Kruger National Park: Shingwedzi Rest Camp closed 18–26 September for classical music festival

Travellers visiting Kruger National Park should be aware of a temporary closure affecting Shingwedzi Rest Camp from 18 to 26 September 2026.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the entire camp has been booked for the annual Baroque in the Bush classical music festival. As a result, access to Shingwedzi Rest Camp will be restricted during the event.

For most visitors, the main practical change is that Shingwedzi will not be available as a normal stop or overnight destination during this period. The Day Visitors Area will also be closed.

Some facilities will nevertheless remain operational. The filling station, shop and public ablutions will continue to operate, while the restaurant will offer take-away orders only.

Taxis and buses will not be permitted into the camp, as no parking will be available for them during the festival.

What this means for your Kruger trip

If your itinerary includes Shingwedzi Rest Camp between 18 and 26 September 2026, check your accommodation and routing arrangements before travelling. Visitors passing through the northern Kruger National Park should also factor the restricted access into their plans.

Normal access and facilities are expected to resume after the festival.

 

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Ethiopian Airlines to launch daily Addis Ababa <> Durban flights

Ethiopian Airlines will launch daily non-stop flights between Addis Ababa  and Durban from 11 December 2026, creating a new option for international travellers heading to and from KwaZulu-Natal.

The new service will operate as follows:

• Addis Ababa 08:35 > 13:25 Durban
• Durban 14:15 > 21:00 Addis Ababa

All times are local.

For international travellers, the new route provides a direct connection between Durban and Ethiopian Airlines' Addis Ababa hub, with onward connections to destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

This includes one-stop options from Durban to cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Delhi and Washington, making the new service particularly relevant for travellers combining KwaZulu-Natal with other destinations in (Southern) Africa or travelling to South Africa from further afield.

For South African travellers, the route opens additional options for reaching Ethiopia and Ethiopian Airlines' wider international network from Durban, without first having to travel to Johannesburg or Cape Town.

The route is currently scheduled to operate daily from 11 December 2026. 

 

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Ethiopian Airlines to add Nacala to its Mozambique network

Travellers heading to northern Mozambique will have a new international flight option from late October 2026, with Ethiopian Airlines planning to launch a three-times-weekly service between Addis Ababa and Nacala.

The new route is scheduled to start on 27 October 2026, making Nacala the airline's third destination in Mozambique, alongside Maputo and Beira. For travellers, the main benefit will be another connection between northern Mozambique and Ethiopian Airlines' extensive network via Addis Ababa.

Nacala flights from 27 October

Ethiopian Airlines plans to operate the route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, using a Boeing 737-8.

The schedule is:

• Addis Ababa (ADD) 09:20 > 12:15 Blantyre (BLZ)
• Blantyre (BLZ) 13:15 > 14:20 Nacala (MNC)
• Nacala (MNC) 15:10 > 20:05 Addis Ababa (ADD)

The outbound service will operate via Blantyre in Malawi, while the return flight is scheduled to operate directly from Nacala to Addis Ababa.

What this means for travellers

The new service should make Nacala easier to reach from destinations across Ethiopian Airlines' network, with a connection in Addis Ababa.

The Blantyre stop is also relevant for travellers combining Malawi and northern Mozambique. Ethiopian Airlines is scheduled to operate the Blantyre–Nacala sector, although travellers should check whether the sector is available for standalone bookings or only as part of an international itinerary.

Nacala is an important gateway to Mozambique's northern coast, although travellers should check the onward transport arrangements for their particular itinerary. The airport is some distance from the coastal resorts and other destinations around the Nacala area.

As the service is currently planned to begin on 27 October 2026, travellers should check the operating schedule and connection times when booking, particularly if combining the flight with other Ethiopian Airlines services.

 

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Fastjet Mozambique: What travellers need to know about the planned 2026 relaunch

Fastjet Mozambique's planned return to Mozambique's domestic market has yet to materialise, with no confirmed launch date or timetable now available.

