South Africa Aligns with Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique to Welcome August Safari Travellers as Hidden Malaria Risks Persist: What Should Every Visitor Know Now Before Exploring Southern Africa?

South Africa Aligns with Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique to Welcome August Safari Travellers as Hidden Malaria Risks Persist. August is often regarded as one of the finest months to experience a Southern African safari. Cooler temperatures, dry landscapes and shrinking water sources create ideal wildlife-viewing conditions, drawing visitors from around the world to iconic destinations including Kruger National Park, the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls. Yet beneath this peak travel season lies an important health consideration that travellers should not overlook. While mosquito activity generally decreases during the Southern Hemisphere winter, malaria remains present in several popular tourism destinations, particularly in tropical regions, river valleys and low-lying areas.

For anyone planning a safari, beach holiday or multi-country itinerary across Southern Africa, understanding where malaria remains a risk is an important part of preparing for a safe and enjoyable journey.

August Brings Peak Safari Season

The dry season transforms much of Southern Africa into one of the world’s premier wildlife destinations.

Vegetation becomes sparse, making animals easier to spot as they gather around rivers and waterholes. Cooler daytime temperatures also provide comfortable conditions for game drives, hiking and outdoor adventures.

Popular destinations welcoming visitors during August include South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, Namibia’s Etosha National Park and Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coastline.

Although wildlife viewing reaches its peak during this period, travellers should remember that cooler weather does not eliminate malaria transmission in affected regions.

Where Malaria Remains a Risk

South Africa

Malaria risk is largely confined to the country’s north-eastern regions.

Affected areas include:

• Kruger National Park
• Northern Limpopo Province
• Lowveld areas of Mpumalanga
• Northern KwaZulu-Natal, including parts of iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Major tourism destinations, including Cape Town, the Garden Route, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, the Drakensberg and the Eastern Cape remain malaria-free.

Mozambique

Mozambique continues to experience one of the region’s highest malaria risks.

Transmission occurs across much of the country, including:

• Maputo Province
• Inhambane
• Vilanculos
• Bazaruto Archipelago
• Gorongosa National Park
• Beira
• Pemba
• Quirimbas Archipelago
• Niassa Reserve

Travellers visiting coastal resorts or island destinations should take malaria prevention seriously throughout the year.

Zimbabwe

Risk remains highest in lower-altitude regions, including:

• Victoria Falls
• Zambezi National Park
• Hwange National Park
• Mana Pools National Park
• Lake Kariba
• Gonarezhou National Park

Harare, Bulawayo and the Eastern Highlands generally present little or no malaria risk.

Botswana

Northern Botswana remains malaria-endemic.

Risk areas include:

• Okavango Delta
• Moremi Game Reserve
• Chobe National Park
• Savuti
• Linyanti
• Kasane

Southern Botswana, including Gaborone and the Central Kalahari, is generally malaria-free.

Zambia

Year-round malaria transmission continues in several major safari destinations:

• South Luangwa National Park
• Lower Zambezi National Park
• Kafue National Park
• Kasanka National Park
• Bangweulu Wetlands
• Victoria Falls near Livingstone

Namibia

Northern Namibia remains the country’s primary malaria zone.

Risk exists in:

• Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi)
• Kavango East
• Kavango West
• Northern Etosha National Park
• Bwabwata National Park
• Mahango Game Reserve
• Ruacana

Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Sossusvlei and much of southern Namibia remain malaria-free.

Other Southern African Destinations

Malawi continues to experience malaria nationwide, including around Lake Malawi and major wildlife reserves.

Angola also reports widespread malaria outside its higher-altitude regions.

Eswatini has significantly reduced transmission, with only limited seasonal risk remaining near its eastern border with Mozambique.

Lesotho remains malaria-free.

Travel Information for Visitors

Kruger National Park, South Africa

• Nearest Airport: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), approximately 30 km from Nelspruit.
• Nearest Railway: Nelspruit Railway Station.
• Nearby Attractions: Panorama Route, Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window.
• Accommodation: Luxury safari lodges, private game reserves and national park camps.
• Shopping: Riverside Mall (Mbombela) before entering the park.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

• Nearest Airport: Victoria Falls International Airport, approximately 22 km from the town centre.
• Major Attractions: Victoria Falls, Zambezi River cruises, helicopter flights, wildlife safaris.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

• Nearest Airport: Maun International Airport.
• Access: Charter aircraft and guided safari transfers serve most luxury camps.

How Travellers Can Reduce Malaria Risk

Before departure, travellers should consult a doctor or travel medicine clinic four to six weeks before travel to determine whether antimalarial medication is recommended for their itinerary.

During the trip, visitors are advised to:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing after sunset.
• Sleep in air-conditioned rooms or under insecticide-treated mosquito nets where appropriate.
• Reduce outdoor exposure during dusk and dawn when Anopheles mosquitoes are most active.

After returning home, travellers who develop fever, chills, headache, muscle aches or flu-like symptoms should seek prompt medical attention and inform healthcare providers about recent travel to malaria-risk areas.

Key Stats

• August is one of Southern Africa’s busiest safari travel months.
• Malaria transmission continues year-round in several tropical and low-altitude destinations.
• Kruger National Park, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls and much of Mozambique remain malaria-risk areas.
• Lesotho is malaria-free.
• Eswatini has reduced malaria transmission to limited seasonal areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is August malaria-free in Southern Africa?

No. Although mosquito activity generally declines during winter, malaria transmission continues in several destinations.

Which safari destinations have a malaria risk?

Kruger National Park, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, South Luangwa National Park and northern Namibia remain among the better-known malaria-risk destinations.

Should travellers take malaria medication?

This depends on the specific itinerary. Travellers should consult a qualified healthcare professional or travel medicine clinic before departure to determine whether preventive medication is appropriate.

Conclusion

South Africa Aligns with Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique to Welcome August Safari Travellers as Hidden Malaria Risks Persist. August offers some of the best wildlife experiences Southern Africa has to offer, with exceptional safari conditions across South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and neighbouring countries. While the dry winter season reduces mosquito activity in many areas, it does not eliminate malaria risk in several popular tourism destinations. By understanding which regions remain affected, seeking appropriate pre-travel medical advice and following recommended mosquito-avoidance measures, travellers can confidently enjoy the region’s extraordinary landscapes, wildlife and cultural experiences while prioritising their health throughout the journey.