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Last Updated: 10 May 2024

How to Avoid Malaria on Your Summer Safari

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Part of the South Africa Safari & Malaria-Free Safaris Collections

Planning a summer safari holiday in Africa? In addition to packing up your binoculars, choosing the most comfortable walking shoes and researching the wildlife you will encounter on your adventure, it is also important that you protect yourself against malaria. While malaria is a life-threatening illness, we share some easy and affordable tips that can make your safari one to remember: for all the right reasons.

How to Avoid Malaria on Your Summer Safari

Make your summer vacation one to remember

Here are a few preventative measures you can take that are inexpensive and highly effective.

Before you leave

Not all areas in Africa are affected by malaria so ensure that you do your research for up-to-date information on malaria risk areas. Planning a malaria-free safari is the first step in ensuring peace-of-mind when adding up the total costs of your vacation.  In addition, a visit to your healthcare practitioner will put your mind at ease with affordable antimalarial medication.

While on your journey

Even though most reputable safari accommodations come with mosquito netting, it’s a good idea to travel with one. Mosquito nets are lightweight, easy to carry and can fit into your luggage. Choose one that is already doused with insect repellent and spray your lodgings every night before bedtime. Mosquito coils are another preventative measure as they are highly effective and burn all night.

Mosquitoes struggle to find their balance in windy or air-conditioned spaces so ensuring airflow in your lodgings will function as a preventative measure as well as relief from the heat that is part and parcel of a holiday in Africa. Long trousers and shirts cover the areas of your body that mosquitoes love: your arms and legs.

After the safari

Medical experts recommend that you take a malaria test when you return from your safari vacation to guarantee a clean bill of health. Symptoms of malaria may only present weeks after your return from your magical trip, so if you experience flu-like symptoms including a high fever, a trip to your healthcare provider will be in your best interests. A pain-free blood test will confirm whether you have contracted malaria or not.

Treatment involves prescription drugs and will depend on the type of malaria you have as well as where you contracted it. Getting treated early will keep you safe from the adverse effects of the disease.

How to Avoid Malaria on Your Summer Safari

A visit to your healthcare provider is vital in preventing malaria

Find out about our malaria-free safaris here.

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

These stories capture the real magic of Africa – where every journey becomes a chapter worth sharing.

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

What Our Guests Have to Say?

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"My son Max and I just returned from an incredible trip to South Africa and Mauritus, and I can't say enough about how exceptional Susan Veldman was throughout the entire process. From the very beginning she listened to what we wanted and designed an itinera..."

Debby Anziano, United States05 May 2026

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"I had a great trip organised by Chrizaan. Everything went very smoothly including all of the pickups, flights and accommodation. I visited Namibia and loved seeing the dunes, springboks and oryx. I also visited the Okavango Delta and saw so many anim..."

Leanne Harrison, South Africa03 Feb 2026

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"Cayleigh put together an 18 day tour of Victoria Falls, Botswana and Namibia that was the best trip we have ever taken! The service was so personal and professional, we were taken care of every single step of the way. When a flight was cancelled for some of..."

Tamara Thompson, United States17 Dec 2025

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"I started planning my Africa safari/vacation about two years ago with the help of Diane, and was transitioned to Chrizaan about halfway through my timeline. There was zero issues with changing my guide, and both ladies were SUPER lovely to work with. I was ..."

Kaleigh Gray, United States02 Oct 2025

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"Susan took care of us from the planning to the experience itself. She was always available for us in answering questions and find best solutions. While on tour she kept in contact with us all the time. In terms of services, very well organized and reliable ..."

Carla, Italy26 Aug 2025

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"My daughter who is 27 and I (her mom)have been dreaming of this trip for a few years. It was everything we wanted July seemed to be the best month to visit South Africa. Weather is comfortable, better opportunity for seeing the wildlife , no mosquitos or bu..."

Laura W, Canada21 Aug 2025

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