The airline was originally expected to return to Mozambique during the second half of 2026 through a partnership with Solenta Aviation Mozambique. The plan called for a Beira-based operation using three 50-seat Embraer ERJ145 aircraft.

Since the last update, however, the project has become less certain. Solenta has rejected reports that it is abandoning Mozambique's domestic aviation market, but separate reports have indicated that the proposed Fastjet-branded operation from Beira Airport (BEW) in Beira may not proceed in its originally planned form.

No Fastjet Mozambique flights to book yet

For travellers, the practical situation is straightforward: Fastjet Mozambique is not currently a bookable option.

There is still no confirmed inaugural flight date, published timetable, fare information or final route network. Previously reported routes linking Beira with destinations such as Maputo, Nampula, Tete and Quelimane should therefore be treated as proposed rather than confirmed.

The three Embraer ERJ145s also remain part of the announced plans rather than an indication that commercial flights are about to begin.

What this means for travellers

A new Beira-based airline could eventually provide useful additional connections across Mozambique, particularly for travellers combining destinations in the centre and north of the country.

For the time being, however, travellers planning a Mozambique trip should not build an itinerary around Fastjet Mozambique. Use currently operating airlines and published schedules instead, and only consider Fastjet once flights are officially announced and available for booking.

Bottom line

Solenta Aviation continues to show interest in Mozambique's domestic market, but the future of the proposed Fastjet-branded operation remains unclear. As of 16 September 2026, there is still no confirmed launch date.

 

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Mozambique travel in late 2026: Are the floods still affecting tourism?

Mozambique's severe floods earlier in 2026 caused widespread disruption — but the picture for travellers today looks very different from the emergency scenes reported in January and February. Most of the country's key tourism areas are back in business, including Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago, Tofo and Barra, Maputo, and Gorongosa National Park.

That doesn't mean the floods' effects have vanished. Roads remain the main headache for anyone planning an overland trip, cholera and malaria are still relevant health considerations, and conditions can shift quickly after heavy rain, especially in low-lying areas.

The short version: Mozambique is not in a nationwide tourism shutdown. It's a country where picking the right route, flying where practical, and checking local conditions shortly before you travel matters more than usual.

What happened during Mozambique's 2026 floods?

Exceptionally heavy rainfall began in late December 2025 and continued through January into March 2026. Major river systems — the Limpopo, Incomáti, Umbelúzi, Save, Búzi and Púnguè — flooded large parts of southern and central Mozambique.

Gaza, Maputo, Inhambane and Sofala were among the hardest-hit provinces. By late January, more than 700,000 people had been affected, with heavy damage to homes, roads and bridges.

Two tropical cyclones compounded the crisis. Cyclone Fytia formed in the Mozambique Channel in late January, bringing heavy rain and rough seas to Nampula and Cabo Delgado before tracking toward Madagascar. In February, Cyclone Gezani looped back from Madagascar toward southern Mozambique, hitting Inhambane hard with intense rain, strong winds and storm surge — the Cais de Inhambane bridge was badly damaged in the process.

Further flooding followed in March. By 27 March 2026, the IOM estimated that 869,656 people had been affected by flooding since January, though by that point most emergency shelters had closed and many displaced residents had returned home.

Mozambique tourism: Current status by region

Maputo and Southern Mozambique — Open, infrastructure recovery ongoing

Maputo itself has largely recovered. The capital's hotels, restaurants and international flight connections are operating normally, though some low-lying suburbs remain vulnerable during heavy rain. January's floods disrupted sections of the EN1 highway and parts of Maputo Province — so for visitors using Maputo as an arrival point, the practical takeaway isn't "avoid the capital," it's "build in extra time if you're continuing north by road."

Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago — Open and operating

Currently one of the easiest beach destinations to reach. Vilanculos remains the main gateway to Bazaruto, with lodges, diving operators, boat excursions and island transfers all running. Mozambique's national tourism authority continues actively promoting the archipelago, and Bazaruto's park management reports ongoing tourism and community programmes. Airlines are running daily Maputo–Vilanculos services, though individual flights can still change. For international visitors, flying into Vilanculos and arranging a lodge transfer is far simpler right now than a long self-drive from Maputo.

