Malaria-free areas South Africa is a common question visitors ask before visiting Mzansi. Malaria is certainly endemic in some African countries and this is a turn-off for international tourists. However, the good news is that there are adventurous places designated as malaria-free regions. The northeastern parts of South Africa that encompass Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo have high rates of malaria infection. Climatic conditions in the northeast support mosquito breeding. Scientifically, mosquitoes spread and transmit malaria through bites from infected mosquitoes.
Nevertheless, you still enjoy a wonderful safari in the land of the Zulu people without the fear of getting infected with malaria.
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Malaria-Free Areas South Africa
The Eastern Cape, Kalahari Desert, Waterberg and Madikwe are the four main malaria-free areas South Africa has. It is important to find out if your lodge of choice is within a zone declared free from this mosquito-transmitted disease. What’s comforting is that each of the following 10 game reserves spread out through the mosquito-free areas have gorgeous malaria-free lodges. Below are the reserves and lodges in them.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve (Eastern Cape)
Kwandwe Game Reserve in South Africa. Photo/Accommodation South Africa
- Great Fish River Lodge
- Ecca Lodge
- Melton Manor
- Fort House
Amakhala Game Reserve (Eastern Cape)
- Woodbury Tented Camp
- Leeuwenbosch Country House
- HillsNek Safari Camp
- Bukela Game Lodge
- Safari Lodge
- Bush Lodge
Phinda Private Game Reserve (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Phinda Forest Lodge
- Phinda Rock Lodge
- Phinda Vlei Lodge
- Phinda Mountain Lodge
- Phinda Homestead
Samara Private Game Reserve (Eastern Cape)
- Manor House
- Karoo Lodge
Shamwari Private Game Reserve (Eastern Cape)
- Long Lee Manor
- Bayethe Tented Lodge
- Lobengula Lodge
- Sarili Lodge
- Eagles Crag Lodge
Marataba Contractual National Park (Waterberg)
Marataba Conservation camps. Photo/True Travel
- Marataba Mountain Lodge
- Marataba Trails Lodge
- Marataba Safari Lodge
Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve (Kalahari Desert)
- The Motse
Kariega Game Reserve (Eastern Cape)
- The Homestead
- Ukhozi Lodge
- Settlers Drift
- Main Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve (Madikwe)
- Madikwe Safari Lodge
Waterberg Region (Waterberg Region)
- Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway
- Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa
- Marataba Safari Lodge
- Ant’s Nest & Ant’s Hill
Is Johannesburg Malaria Free?
Johannesburg is among the mapped-out malaria-free areas South Africa has. This South African capital together with, Cape Town and Durban cities have zero malaria risk. A common denominator across the three South African cities is that they have a high altitude that discourages the breeding of mosquitos.
Johannesburg, for example, is 1753 meters above sea level, which is pretty high for mosquitos to survive. Thus, travellers visiting the capital, Durban and Cape Town shouldn’t worry about having an anti-malarial vaccination or drugs. Inversely, if you’re planning on visiting the northeastern regions of South Africa, consider taking anti-malaria tablets or a vaccine shot for the same. The low-lying topographic nature lowers the altitude thereby encouraging mosquitos to breed profusely.
Is South Africa Malaria Free?
It is a fact that malaria-free areas South Africa exist. However, South Africa is not malaria-free because there are a few areas where the prevalence rate of the disease is high but manageable. Ideally, malaria is endemic in Mpumalanga, and Limpopo but the South African government have all health measures to contain it. At least 4.9 million South Africans stand the risk of contracting malaria. They represent 10% of South Africa’s total population.
Can You Get Malaria in Cape Town?
It is highly unlikely to get infected with malaria when in Cape Town due to its high altitude that suppresses mosquito survival. Moreover, it’s among the malaria-free areas South Africa boasts of. Feel safe whenever you’re in this geographically scenic city in the Eastern Cape and also in Durban and Johannesburg. Some of the most popular places in Cape Town include the following:
- Table Mountain
- Camps Bay Beach
- Cape Point
- Bo-Kaap
- V&A Waterfront:
- Robben Island
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Where In South Africa Do You Need Malaria Tablets?
When planning a visit to the following seven places, remember to take anti-malarial tablets or shots because they do not exist in malaria-free areas South Africa has.
- Mpumalanga
- Limpopo
- Kruger National Park
- Thohoyandou
- Musina
- Vhembe
- Mopani
- Mosquitos are a menace here and the high temperatures not only support their breeding but their survival too.
Conclusion
Some of the best lodges and game reserves in South Africa carry zero malaria risk which is fantastic news to all prospective. However, for areas heavily infested by mosquitos like the Kruger National Park, you still can visit as long as you take malaria tablets or a malaria vaccine and sleep under treated mosquito nets.
