Malaria

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It remains a major public health concern in many tropical and subtropical regions.

Symptoms of Malaria:

Malaria symptoms typically appear within 10-15 days after being bitten. Common symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Sweats
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle pain

If untreated, malaria can progress to severe illness and can be fatal.

Prevention of Malaria:

Preventing malaria involves several strategies:
1. Mosquito Control: Use insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying to reduce mosquito populations.
2. Protective Measures: Wear long-sleeved clothing and use insect repellent, especially during peak mosquito activity.
3. Chemoprophylaxis: For travelers to malaria-endemic areas, medications may be recommended to prevent infection.

Treatment of Malaria:

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Antimalarial medications can effectively treat malaria, with options varying based on the type of malaria and the severity of the infection. Always seek medical attention if you suspect malaria, especially after travel to endemic regions.

Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease. Awareness and education are key to reducing its impact. For more information or to seek guidance, please contact your healthcare provider or local health department.

 

 

                                                                  

 

 

Safety Do & Don'ts

South Africa is generally a safe destination for tourists, despite its reputation. Most tourist areas are relatively secure, with only a small percentage experiencing crime. As with any destination, exercising common sense and taking basic precautions is essential. Here are some safety tips to help you enjoy your visit.

 

General Safety Tips

 - Stay Alert at the Airport: Keep your belongings within sight at all times. Avoid leaving bags unattended and maintain a purposeful stride. Follow official signage and ask for directions only from recognized staff.

- Secure Your Valuables: Avoid carrying valuables in easily accessible bags or pockets. Consider using a hidden money belt for items like your wallet, phone, and passport.

- Limit Cash: Carry only what you need and avoid large amounts of cash.

- Store Valuables Out of Sight: Never leave valuables on the passenger seat or backseat of your car. Store items like phones, handbags, and laptops in the trunk or out of sight.

- Lock Your Car: Always lock your doors and ensure windows are closed. Before leaving your vehicle, check that all doors are secured.

- Be Cautious at Traffic Lights: It’s common for people to approach your window to beg or sell items. Stay calm and simply shake your head if you’re not interested.

- Avoid Hitchhikers: Do not pick up hitchhikers or offer lifts to strangers.

- Cooperate if: Confronted In the unlikely event of a robbery or hijacking, comply fully and do not resist.

- Monitor Credit Card Transactions: Always complete transactions in your presence and don’t let anyone take your card out of sight.

- Stay in Well-Lit Areas: Stick to populated, well-lit areas and avoid deserted side streets or alleyways.

- Know Your Destination: Have a clear plan and avoid wandering aimlessly.

- Stay Alert: Keep your phone and other valuables out of sight and remain aware of your surroundings.

- Travel in Groups: Whenever possible, walk with others rather than alone.

By following these tips, you can enhance your safety and enjoy all that South Africa has to offer!

 

 

                                                                    

 

 

Safety in the Kruger National Park & Surrounding Reserves

- Visitors must remain in their vehicles unless in a designated area.

- Stick to the speed limit! All general rules of the road apply within the Kruger National Park. The speed limit is 50 km/h on tar roads and 40 km/h on gravel roads.

- Look at the gate times in your green gate permit. You must be inside the camp or out of the gate before these times. No travelling before or after these times is allowed.

- For safety reasons some activities conducted in parks have age restrictions.

- Please take cognizance of these in order to prevent disappointments.

- No plant, animal, wildlife or any natural or cultural items may be removed from the park

- The feeding or intentional disturbance of wildlife is a serious offence. By feeding any wildlife you are potentially SIGNING THEIR DEATH WARRANT, AS THEY MAY BECOME DEPENDENT AND OFTEN BECOME AGGRESSIVE AND DANGEROUS, AND THUS HAVE TO BE EXTERMINATED. Remember, animals see litter as food!

- Littering is prohibited. Deposit or leaving of any litter except in receptacles for that purpose will result in a fine

- Poaching and killing or injuring of animals is strictly prohibited

- The use of drones inside (and over) national parks is strictly prohibited

- Do not leave food or bags in an open vehicle.

- Do not leave valuables in your bungalow while out on a game drive.

- If you are driving yourself to the Kruger Park, avoid the Numbi entrance gate