Tofo, Barra, Inhambane town and the Coast — Open

Back to normal tourism operations. Diving operators are taking bookings and accommodation along the coast is running as usual, with several dive schools and lodges between Tofo and Barra advertising diving, ocean safaris and open bookings for the rest of 2026. 

Inhambane town itself is open and accessible, but it's worth knowing about one lingering effect of Cyclone Gezani: the passenger ferry pier (ponte-cais) linking Inhambane to Maxixe across the bay was badly damaged in February 2026, and while an alternative pier has since been completed to restore the crossing, it's still worth confirming current ferry arrangements locally rather than assuming full pre-cyclone service. Most visitors reach Tofo and Barra by road from Maxixe or by air via Inhambane airport rather than the ferry, so this mainly affects travellers wanting to visit Inhambane town directly across the bay.

This region did see serious flooding and the direct impact of Cyclone Gezani, so if you're driving rather than flying, confirm transfer arrangements with your accommodation shortly before you leave.

Gorongosa National Park — Open

Firmly in its normal tourism season, which runs from April through the dry season (Gorongosa National Park typically closes mid-December to end of March regardless of floods). The surrounding area, particularly around the Púnguè River, was affected by flooding, and Gorongosa's restoration programme supported nearby communities in Sofala with agricultural assistance during the emergency. Tourism and conservation activities inside the park continue as normal.

Ilha de Moçambique — Open

No indication of any flood-related closure. The UNESCO-listed island remains an active cultural destination, with Nampula's tourism authorities continuing to promote it through 2026. One important distinction: Ilha de Moçambique's situation is not the same as Cabo Delgado's — if you're heading further north, check current security advice separately.

Roads and Rail: The Biggest Practical Issue

Transport infrastructure took the heaviest hit. The EN1, Mozambique's main north-south highway, was badly damaged, particularly in the south — mid-year assessments put only around half the road in good or reasonable condition, with the rest needing work. Rehabilitation is a genuine multi-year, multi-hundred-million-dollar programme (funded partly by the World Bank and private partners), and by September 2026 further sections — including stretches in Inhambane and Sofala — were still under active repair.

Translation for travellers: "passable" doesn't mean "back to normal." If your itinerary involves long EN1 drives, check the current status of your specific stretch with your operator or accommodation before you commit.

Rail has recovered more cleanly: the Limpopo railway line between Maputo and Zimbabwe reopened on 01 May 2026 after roughly three months of flood-related closure, with recovery work continuing since.

For a holiday itinerary — especially combining Maputo with Vilanculos, Inhambane or points north — flying remains the more predictable option than overland travel.

What about Mozambique's airports?

No evidence of a general flood-related shutdown at the main tourist gateways. LAM/Air Mozambique currently runs regular services between Maputo and Vilanculos, Inhambane, Beira, Nampula and Pemba, with Maputo–Vilanculos and Maputo–Inhambane flying daily. There were disruptions during the flood and cyclone period — including a temporary suspension of Maputo–Vilanculos flights in February 2026 — but services have since resumed.

In practical terms:

• Maputo: operating normally
• Vilanculos: operating normally
• Inhambane: operating normally
• Beira: operating normally
• Pemba: operating, but the wider regional security situation matters more than flood status here

Always check your specific flight's status shortly before departure.

Health: Flooding doesn't mean Mozambique is unsafe everywhere

Water quality is the main post-flood health concern. Mozambique saw a real cholera outbreak in 2026, driven by the rains and flooding, with cases peaking in February 2026 and declining sharply since — by early August 2026, monthly new cases had fallen to a few hundred nationally, down from thousands at the outbreak's height in February and March. It's a real but now much-diminished risk, concentrated in central and northern provinces rather than the main southern tourist circuit.

Practical precautions:

• Drink bottled, treated or otherwise verified-safe water
• Be cautious with ice and raw food where water hygiene is uncertain
• Carry hand sanitiser
• Follow local health guidance if visiting affected communities directly

Also discuss malaria prevention with a travel-health professional before you go — Mozambique carries a high malaria risk year-round, and standing floodwater increases mosquito breeding.

