capsicum etc are just that, old wives tales that shouldn’t be taken seriously and regarded as a sure proof way to deal with the disease.
