A Kruger Park safari is always going to be one of the most exciting holidays you can plan and yet unlike most other holidays, it does come with one concern, caused by an otherwise in conspicuous little creature.

When the days get hot and humid and the rain starts falling, mosquitoes multiply and begin to annoying buzz around after dark, bringing travellers itchy bites and the worry about getting malaria.

The good news is that malaria in the Kruger is a manageable risk, especially when you choose the right months for a safari, speak to a doctor, know how to minimise bites after dark and know what symptoms to keep an eye out for after your trip to Africa.

Malaria season in the Kruger runs from September to May, with the highest risk between November and April. 

SANParks describes the risk as usually low and seasonal, and winter, from June to August, the best time for a safari, being the time of year when there’s barely any risk at all.

This 4 step plan below keeps every season simple.

It is not a terrible idea to get malaria tablets for your trip but it is a decision best made with a doctor or travel clinic, based on travel month, length of stay and personal health. 

SANParks advises travellers to ask about prophylaxis, since the Kruger sits in a malaria risk area. 

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) adds that tablets are highly protective but not 100% effective, which makes bite prevention as important as taking medication.

Pregnant women and children under 5 are advised to avoid high risk malaria areas.

Mosquito bite prevention on an evening safari starts before you leave for your trip.

The female Anopheles bites most between dusk and dawn, which puts sunset drives, night drives and bush braais squarely inside the biting window. 

Applying repellent on all exposed skin, wearing a long-sleeved layer and closed shoes, and sleeping under a net at night will all go a long way towards keeping the mozzies at bay. 

Malaria symptoms include fever, chills, sweats, headaches, nausea, vomiting and body aches, which closely resemble flu. 

Symptoms typically appear 7 to 30 days after a bite, so if you develop a fever when you get home, book the doctor’s appointment and tell them you have recently been in a malaria area. 

And know that a single negative test does not exclude malaria and if you continue to have symptoms you will need to have another test. 

Have the best Kruger Park safari with GAP Tours

GAP Tours is based in Hazyview and runs morning, afternoon, full day and evening safaris in the Kruger. 

Our Big 5 safari tours include a professional guide, Kruger entry fees and a choice of air-conditioned or open safari vehicles. You can book your safari via our website of by contacting our team.