Flood recovery also means healthcare and emergency response can be less reliable outside major centres, so comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is particularly worth having this year.

What Do Current Travel Advisories Say?

The US rates Mozambique Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution, citing terrorism, crime, unrest and health risks, and specifically advises against travel to Cabo Delgado, the Niassa Special Reserve, and the Memba and Erati districts of northern Nampula.

The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Cabo Delgado (except Palma and the area around Pemba and Afungi), against all travel to Memba and Eráti districts in Nampula, and against all travel to Mecula and Marrupa districts in Niassa.

These advisories are driven primarily by security concerns in the far north, not the floods — and they don't cover the main southern tourism circuit (Maputo, Vilanculos, Inhambane, Bazaruto, Gorongosa).

The EU doesn't issue a single bloc-wide advisory; check your own member state's guidance.

Practical Tips for Mozambique Travel in Late 2026

• Fly between major destinations where practical, rather than building an itinerary around long road journeys
• If driving, confirm the condition of your specific road and bridges with your accommodation or operator shortly before departure
• Avoid driving long distances after dark — road conditions outside major cities are a genuine risk factor right now
• Build buffer days into your schedule before international flights if travelling overland
• Carry extra water, food, medication and cash in case of delays in remote areas
• Pack mosquito repellent and appropriate clothing for malaria protection
• Bring a small first-aid kit and waterproof bags for electronics and documents
• Check that your travel insurance covers flood-related disruption and medical evacuation
• Stay flexible around periods of heavy rain
• Ask your lodge directly about the final access road's condition rather than trusting Google Maps alone

Should you visit Mozambique now?

For anyone asking "is it safe to visit Mozambique right now," the honest answer depends heavily on where you're going and how you're getting there.

The major southern tourism circuits — Maputo, Tofo , Barra, Vilanculos, Bazaruto — are welcoming visitors normally, and Gorongosa National Park is in full swing for its regular safari season. Air links between the main tourist centres are functioning well.

The real question for trip isn't whether Mozambique as a whole is "open" — it's whether your specific route is practical and your destination sits outside the current security exclusion zones in the far north.

For a straightforward beach holiday, flying directly into Vilanculos/Bazaruto or Inhambane/Tofo is currently far simpler than a long north-south self-drive. If you want to explore more of the country overland, allow considerably more time and flexibility than you might have pre-2026.

There's also a genuine upside to going: tourism is a major source of local employment and conservation funding. Bazaruto Archipelago National Park's management — a partnership between African Parks and Mozambique's National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) — explicitly links tourism revenue to local jobs and community development, and Gorongosa National Park says the same about visitor spending supporting conservation and livelihoods there.

Bottom line

If your chosen destination is operating and you're comfortable with the remaining infrastructure and health considerations, visiting Mozambique  in late 2026 can absolutely be a normal holiday — it's just a destination where checking conditions shortly before departure is more important than usual.

Sources: WHO and ECDC cholera surveillance reports, IOM Mozambique flood updates, UK FCDO and US State Department travel advisories, LAM Mozambique flight schedules, and Mozambican transport ministry and news reporting (AIM/Club of Mozambique) on EN1 and rail rehabilitation, current as of September 2026.

 

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Temporary shop closures in September 2026

Planning a trip to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park later this month? If you are visiting in September, there are three temporary camp shop closures worth knowing about. The shops at Nossob, Mata Mata and Twee Rivieren will each close for several hours on different days while annual stocktakes are carried out.

As these three camps are central to most Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park itineraries, the closures could affect your plans even if you are only passing through. The shops will reopen after the stocktakes, but travellers should make sure they have any essential food, drinks and other supplies before the affected closure periods.

