Malaria Prevention In The Kruger Park

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The iconic Kruger National Park is the overwhelming choice for many travellers who head to South Africa for their holiday of a lifetime. Situated on a massive 2 million hectares of land – reputed to be the same size as the country of Wales – the Kruger Park is a breathtaking kaleidoscope of stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and fantastic hospitality.

Visitors heading to the Kruger Park should be aware that the park is located in a region which carries a malaria warning. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. Not all the game parks in South Africa are exposed to malaria and the Kruger Park itself has a low-risk exposure and its malaria variant tends to be seasonal. The Kruger Park has taken the necessary steps to safe-guard each of its visitors by installing insect nets on all the windows and doors, but there are a few suggestions the public can heed to, to ensure they stay protected.

Malaria is both preventable and curable. Preventing mosquito bites is the most obvious suggestion; mosquitoes are known to be active at dusk and dawn, and thereby wearing long sleeved clothes and using an effective insect repellent every four hours will help prevent these bites. Using a combination of well-known malaria prevention prescription drugs can also aid in the prevention of malaria as well as in curing it. Speaking to a doctor before your trip is greatly recommended; many of the prominent malaria medicines are available in South Africa.

The best form of protection against this disease is to know the facts and to prepare yourself as well as possible. However, in saying all of this, a trip to the Kruger National Park is a once in a lifetime opportunity and the low-risk threat of malaria should not deter you from enjoying one of the world’s greatest tributes to the majestic animal kingdom.