August marks the heart of the dry season across much of Southern Africa. Cooler temperatures and lower humidity generally reduce mosquito activity in many regions, but malaria remains a year-round health risk in several popular safari and holiday destinations. Travellers should not assume that the dry winter months are malaria-free, especially when visiting low-lying areas, river valleys and tropical regions.
If you're planning a safari in the Kruger National Park, an Okavango Delta adventure, a Victoria Falls holiday or a beach escape to Mozambique, understanding the current malaria risk and taking appropriate precautions should form part of your travel planning.
Malaria risk areas in Southern Africa
Malaria transmission varies significantly across Southern Africa. While some countries have made substantial progress towards elimination, others continue to experience year-round transmission, particularly during and after the rainy season. Although August generally sees lower transmission than the summer months, the parasite remains present in many destinations.
South Africa
Malaria risk in South Africa is limited to the country's far north-east. Risk areas include:
- Kruger National Park
- The far north-eastern parts of Limpopo Province
- The lowveld areas of Mpumalanga
- Northern KwaZulu-Natal, including parts of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park region
Popular destinations such as Cape Town, the Garden Route, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, the Drakensberg and the Eastern Cape are malaria-free.
Mozambique
Much of Mozambique remains a malaria risk area throughout the year, with the highest transmission typically occurring during and after the rainy season.
Risk exists along virtually the entire coastline and inland regions, including:
- Maputo Province
- Inhambane
- Vilanculos
- Bazaruto Archipelago
- Beira
- Gorongosa National Park
- Quelimane
- Nampula
- Ilha de Moçambique
- Pemba
- Quirimbas Archipelago
- Niassa Reserve
Travellers should take malaria prevention seriously regardless of the season.
Zimbabwe
Malaria occurs mainly in Zimbabwe's lower-altitude areas.
Higher-risk destinations include:
Harare, Bulawayo and the Eastern Highlands generally have little or no malaria risk.
Zambia
Much of Zambia remains a malaria area, including:
- South Luangwa National Park
- Lower Zambezi National Park
- Kafue National Park
- Liuwa Plain National Park
- Kasanka National Park
- Bangweulu Wetlands
- Victoria Falls (Livingstone)
Transmission continues throughout the year, although mosquito numbers are usually lower during winter.
Botswana
Botswana's malaria risk is concentrated in the northern parts of the country.
Risk areas include:
- Okavango Delta
- Moremi Game Reserve
- Chobe National Park
- Savuti
- Linyanti
- The Panhandle
- Kasane
The Central Kalahari, Gaborone and much of southern Botswana are considered malaria-free.
Namibia
Malaria risk is seasonal and mainly confined to the north of Namibia.
Areas where precautions remain advisable include:
- Etosha National Park (particularly the northern sections)
- Caprivi (Zambezi Region)
- Kavango East and West
- Ruacana
- Mahango Game Reserve
- Bwabwata National Park
Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Sossusvlei and most of central and southern Namibia are malaria-free.
eSwatini
eSwatini has made significant progress towards malaria elimination.
A low seasonal risk remains in the far eastern Lowveld near the Mozambique border, while Mbabane, Ezulwini Valley and most tourist areas are regarded as malaria-free.
Malawi
Malaria occurs throughout much of Malawi, including:
- Lake Malawi
- Liwonde National Park
- Majete Wildlife Reserve
- Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
- Nyika National Park (lower surrounding areas)
- Blantyre
- Lilongwe
Preventive measures are recommended throughout the country.
Lesotho
Lesotho is malaria-free.
Angola
Malaria remains widespread across Angola, particularly outside the highland regions.
Popular destinations where precautions are recommended include:
- Luanda
- Kissama National Park
- Benguela
- Lobito
- Lubango (lower risk than coastal areas but precautions may still be advised depending on itinerary)
Travellers should seek destination-specific medical advice before departure.
Why August matters for malaria awareness
Although malaria transmission generally reaches its lowest levels during the Southern Hemisphere winter, the disease does not disappear. Mosquitoes remain active in warmer low-altitude areas, along major rivers and in tropical regions where temperatures stay suitable for transmission.
August is also an important month because many international visitors arrive during the excellent safari season. Cooler weather, sparse vegetation and outstanding wildlife viewing attract thousands of travellers to malaria-endemic national parks, including Kruger, Chobe, the Okavango Delta, South Luangwa and Victoria Falls.
Because mosquito numbers are often lower than in summer, travellers sometimes become less vigilant about preventive measures. However, even a single infected mosquito bite can transmit malaria.
Malaria remains a serious disease that can become life-threatening if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Early symptoms—including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue—may resemble influenza and can appear up to several weeks after returning home. Anyone developing flu-like symptoms after visiting a malaria area should seek medical attention immediately and mention their recent travel history.
Malaria prevention tips for travellers
The good news is that malaria is largely preventable with sensible precautions.
Before travelling:
- Consult your doctor or a travel medicine clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure if possible.
- Ask whether antimalarial medication is recommended for your itinerary.
- Ensure you understand how and when to take any prescribed medication.
While travelling:
- Apply an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535 to exposed skin.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and closed shoes after sunset.
- Sleep in air-conditioned rooms where available or under an insecticide-treated mosquito net.
- Keep doors and windows screened or closed during the evening.
- Consider treating clothing with permethrin where appropriate.
- Reduce outdoor exposure during dusk and dawn, when malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes are typically most active.
After returning home:
- Monitor your health for several weeks after travel.
- Seek urgent medical care if you develop fever, chills or flu-like symptoms.
- Always inform healthcare providers that you recently travelled to a malaria-risk area.
Final thoughts
August offers some of Southern Africa's finest safari conditions, with exceptional wildlife viewing, mild daytime temperatures and excellent road conditions across many destinations. While malaria risk is generally lower than during the rainy season, it remains an important health consideration in several of the region's most popular national parks and wilderness areas.
With appropriate preventive measures, awareness of your destination's malaria risk and prompt medical attention if symptoms develop, travellers can minimise their risk and enjoy a safe and memorable Southern African adventure.
Disclaimer: This article provides general travel health information and should not replace personalised medical advice. Malaria recommendations may vary according to your age, medical history, pregnancy status and specific itinerary. Consult your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist before travelling to malaria-endemic areas.
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