January 25, 2012
Non Malarial African Safaris
Malaria is one of Africa's biggest killers alongside HIV & AIDS. The main reason for malaria being such a widespread killer is the fact that mosquitos cannot be contained and around 60% of the African population don't have access to protective nets and medication. One bite from a mosquito carrying malaria is all it takes to kill you. Everyday both children and adults die in eastern and southern Africa as a direct result of malaria which could so easily be prevented if only they had access to protective nets and Malaria prophylaxis.
Most tourists heading to Africa on a Botswana safari or a safari in Kenya will be protected in their accommodation by mosquito nets. By doing your research before you travel you will have noted it's a good idea to take mosquito repellent with you to protect yourself from mosquitos when you’re not in the safety of your mosquito net. Another way to protect yourself against a mosquito bite is to cover up with trousers and long sleeved tops. By doing this you are limiting the amount of 'showing' skin which will reduce the number of bites you receive.
If you are heading out to the Ruaha National Park in Tanzania then check with your doctor if the region contains malaria before you travel. On your trip it's essential you take with you malaria tablets as they are 99% effective and will usually kill off any traces on malaria should be be given it by a mosquito. If you are heading out to Africa climbing Kilimanjaro then you will most certainly need malaria tablets due to Kilimanjaro's location within the tropics.
The only regions in Africa you are able to travel to for a malaria risk free safari are South Africa, apart from the far north east, Namibia, apart from the far north and also in the south of Botswana. Travelling to any of these regions means you won't have to take Malaria prophylaxis due to the fact any mosquitos found here do not contain malaria. This is partly due to the more arid and dry conditions as opposed to the more humid, tropical weather further north in Africa where the mosquitos thrive.
Filed under Whale Watching Tours by jenny