Camp	Date	Shop closed	Opening hours on the day
Nossob	21 September 2026	09:00–15:00	07:00–09:00 and 15:00–18:45
Mata Mata	23 September 2026	09:00–15:00	07:00–09:00 and 15:00–18:45
Twee Rivieren	29 September 2026	05:00–15:00	15:00–18:45

The most significant closure is at Twee Rivieren, where the shop will be closed from 05:00 until 15:00. This is particularly relevant for travellers leaving early in the morning, as the shop will not be available during the morning hours.

At Nossob and Mata Mata, the shops will remain open early in the morning before closing at 09:00, giving travellers a short window to buy supplies before the stocktake begins.

Plan your supplies before heading into the park

These closures are unlikely to affect most itineraries significantly, but the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a remote destination and travellers should not assume that another shop will be conveniently available if they miss the opening hours.

If you are staying at one of the affected camps on the relevant date, consider buying essential food, drinks and other supplies beforehand. This is especially important if you have a self-catering itinerary or are planning an early morning game drive.

 

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Malaria in Southern Africa in October 2026: What travellers need to know

October marks an important change in the malaria picture across Southern Africa. Temperatures are rising, the first rains are beginning in parts of the region and mosquito activity generally increases as the rainy season gets underway.

For travellers, October is therefore a good time to take malaria prevention seriously. The risk remains highly variable, however. A safari in Kruger National Park, a trip to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Zambia or Malawi carries a very different malaria risk from a visit to Cape Town, Windhoek or Lesotho.

Malaria recommendations also depend on your exact itinerary, accommodation, season of travel and individual health circumstances. If you are travelling to a malaria-risk area in October 2026, check current travel-health advice before departure and discuss whether antimalarial medication is appropriate for you.

Malaria risk areas in Southern Africa

Malaria transmission is not uniform across Southern Africa. Altitude, temperature, rainfall, proximity to rivers and wetlands, mosquito populations and the time of year all influence the risk.

The following is a practical October 2026 overview for travellers. It should not replace destination-specific medical advice, particularly for longer trips or travel to remote areas.

South Africa

Malaria risk in South Africa is concentrated in the north-east of the country and is seasonal.

Important risk areas include:

• Kruger National Park
• low-altitude parts of Mpumalanga
• low-altitude areas of Limpopo, particularly near the borders with Mozambique and Zimbabwe
• parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal
• border areas adjoining Mozambique and Zimbabwe

The main malaria transmission season in these areas runs from September to May, making October an important month for travellers visiting Kruger National Park and the Lowveld. Current travel-health guidance recommends antimalarial medication for some higher-risk areas during this transmission season, while other areas require bite avoidance without routine chemoprophylaxis.

There is no malaria risk in most of South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, the Garden Route and most of the Western and Eastern Cape.

Mozambique

Mozambique remains one of the region's most significant malaria-risk destinations. Malaria transmission occurs throughout the country, including popular coastal and safari destinations.

Travellers should take particular care when visiting:

• Maputo and southern Mozambique
• Inhambane and Vilanculos
• the Bazaruto area
• Beira and central Mozambique
• Gorongosa National Park
• Nampula
• Pemba and Cabo Delgado
• Niassa and other northern wilderness areas

Current travel-health guidance classifies Mozambique as a high-risk malaria country and recommends antimalarial medication for travellers, alongside mosquito-bite prevention.

October is especially relevant because the transition towards the rainy season can increase mosquito breeding opportunities.

Zimbabwe

Malaria risk varies with altitude and location in Zimbabwe. The Zambezi Valley and other low-lying areas remain important risk areas for travellers.

Popular destinations where malaria precautions are particularly relevant include:

• Victoria Falls
• Hwange National Park
• Zambezi National Park
• Lake Kariba
• Mana Pools
• Matusadona National Park
• Gonarezhou and the south-eastern Lowveld
• other low-lying areas along the Zambezi Valley

Current travel-health guidance considers the Zambezi Valley a year-round risk area. In much of Zimbabwe below 1,200 metres, the higher-risk transmission season begins in November, while July to October is generally considered a lower-risk period. October is therefore a transition month rather than a malaria-free month.

Travellers heading to Victoria Falls or the country's major safari areas should continue to use mosquito-bite precautions.

