Malaria is endemic to most of the areas in Africa where safari trips are still possible which means you will need to take malaria prevention precautions to protect yourself against catching the disease when you travel there.
There are five things you can do to avoid catching malaria on a safari holiday.
1. Malaria Tablets
It's important to consult your GP when deciding on the brand of malaria tablets for your trip because they affect everyone differently and your medical history might play a role in the choice.
There are three types of tablets that are still considered to provide adequate malaria prevention (up to 98%) even though there is no drug that is 100% effective and some of them may have mild side effects - Malarone, Larium and Doxycycline.
Paludrine and Chloroquine are less than 60% effective because the disease has built up a resistance to these drugs over the years.
2. Safari Clothing
Mosquito's become much more active at dusk and during the night and early morning so you need to make sure that you cover up any exposed skin with the right clothing when you are outside.
It is often still very warm during the evenings but resist the temptation to stay in t-shirt and short trousers and rather cover up with long trousers, a long sleeve shirt and socks to protect your ankles against bites. They can't bite you through material.
Remember that malaria prevention is much better than cure.
3. Mosquito repellent
make sure that you apply mosquito repellent to any areas that your clothing doesn't cover particularly your hands and your neck.
Repellents that contain DEET are very good for keeping the mosquito's away but remember to re-apply periodically because the effect diminishes over time.
4. Mosquito Nets
Most safari companies do have mosquito nets installed in the accommodation they provide for their guests so make sure you check with them first if you are planning on buying one for your trip.
But not all accommodation in Africa has them and if you are going to be spending time before or after your safari it might be a good idea to have one handy.
Make sure that you purchase Permethrin treated nets as that stop the mosquitoes from biting through the material, protects against damaged or poorly erected netting and decreases the amount of insects in the room.
5. Malaria Free Safaris
The most effective way to avoid catching malaria is of course to stay away from the areas in which it occurs and there are some safari areas in South Africa which are malaria free and still provide an authentic safari experience with the big five animals available for viewing.
Madikwe, Shamwari, Pilansberg and Addo Elephant Park are examples of some fantastic game reserves that are completely malaria free making all the other malaria prevention measures unnecessary.
These are the malaria tablets including their dosage and side effects that are available to prevent malaria on a safari trip.
malaria tablets including their dosage and side effects to make sure you choose the most effective one to protect you from malaria in Africa.
In a previous article, I wrote primarily about box ovens.... Read More
The most famous Egyptian pyramids to be built are the... Read More
White Water on the Comal river in Central Texas is... Read More
Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but... Read More
For the 92nd time, the Tour de France has started.... Read More
The Usamabara Mountains are very special mountains, often that tired... Read More
Ultralight backpackers want to give up weight, not comfort. Sleeping... Read More
The sport of river rafting was practically invented in Colorado.... Read More
Most people, who go on a family beach vacation, take... Read More
The owner can attempt small inflatable boat repair if factory-gluing... Read More
The quaint little balcony was large enough to accommodate two... Read More
In The city of Arcadia California, right next door to... Read More
Drive along one of South Africa's scenic strips and you... Read More
Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest mountain, after Kilimanjaro. It... Read More
SAFE WALKING TREKKING OUTDOORSIf you are contemplating a long distance... Read More
TENT CAREYou should seal all floor seams and those seams... Read More
Western Australia Driving Adventure Great Australian Road Trip Large... Read More
My river-rafting adventure started on a bicycle. The small daypack... Read More
Nightlife in Big Sky, Montana is more exciting than you... Read More
Contrary to what many think, ultralight backpacking is not just... Read More
Rafting through the Grand Canyon is the experience of a... Read More
How to get discount lift tickets for popular ski resorts... Read More
Have you ever gone solo backpacking? If you have, you'll... Read More
"The good news is that there is no reason to... Read More
Solo backpacking means peace and quiet. No one to talk... Read More
The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new... Read More
The most famous Egyptian pyramids to be built are the... Read More
There's nothing that will quicken the interest of RVers like... Read More
To get the most out of a wildebeest migration safari... Read More
The owner can attempt small inflatable boat repair if factory-gluing... Read More
Boondocking is fun! Boondockers go anywhere they want, at any... Read More
Do you like to take one day hiking trips? Do... Read More
The climb up the glaciers to the summit of Mount... Read More
Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good... Read More
1st day : Airport / Amman, O/N Our representative will... Read More
For some 30 years I practiced law in Mesa, Arizona.... Read More
When you look at a river, what do you see?... Read More
I've had backpacking trips that included rain, snow, lightning, rockslides,... Read More
The call of the wild can be seductive. The exquisite... Read More
If your aim is not good, or is not quite... Read More
A canoe trip is a great way to appreciate Nature!A... Read More
If you've been dreaming of traveling the highways in your... Read More
Western Australia Driving Adventure Great Australian Road Trip Large... Read More
SAFE WALKING TREKKING OUTDOORSIf you are contemplating a long distance... Read More
Contrary to what many think, ultralight backpacking is not just... Read More
Thousands of golfers flock to the Carolinas each spring and... Read More
1. Take the early morning drives on safari even though... Read More
Camping for fun is a great way to enjoy the... Read More
It is the end of the season for the year... Read More
Organized river rafting trips are a good idea for novices... Read More
Outdoors |