March falls within the peak malaria season across much of Southern Africa. Warm temperatures, late-summer rainfall and lingering floodwater create ideal mosquito breeding conditions - making awareness and prevention essential for safari travellers, road trippers and regional explorers.
This guide explains where malaria risk is highest, why March is particularly important, and how travellers can protect themselves.
Malaria risk areas in Southern Africa
Malaria in Southern Africa is seasonal and geographically concentrated, mainly affecting warm, low-lying and humid regions near rivers, wetlands and floodplains.
South Africa
Malaria risk is limited to the far northeast of the country:
- Kruger National Park and surrounding private reserves
- Low-altitude areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga
- Northern KwaZulu-Natal lowveld
Risk is highest from October to May, placing March near the end of peak transmission season. The rest of South Africa - including Cape Town, Johannesburg and the Garden Route - is malaria-free.
Namibia
Seasonal malaria risk occurs mainly in the north and northeast, including key safari regions:
- Etosha National Park (particularly the northern and eastern areas and during the rainy season)
- Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip)
- Kavango East & West
- Kunene River areas
Transmission typically runs November to June, with some river regions carrying year-round risk.
Botswana
Risk is concentrated in northern Botswana, including:
- Okavango Delta
- Chobe National Park
- Ngamiland
Transmission generally occurs from November to May/June.
Mozambique
Mozambique is the region’s highest-risk destination, with malaria present year-round nationwide, particularly in coastal areas and rural provinces.
Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and eSwatini
Widespread seasonal transmission occurs in:
- Zambezi Valley and Victoria Falls region
- Lake Malawi region
- Low-lying rural areas below 1200m
March remains firmly within the high-risk window across these destinations.
Why March matters for malaria awareness
March sits at the tail end of the rainy season, when mosquito populations remain high and breeding sites are still active.
Peak mosquito activity continues
Warm late-summer temperatures accelerate mosquito and parasite development, while recent rainfall leaves abundant standing water. Malaria transmission typically peaks between January and March.
The impact of the January 2026 floods
Severe flooding across parts of Southern Africa in January 2026 has added an important new dimension to malaria risk for travellers.
Floodwaters leave behind extensive standing water - ideal mosquito breeding habitat - which can drive elevated malaria transmission for months after heavy rains end. This means malaria risk may remain higher than usual late into the summer travel season, particularly in northern safari regions and river systems.
For travellers visiting Southern Africa in March, this makes mosquito protection and travel health preparation more important than ever.
A popular travel month
March remains an excellent safari month with lush landscapes, dramatic skies and strong wildlife viewing. These same conditions, however, also support mosquito populations - making prevention especially important.
Malaria prevention tips for travellers
Malaria is preventable with the right preparation and precautions.
Get travel medical advice early
Consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to discuss whether malaria prophylaxis is recommended for your itinerary.
Take prophylaxis if advised
Medication is commonly recommended for higher-risk regions such as Kruger National Park, northern Namibia and Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and eSwatini. Follow the full course exactly as prescribed.
Prevent mosquito bites
Malaria mosquitoes bite mainly from dusk to dawn.
Use repellent (DEET, picaridin or IR3535), wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening, and sleep under mosquito nets where provided.
Choose mosquito-aware accommodation
Many safari lodges use screens, bed nets and spraying to reduce exposure.
Know the symptoms
Seek medical care urgently if you develop fever, chills, headache or flu-like symptoms during or after travel. Malaria can appear weeks after your trip.
Final thoughts
March is a fantastic time to explore Southern Africa - with lush scenery, vibrant wildlife and excellent safari conditions. However, it also falls within the peak malaria risk period, especially following the widespread floods of January 2026 that boosted mosquito breeding across the region.
With proper planning, preventative medication when advised and consistent bite-avoidance measures, travellers can explore Southern Africa safely and confidently.
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