South African Malaria Risk Map (Dec 2025) – Risk areas, season & advice

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of South Africa has published its updated South African Malaria Risk Map (December 2025) - an essential reference for anyone planning travel to the country’s north-eastern regions.

While most of South Africa remains malaria-free, certain border areas continue to experience seasonal malaria transmission, particularly during the warmer, wetter months. Below is a clear breakdown of the current malaria-risk areas, seasonality, and what it means for travellers.

click to enlage
(c) https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/malaria/

Where is malaria found in South Africa?

Malaria transmission in South Africa is geographically limited and highly seasonal. The disease occurs mainly in the north-eastern provinces, especially along international borders.

High-Risk (Endemic) Areas

The highest malaria risk is found in parts of:

• Limpopo – especially districts bordering Zimbabwe and Mozambique
• Mpumalanga – including the Lowveld region
• KwaZulu-Natal – particularly the far northern Maputaland area

Within these provinces, travellers visiting the Kruger National Park and surrounding Lowveld areas should be aware that this is a seasonal malaria transmission zone.

Risk is typically highest from September through May, with peak transmission during the mid-summer months (January to April).

Moderate-Risk Areas

Some districts adjacent to high-risk zones are classified as moderate or low seasonal risk areas. In these regions:

• Preventative mosquito measures are strongly recommended.
• Antimalarial prophylaxis may be advised depending on duration of stay, accommodation type, and individual health profile.

Travellers should consult a healthcare professional or travel clinic before departure for personalised advice.

No Malaria Risk Areas

The majority of South Africa - including its major tourism and business hubs - remains malaria-free.

There is no malaria transmission risk in:

• Johannesburg
• Cape Town
• The Garden Route
• Eastern Cape
• The Free State, Northern Cape, and North West provinces (outside specific border zones)

Travellers visiting these destinations do not require antimalarial medication.

Understanding malaria seasonality in South Africa

Malaria transmission in South Africa is seasonal, influenced by rainfall, humidity, and temperature.

• Peak season: January – April
• Transmission period: September – May
• Low-risk winter period: June – August

Even outside peak months, isolated cases can still occur in endemic areas. Preventative measures remain advisable year-round in risk zones.

Malaria Prevention for Travellers

If your itinerary includes a malaria-risk area, prevention is essential. The mosquito species that transmits malaria bites primarily between dusk and dawn.

1. Avoid mosquito bites

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET or equivalent active ingredients.
• Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings.
• Use mosquito nets where provided.
• Ensure accommodation has functioning window screens or air conditioning.

2. Consider chemoprophylaxis
For high-risk areas such as parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, northern KwaZulu-Natal, and the Kruger region, healthcare professionals may recommend:

• Starting antimalarial medication before entering the risk zone.
• Continuing treatment for the prescribed period after departure.

The decision depends on age, pregnancy status, medical history, and duration of exposure.

3. Know the symptoms
Malaria symptoms typically develop 7–15 days after infection and may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea

If you develop flu-like symptoms after visiting a malaria area - even weeks later - seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor about your travel history.

Why the NICD Risk Map matters
The updated malaria risk map from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) provides:

• Clear geographic delineation of endemic zones
• Seasonal risk classification
• Guidance for clinicians and travellers
• Support for South Africa's ongoing malaria elimination efforts

South Africa continues to make significant progress toward malaria elimination, but imported cases and cross-border transmission remain challenges - particularly along the Mozambique and Zimbabwe borders.

Key Takeaways for Travellers

• Malaria in South Africa is geographically limited to north-eastern border regions.
• The Kruger National Park and Lowveld fall within seasonal risk zones.
• Major cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town are malaria-free.
• Peak transmission occurs during the summer rainfall season.
• Preventative measures and medical consultation are recommended before travelling to endemic areas.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always consult the official NICD malaria risk map and speak to a qualified healthcare provider prior to travel.

 

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South Africa: Number of malaria cases on the rise!

The South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has announced that the malaria-endemic regions in South Africa are beginning to see increases in the number of malaria cases. The start of summer generally marks the start of the malaria season, due to higher temperatures and increased rainfall in the malaria transmission areas.
Malaria transmission occurs in the north-eastern part of South Africa, mainly in the low altitude (below 1 000m above sea-level) areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and northern part of  KwaZulu-Natal. Limited local transmission may occasionally occur in the North West Province and in the Northern Cape along the Molopo and Orange rivers. Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park are the only two National Parks in South Africa that are situated in malaria risk areas. The risk of malaria in both of these parks is usually low, even in the summer months.

Source: NICD; click on map to enlarge

The NICD is urging individuals travelling to malaria-endemic areas in South Africa to take the appropriate precautions. Travellers should consider taking antimalarial prophylaxis, particularly if travelling to high-risk areas. Both doxycycline and atovaquone-proguanil can be procured without a prescription from pharmacies and public sector travel clinics in South Africa. The following precautions will substantially reduce the chance of acquiring malaria but the risk is never completely removed:

• reduce contact with mosquitoes by limiting outdoor activity after dark
• cover up bare skin (including feet and ankles)
• use mosquito repellents containing at least 10% DEET
• ensure mosquito screens on windows are closed
• use bed nets, fans or air-conditioning, if available

All travellers returning from malaria transmission areas, including very low-risk ones, should immediately report “flu-like illness” (headache, fever, chills, fatigue, muscle and joint pain) that occurs up to three weeks after first potential exposure, to the nearest healthcare facility for a malaria test. Particular care should be taken with children, as symptoms are very nonspecific (fever, loss of appetite and vomiting). Malaria can rapidly progresses to severe illness, often with severe consequences, early diagnosis and treatment are strongly recommended.

Malaria: South African Malaria Risk Map (December 2018)

South Africa's National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has published a new and updated South African Malaria Risk Map (December 2018). In South Africa, malaria transmission occurs in the north-eastern part of the country, mainly in the low altitude (below 1 000m above sea-level) areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and northern part of  KwaZulu-Natal. Limited local transmission may occasionally occur in the North West Province and in the Northern Cape along the Molopo and Orange rivers. Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park are the only two National Parks in South Africa that are situated in malaria risk areas. The risk of malaria in both of these parks is usually low, even in the summer months. Malaria is distinctly seasonal in South Africa, with the highest risk being during the wet summer months (September to May).

Source: NICD; click on map to enlarge

Malaria: South African Malaria Risk Map November 2018

South Africa's National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has published a new and updated South African Malaria Risk Map (November 2018). In South Africa, malaria transmission occurs in the north-eastern part of the country, mainly in the low altitude (below 1 000m above sea-level) areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and northern part of  KwaZulu-Natal. Limited local transmission may occasionally occur in the North West Province and in the Northern Cape along the Molopo and Orange rivers. Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park are the only two National Parks in South Africa that are situated in malaria risk areas. The risk of malaria in both of these parks is usually low, even in the summer months. Malaria is distinctly seasonal in South Africa, with the highest risk being during the wet summer months (September to May).

Source: NICD; click on map to enlarge