Malaria in Africa

Travellers to sub-Saharan Africa have the greatest risk of getting malaria. Most malaria transmission occurs in rural areas, although malaria occurs in urban areas in many countries. Low altitudes with warm temperatures allow for larger populations of infective mosquitoes.

Transmission is generally higher in Africa south of the Sahara than in most other areas of the world.

Malaria in Africa Factors:

Time of the year

Seasons with more rainfall and higher temperatures will have more malaria transmission than colder, drier seasons. However, in most tropical and semi-tropical countries, transmission may occur even during cooler months or periods of less rainfall.

Type (species) of malaria parasite present in the area

While all species of malaria parasites can make a person feel very ill, Plasmodium falciparum causes severe, potentially fatal malaria. Persons who travel to areas where P. falciparum malaria is present should be extra careful to take their antimalarial drug and to prevent mosquito bites.

Night time exposure to mosquito bites

Because the mosquito that transmits malaria bites at night, travelers who are frequently out of doors between dusk and dawn will be at greater risk for malaria.

Health Precautions for Africa Travel

Individual measures, such as taking an effective antimalarial drug and preventing mosquito bites, are the most important factors in minimizing risk. While other risk factors may be difficult to change or avoid, travelers can greatly reduce their risk of malaria by following recommended travel precautions.

Malaria pills; insect repellent; long-sleeved clothing; bednet; and flying insect spray.

Persons who are traveling to malaria risk areas can almost always prevent this potentially deadly disease if they correctly take an effective antimalarial drug and follow measures to prevent mosquito bites.

Symptoms of Malaria:

Despite these protective measures, travelers may become infected with malaria. Malaria symptoms can include:

Fever
Chills
Headache
Flu-like symptoms
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Low blood cell counts (anemia)
Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eye (jaundice)
If not promptly treated, infection with Plasmodium falciparum, the most harmful malaria parasite, may cause coma, kidney failure, and death.

When Symptoms Appear, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after returning home (for up to 1 year) should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the physician their travel history.

Wouter22 Jul 2012: From mid-November - January I am going on the Grand Explorer tour. According to the health advice, anti-malatis measures re relevant for all the countries. However, from many sources it is known that taking profylaxes like Malarone for such a log period (close to 3 months) is also not recommended, or can have severe downsides. I will get professional advice on this but since you are experienced in this and have encountered this situation (and questin I would think), what are your thoughts on this. I will not held you responsible :-)
Tania - OverlandingAfrica.com26 Jan 2011: Hi Steven, I recommend you contact a tropical diseases hospital or travel clinic ASAP. I have never had anyone taking anti-altitude tablets so can't comment sorry but you can guarantee that mixing any drugs at altitude can't be good for you. Let me know what they say. :)
Steven Dhiman22 Jan 2011: Hi there, I'm climbing Mt Kilimanjaro on Feb 20th 2011 and I intend to to be very soon taking Anti-Maleria tablets and anti-altitude tablets. I've been told that depending on what I take, they can conflict with each other and cause problems. Do you know if this is true? and if it is, what tablets should I be taking to stay safe and not come down ill? The climbs very soon, so it's a bit of a worry.
Judd - OverlandingAfrica.com05 Oct 2010: Hi Ann, Yes it is recommended that you have anti-malaria treatment before visiting Nigeria. You should see a doctor or health-care provider to determine all the vaccines you may need before your trip. Cheers.
ann02 Oct 2010: I will be traverling to west Africa lagos nigeria should i be concern about Malaria?
Tania - OverlandingAfrica.com15 Jan 2010: Hi David, I think you should be OK mixing Dioralyte and Warfarin - I can't see that they would conflict anywhere. Anti malarial 'Malarone' (as it is called in the UK) is VERY effective against preventing malaria and personally I found it very easy to take with no side effects. It can be a little pricey though. However I strongly recommend you contact your closest travel clinic or tropical diseases hospital for confirmation that your malaria treatment will not conflict with the Warfarin. Don't forget your Yellow Fever certificate! :)
DAVID LORD15 Jan 2010: We are going to Kenya on the coastal area near Mombassa only for one week in March staying in a hotel. I am currently taking Warfarin will it be ok to take if needed Dioralyte for diarrhoea and what antimalaria tablets would be suitable. Many thanks David Lord