Zambia

Zambia remains a significant malaria-risk destination, including during October.

Malaria prevention is particularly relevant for travellers visiting:

• Livingstone and Victoria Falls
• South Luangwa National Park
• Lower Zambezi National Park
• Kafue National Park
• the Luangwa Valley
• the Zambezi Valley
• northern and eastern Zambia

Current travel-health guidance classifies Zambia as a high-risk malaria country and recommends antimalarial medication for travellers, together with bite avoidance.

For safari travellers, the combination of evening and nighttime exposure and accommodation in relatively open environments makes mosquito protection particularly important.

Botswana

October is a particularly important month for malaria awareness in Botswana.

The main risk is in the northern half of the country, including:

• Okavango Delta
• Moremi
• Chobe National Park
• Kasane
• Chobe and Linyanti
• the Kwando region
• Ngamiland

Current travel-health guidance identifies a high malaria risk in northern Botswana from October to May. During the remainder of the year, the same region is considered lower risk.

This makes October a significant seasonal transition for travellers planning an Okavango Delta or Chobe safari. The risk should not be judged simply by how dry the landscape looks: mosquito activity can increase as temperatures rise and seasonal rainfall develops.

Southern Botswana has considerably less malaria risk.

Namibia

Malaria risk in Namibia is concentrated mainly in the north and north-east.

Important areas include:

• Kavango East
• Kavango West
• Zambezi Region
• northern Kunene
• Omusati
• Oshana
• Ohangwena
• Oshikoto
• parts of Omaheke and Otjozondjupa

Current travel-health guidance identifies a high malaria risk throughout the year in Kavango East, Kavango West and the Zambezi Region. In several other northern regions, the risk is lower from May to November and increases during the wetter months.

For travellers, this means that October is a useful point to reassess malaria precautions, particularly if an itinerary combines Etosha National Park with the northern regions, Kavango or the Zambezi Region.

Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and most of southern Namibia have little or no malaria risk.

eSwatini

Malaria risk in eSwatini is considerably more localised than in neighbouring Mozambique.

The main areas of concern are the eastern Lowveld, particularly areas towards the Mozambique border. Higher-altitude areas, including Mbabane and much of the Highveld, have little or no malaria risk.

October is still generally a lower-risk period than the peak summer months, but travellers staying in the Lowveld should use mosquito-bite precautions. The seasonal pattern can change with temperature and rainfall, so an itinerary-specific assessment is preferable to treating the whole country as either “safe” or “unsafe”.

Malawi

Malaria is a major travel-health consideration throughout Malawi.

This includes popular destinations such as:

• Lake Malawi
• Liwonde National Park
• Majete Wildlife Reserve
• Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
• the Lower Shire Valley
• Lilongwe
• Blantyre

Current travel-health guidance considers Malaw a high-risk malaria destination and recommends antimalarial medication for travellers, in addition to mosquito-bite prevention.

The fact that October falls at the beginning of the rainy season in many parts of Malaw should not be interpreted as a sudden start to malaria risk: transmission occurs throughout the country.

Lesotho

Lesotho is different from most of its neighbours.

Malaria transmission does not normally occur in Lesotho, largely because of the country's high elevation and cooler climate. Travellers visiting Lesotho alone therefore do not normally require malaria prophylaxis specifically for their stay there.

The situation can change if a trip combines Lesotho with malaria-risk destinations elsewhere in Southern Africa. Your overall itinerary should therefore be considered when discussing malaria medication with a travel-health professional.

Angola

Malaria remains an important health risk throughout Angola, including in urban and lowland areas.

Travellers should not assume that staying in Luanda eliminates the risk. Much of the country has conditions suitable for malaria transmission, particularly warmer lowland and tropical areas.

For travellers combining Angola with other Southern African destinations, malaria prevention should therefore be considered as part of the overall itinerary rather than assessed only by individual stops.

Why October matters for malaria awareness

October is an important month for malaria awareness because Southern Africa is moving more decisively into the warmer part of the year.

