Where does malaria occur in South Africa?

For holiday tourists in search of breathtaking scenery, vast populations of various species, and a rich heritage, South Africa is the perfect vacation. For your safety and enjoyment on your trip, it is highly crucial to be aware of malaria risk zones if you plan to visit specific locations.

Understanding Malaria in South Africa

Plasmodium parasites cause malaria, an infection spread by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is uncommon in most of South Africa but still occurs in some areas during the warmer and wetter summer months of September to May.

High-Risk Malaria Areas

Malaria in South Africa is mostly spread in the following areas:
Northeastern regions These are essentially areas where malaria is present, specifically:

Kruger National Park and Reserves around It. This globally renowned nature reserve is found within an area where malaria exists, as is the case for the private game reserves surrounding it. Visitors to Kruger should take proper precautions.

Regions in Limpopo Province: Seasonal malaria risk is known to happen near the Mozambique and Zimbabwe borders, such as northern parts of the Pafuri region, Phalaborwa, and Kruger.

The Mpumalanga Lowveld, including Hazyview, regions of the Panorama Route, and surrounding regions in proximity to Kruger Park.

North of KwaZulu-Natal
There are sporadic cases of malaria along the coast and in rural parts close to the Mozambique border, including Tembe Elephant Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Low-Risk or Malaria-Free Areas

The majority of South Africa is completely malaria-free! If you're visiting Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, the Garden Route, or malaria-free safari destinations like Madikwe Game Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park, you don’t have to worry.

How to Protect Yourself from Malaria

Do these simple things if you're going to an area with a risk of malaria:

• Discuss with a travel medicine doctor; they can recommend whether you'll need antimalarial medication, particularly if you're going at peak season.
  
• Spray on something with DEET that will keep mosquitoes away from you, and particularly spray at night.
  
• Wear Smart Clothes Wearing lighter-colored clothes, long sleeves, and trousers makes it harder for mosquitoes to bite you.
  
• Choose the Right Accommodation: To minimize contact, sleep in air-conditioned rooms, mosquito-netted rooms, or rooms with screened windows.

Should Malaria Keep You Away from Traveling?

Not at all! With the least precautions, you can travel comfortably across South Africa's malaria regions. The majority of lodges and hotels have proper mosquito protection, so don't let malaria scare you away from enjoying a fantasy safari experience.

Final Thoughts

Knowing where malaria is present in South Africa enables you to prepare ahead and travel with confidence. If you are traveling to Kruger, Limpopo, or northern KwaZulu-Natal, be malaria-aware but don't let this stop you. Pack wisely, be careful, and get ready for the experience of a lifetime! Safe travels!