What do South Africans need to know about malaria when travelling in Africa?

If you're a South African travelling in Africa, you need to take malaria seriously. Malaria is still present in many popular destinations across the continent, and it can cause serious illness if not prevented or treated promptly.

Understanding the risk, taking the right precautions, and having travel insurance that covers malaria-related emergencies can make all the difference between a smooth trip and a health crisis.

Key takeaways:

Table of Contents

• Why is malaria is still a concern for African travel?
• Which countries have a malaria risk?
• How do you prevent malaria while travelling?
• Does travel insurance cover malaria-related issues?
• What to look for in a travel insurance policy when visiting malaria zones

Why is malaria is still a concern for African travel?

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is still endemic in many African countries.

For South African travellers, particularly those heading into tropical regions like Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, or Ghana, the risk is higher especially during the rainy season.

While the disease is preventable and treatable, it can still be life-threatening if not diagnosed and managed early. Symptoms often appear within 7-30 days of infection and may include:

• Fever and chills
• Sweating and fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches or muscle aches

Without rapid treatment, complications can escalate quickly, which is why early detection and access to quality healthcare are critical.

Which countries have a malaria risk?

Malaria is present in most sub-Saharan African countries, but the risk level varies by region, time of year, and elevation.

High-risk malaria zones include:

• Mozambique
• Malawi
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe (especially Victoria Falls area)
• Tanzania and Zanzibar
• Kenya (coastal areas and Lake Victoria region)
• Uganda
• Nigeria and Ghana
• Angola and DRC

Lower-risk or no-risk zones include:

• South Africa's major cities (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban)
• Lesotho and parts of Namibia
• High-altitude areas in East Africa

Tip: Always check the latest malaria risk maps from trusted sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) or your travel clinic.

How do you prevent malaria while travelling?

Malaria is preventable, but only if you take the right precautions before, during, and after your trip.

Understanding how to protect yourself is the first step to staying healthy while travelling in high-risk areas.

Before your trip:

• Visit a travel clinic or your GP 4-6 weeks before departure
• Get a prescription for antimalarial medication based on your destination
• Pack insect repellent (with 30-50% diethyltoluamide or DEET), long-sleeved clothing, and a mosquito net if needed

During your trip:

• Take antimalarial meds exactly as prescribed
• Sleep under mosquito nets (especially in rural or coastal areas)
• Use insect repellent daily, especially in the evenings
• Wear long sleeves and trousers from dusk onwards

After your trip:

• Continue any post-trip antimalarial meds (as directed)
• Monitor for symptoms up to a month after returning
• Seek medical care immediately if you experience flu-like symptoms

Does travel insurance cover malaria-related issues?

Yes. If you become ill with malaria while travelling, a comprehensive travel insurance policy can cover:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation
• Medication and diagnostic testing
• Emergency evacuation to a better-equipped facility or back to South Africa
• Trip disruptions if you're too unwell to continue

However, some insurers require proof that reasonable precautions were taken, such as:

• Taking antimalarial medication
• Using repellent and protective clothing
• Visiting a travel clinic before departure

Failing to take precautions could jeopardise your ability to claim so prevention isn't just about your health, it also protects your cover.

What to look for in a travel insurance policy when visiting malaria zones

When travelling to areas with malaria risk, make sure your policy includes:

How to stay malaria-safe and insured in Africa

The best way to stay malaria-safe is to avoid bites from mosquitoes.

Here's how to protect yourself and your policy:

1. Speak to a travel doctor before booking and mention all the countries you'll be visiting.
2. Follow medical advice on antimalarial meds and don't skip doses.
3. Keep receipts and proof of malaria-related prescriptions. They may support a claim.
4. Understand your policy terms. Some require evidence that you took all reasonable preventative steps.
5. Save your insurer's emergency contact details before departure.

Conclusion

Malaria shouldn't stop you from experiencing Africa, but it should influence how you prepare. With the right travel insurance, along with preventative medication and smart habits, you can travel safely and confidently through malaria zones.

Protect your health and your trip and get your quote in minutes so you can focus on the adventure, not the risk.