Across many parts of the region, temperatures are rising and seasonal rainfall is beginning or becoming more frequent. Rainfall creates additional standing water and, together with warmer temperatures, can provide more favourable conditions for mosquitoes.

This is particularly relevant in northern Botswana, where October marks the start of the higher-risk malaria season according to current travel-health guidance. In South Africa, October falls firmly within the September-to-May malaria transmission season in the north-east.

October is also a popular month for Southern African travel. Safari destinations such as Kruger National Park, Chobe, the Okavango Delta, Hwange, Victoria Falls and South Luangwa remain attractive, while Mozambique's coast is another popular destination.

One common misconception is that malaria risk disappears when a destination looks dry. It does not. Malaria transmission depends on several factors, and risk can remain present even during relatively dry conditions.

Another important point is that malaria symptoms can initially look like many other illnesses. Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea and fatigue are common symptoms. Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria parasite responsible for most malaria in Africa, can cause severe disease rapidly if treatment is delayed.

If you develop a fever during a trip to a malaria-risk area or after returning home, tell the healthcare professional that you have travelled to a malaria area. Do not assume that malaria has been ruled out because you took preventive medication.

Malaria prevention tips for travellers

There is no single measure that provides complete protection against malaria. The best approach combines mosquito-bite avoidance with antimalarial medication when it is recommended for your destination and personal circumstances.

Before travelling

• Check your exact itinerary. Malaria risk can change substantially between neighbouring regions.
• See a travel-health professional before departure. Ideally, arrange an appointment around four to six weeks before travelling, although it is still worthwhile to seek advice at shorter notice.
• Discuss antimalarial medication. Whether you need prophylaxis depends on your destination, season, accommodation, activities and personal health circumstances.
• Take prescribed medication exactly as directed. Different medicines have different schedules before and after travel.
• Pack an effective mosquito repellent and make sure you know how to use it correctly.

While travelling

• Use an insect repellent containing an effective active ingredient such as DEET or picaridin (icaridin).
• Apply repellent to exposed skin according to the product instructions.
• Wear long trousers and long-sleeved clothing, particularly from dusk through to dawn.
• Choose accommodation with air conditioning, screened windows or other effective mosquito protection where possible.
• Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net where one is provided.
• Keep doors and windows screened or closed when mosquitoes are active.
• Consider treating clothing or mosquito nets with permethrin where appropriate; permethrin should not be applied directly to skin.

Malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes are predominantly active between dusk and dawn, so evening protection is particularly important on safari, at lodges and in other open-air accommodation.

After your trip

Don't forget about malaria once you have returned home.

A fever after travelling to a malaria-risk area requires prompt medical attention. Symptoms can develop after returning from Africa, and malaria can still occur despite having taken prophylactic medication.

Tell the doctor or emergency department that you have recently travelled to a malaria area and where you travelled. This information is important for diagnosis.

Malaria can progress quickly, particularly when caused by plasmodium falciparum. Anyone with suspected malaria should therefore be assessed urgently rather than waiting to see whether the fever improves on its own.

Final thoughts

October is an important point in the Southern African malaria calendar. The region is becoming warmer, seasonal rainfall is returning in many areas and mosquito activity can increase.

The risk nevertheless varies enormously. Northern Botswana enters its higher-risk season, north-eastern South Africa is in its main transmission season, while Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi remain significant malaria-risk destinations. Zimbabwe is entering a seasonal transition, Namibia has substantial regional differences, and Lesotho remains malaria-free.

For travellers, the most useful rule is simple: don't judge malaria risk by the month or country alone. Check your exact itinerary.

If you are travelling to a malaria-risk area in October 2026, obtain current travel-health advice before departure, use consistent mosquito-bite protection and take antimalarial medication when it has been recommended for you.

Disclaimer: This article provides general travel-health information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Malaria recommendations can vary according to your itinerary, age, pregnancy status, medical history, medication and the current local epidemiological situation. Malaria risk can also change following changes in rainfall, mosquito populations and local transmission. Always consult a qualified travel-health professional before travelling to a malaria-risk area.

 

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