Africa Travel Health Pages:

We recommend you read the following Africa health pages:

Recent Feedback

I consider every moment of Overlanding Africa's efforts to have surpassed my hopes and expectations. T.J. and Bervin, our crew, were knowledgeable, kind, and genuine. I felt s...

— Diane P from United States

Thanks much. I'm really tickled I discovered you folks. Again I say: "you rock!". (To shamelessly borrow your company's response, to some of our initial inquiries.)

— John C. (65) from United States

(East Africa Private Charter Trip) Steve our driver... Wow what an amazing, patient driver!!! We felt very very safe with his driving - and on such difficult roads! I couldn't beli...

— Anne M from South Africa

(East Africa Private Charter Trip) Moffat our cook was such a kind, nurturing cook! We called him our chef - or "comrade chef"! He had to deal with 2 vegetarians, 1 vegan who didn'...

— Anne M from South Africa

(East Africa Private Charter Trip) About the crew: These guys were our heroes! First, Kevin our tour leader, was confident, professional, experienced, calm, focused, collaborative...

— Anne M from South Africa

We are back from our trip! *(East Africa Private Charter Trip)* I had to write you and thank you PROFUSELY for all your help in setting up the trip and guiding us on our itinerary....

— Anne M from South Africa

I am planning to travel to Africa within the next 2 months and have reading all the complimentary comments. If it is all true I am keen to be pursuaded your way. Please tell me mo...

— Shirley Miller from United Kingdom

Re Newsletter: This article certainly got my attention and I have saved much of the content. Just to let you know that you are reaching me and that I am paying attention!!! :)

— Ruth from United States

Checked out the Overlanding Africa website the other day - what a fantastic site! Such a shame I didn't find it before I started this trip, has a great design and loads of valuabl...

— Sonya from Australia

I will definitely recommend your services!!

— Perrick from France

Thank you again for making our trip as wonderful as it was

— Rick C. from United States

We spent 4 nights at the Mandela Rhodes Hotel in Cape Town and I highly recommend it!

— Rick C. from United States

The boys and I had an absolutely fantastic time in South Africa. Your country is so beautiful, the folks there so nice and accommodating and the trip you put together for us was s...

— Rick C. from United States

I wanted to go to Africa ever since I can remember and going there last month far exceeded my expectations and then some! Louise was so quick to respond to any query I had and the ...

— Anne B (27) from Ireland

The trip was outstanding. Our two guides Albert and Sydney were superb in every way - interest flora and fauna - amazing organization and as people wonderful to meet. We got to pla...

— Tessa Z from Israel

Thank you for making my booking so easy and for the advice you gave me about my stay in Jo'burg too, it really made the entire experience so much more enjoyable. I've already recom...

— Tamsin C (21) from United Kingdom

I did have a great trip, thank you! I was satisfied with your services on such late notice. You were great and I'm just very pleased that you went the extra mile to get me on this ...

— Rannelle M. (32) from United States

…yes there is something else! Always I ask you a question I get a prompt and useful answer! This is the way I like it! You make things so much easier for me. Can I invite you for...

— Dr. Michael T. (49) from Germany

...it was "ABSOLUTELY AMAZING"... from start to end we were taken care of and along the way we made more friends.

— Jaz O (40) from United Kingdom

In regard to the trip, it was "ABSOLUTELY AMAZING", and if wasnt for your exceptional service and last minute request from myself, you got me this perfect adventure at my price and...

— Jaz O (40) from United Kingdom

Go to all feedback