As Southern Africa begins to transition from the dry winter months to spring in September, malaria remains a concern in specific regions. While the overall risk is lower than in the rainy season, travellers should not let their guard down. In this post, we highlight the malaria risk areas in Southern Africa during September, explain why this month is still important for malaria awareness, and offer practical tips for prevention.
Malaria risk areas in Southern Africa (September):
September is considered a shoulder month for malaria transmission in Southern Africa. Cooler and drier conditions prevail across much of the region, limiting mosquito activity. However, residual transmission continues in several endemic zones:
Namibia
- High-risk regions:
- Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi Strip)
- Kavango East & West
- Northern parts of Ohangwena, Oshikoto, and Omusati
- Risk is moderate but persistent due to proximity to wetlands and perennial water bodies.
- Northern Botswana including:
- Okavango Delta
- Chobe National Park
- Areas near the Linyanti and Kwando rivers
- Although drier in September, some standing water from winter floods can support mosquito breeding.
- Malaria is endemic year-round.
- Higher-risk areas in September:
- Coastal zones from Inhambane northwards (including Vilanculos, Beira, Quelimane, Nampula, and Pemba)
- Inland provinces like Tete, Zambézia, and Nampula.
- Transmission persists, particularly in:
- Lower elevation areas like the Zambezi Valley (including Lower Zambezi National Park)
- Lusaka, Eastern Province, and Northern regions
- Southern Zambia sees reduced risk, but precautions are still advised.
- Malaria-prone zones:
- Zambezi Valley (Mana Pools, Lake Kariba, Victoria Falls region)
- Eastern Highlands (Mutare, Nyanga, Chimanimani)
- Risk in September is generally low to moderate but varies with rainfall anomalies.
- Malaria is a year-round risk, especially in:
- Low-lying lakeshore areas (e.g., around Lake Malawi)
- Southern regions (Blantyre, Zomba)
- Malaria transmission in September is limited to a few northeastern areas, including:
- Lowveld of Limpopo Province (around Kruger National Park and bordering Mozambique)
- Mpumalanga Province (including Nkomazi and parts of Bushbuckridge)
- Far northern KwaZulu-Natal (e.g., Jozini, Ndumo, Tembe)
- Risk is low but not zero—especially near rivers and game parks.
- Malaria risk: Very limited and seasonal.
- In September, the country is still in the dry season, and transmission is minimal.
- The lowveld region, particularly near the Mozambican border (e.g., around Big Bend, Siteki, and Mhlume), may carry a very low risk.
- Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for short-term visitors, but bite prevention is still advised.
- No malaria risk.
- Due to its high elevation and temperate climate, Lesotho is malaria-free year-round, including September.
- No prophylaxis or special precautions are needed for malaria in Lesotho.
- Malaria is endemic throughout Angola, and transmission continues year-round.
- In September, the dry season is tapering off in many regions, but mosquito activity persists, especially in the north and northeast.
- Higher-risk areas include:
- Northern provinces such as Uíge, Zaire, Cabinda, Malanje, and Lunda Norte/Sul
- Urban centers like Luanda, Huambo, and Benguela also pose a risk
- Although the southern regions (e.g., Namibe, Cuando Cubango) are drier, localized risk still exists.
- Travellers to Angola should take full malaria precautions, including prophylaxis and mosquito bite avoidance.
Why September (still) matters for malaria awareness:
Although September falls within the dry season across much of Southern Africa, it marks the transition to warmer weather and pre-rainy season conditions. Here’s why it remains a critical month for malaria vigilance:
Lingering mosquito activity: In areas with year-round water sources, such as riverbanks, floodplains, and irrigated lands, mosquitoes can still breed.
Delayed effects: Infections contracted earlier in the season may still be diagnosed in September.
Spring travel surge: September is a popular time for safaris, making it a high-traffic month for visitors to malaria-prone parks and reserves.
Changing climate: Unseasonal rainfall in some areas can spur early mosquito breeding.
Malaria prevention tips for travellers:
If you're planning a trip to Southern Africa in September, particularly to any of the mentioned risk areas, malaria prevention is still essential. Follow these key tips:
- Use Prophylaxis When Recommended
- Antimalarial medications (e.g., Atovaquone-Proguanil, Doxycycline, Mefloquine) are strongly advised for high-risk zones.
- Always consult a travel health professional at least 4 - 6 weeks before your trip.
- Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets.
- Apply repellent with DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin.
- Wear long sleeves and trousers from dusk till dawn.
- Stay in accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning where possible.
- Plan Your Itinerary Wisely
- If possible, limit overnight stays in high-transmission zones.
- Opt for day visits to at-risk parks and return to low-risk areas in the evening.
- Know the Symptoms
- Malaria symptoms can appear 7–30 days after being bitten.
- Look out for fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
- Seek immediate medical help if symptoms develop - early diagnosis saves lives.
September offers spectacular safari experiences and pleasant weather across Southern Africa, but malaria remains a lurking threat in certain regions. With smart preparation and a few key precautions, you can enjoy your trip without unnecessary risk.
Stay informed. Stay protected. And don’t let malaria ruin your adventure.
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