November marks the start of the summer rainy season in much of Southern Africa, bringing warmer temperatures and increasing rainfall to many popular safari destinations. These conditions can favour mosquito breeding and increase the risk of malaria transmission in affected areas.
For travellers planning a November holiday, malaria precautions are particularly important when visiting Kruger National Park in South Africa, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Etosha National Park in Namibia, Victoria Falls, and safari destinations in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi. However, malaria risk varies considerably between countries and even between neighbouring regions.
This guide outlines the main malaria risk areas in Southern Africa in November 2026, explains what travellers should know about the seasonal change, and provides practical advice on prevention.
Malaria risk areas in Southern Africa
South Africa
Malaria risk in South Africa is concentrated in the north-east of the country. The main transmission season generally runs from September to May, making November part of the period when travellers need to take particular care.
The main risk areas include:
- Kruger National Park: Malaria is a consideration throughout the park, including its rest camps and surrounding areas.
- Mpumalanga: Malaria occurs in low-altitude areas, particularly in the Lowveld and areas bordering Mozambique and Eswatini.
- Limpopo: Risk is concentrated in low-lying areas, especially near the borders with Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
- KwaZulu-Natal: Parts of the far north-east, particularly the uMkhanyakude District, are malaria-risk areas. Other designated areas have lower risk.
There is no malaria risk in most of South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and the Garden Route. Travellers visiting Kruger National Park or other affected areas should seek individual advice about antimalarial medication before departure.
Mozambique
Malaria occurs throughout Mozambique, and travellers should take precautions regardless of whether they are visiting the coast, cities or rural areas.
Popular destinations requiring malaria awareness include Maputo and its surroundings, the beaches of southern Mozambique, Vilankulo, the Bazaruto Archipelago, Gorongosa National Park and the country's northern coastal regions.
November falls within the warmer, wetter part of the year, when conditions can favour mosquito activity. Travellers should discuss antimalarial medication with a travel-health professional and combine any prescribed medication with measures to prevent mosquito bites.
Zimbabwe
Malaria risk in Zimbabwe varies with altitude and location, with low-lying areas generally presenting the greatest concern.
Important risk areas include:
- Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Park
- Hwange National Park
- The Zambezi Valley, including Mana Pools and Lake Kariba
- Gonarezhou National Park and the south-eastern Lowveld
- Other low-altitude areas, particularly below approximately 1,200 metres
November marks the beginning of the higher-risk transmission season in many parts of the country. Travellers visiting Victoria Falls or going on safari should not assume that the risk is negligible simply because their stay is short.
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| This map was drawn with the help of an AI assistant (Claude) from the malaria-risk information we compiled. It’s a guide for orientation, not an official map. |
Zambia
Malaria is widespread in Zambia, including many of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Risk is generally higher in lower-altitude areas and during the rainy season.
Travellers should take particular care when visiting Livingstone and the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, the Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park and other low-lying safari areas.
November is an important month for malaria prevention as the rainy season gets underway in many regions. Antimalarial medication is generally recommended for travellers to Zambia, subject to individual medical assessment.
Botswana
Malaria risk in Botswana is strongly seasonal and varies geographically. The northern half of the country, including the Okavango Delta, becomes a higher-risk area during the rainy season.
Important destinations include:
- The Okavango Delta
- Moremi Game Reserve
- Chobe National Park
- The northern areas around the Okavango Panhandle
The higher-risk season generally runs from October to May. November therefore falls within the period when malaria prevention is particularly important for travellers visiting northern Botswana.
Risk is much lower in the southern half of the country, including much of the Kalahari and the areas around Gaborone. Nevertheless, the appropriate precautions depend on the exact itinerary, season and type of accommodation.
Namibia
Malaria risk in Namibia is concentrated in the north and north-east, but the affected regions and seasonal pattern vary.
The Kavango East, Kavango West and Zambezi regions, including the Caprivi Strip, are malaria-risk areas throughout the year. November travellers should also be aware of the seasonal risk in the northern regions, including areas around Etosha National Park.
The higher-risk season in parts of northern Namibia generally extends from December to April, but November is a useful time to prepare for the approaching rainy season. Travellers visiting northern Namibia should check the risk for their specific route rather than assuming that the entire country is malaria-free.
Most of southern and central Namibia, including Windhoek and the main areas of the Namib Desert, has a very low malaria risk.
Eswatini
Malaria risk in Eswatini is seasonal and concentrated in the north and east, particularly in areas bordering Mozambique and South Africa.
Risk areas include Lubombo District and parts of Hhohho, Manzini and Shiselweni districts. The risk period generally runs from November to May, so travellers visiting these regions should take additional care as the month begins.
Mbabane and its surrounding highland areas have no recognised malaria risk under current UK travel-health guidance, while much of the rest of the country has a very low risk. Travellers should confirm the recommendations for their specific destination.
Malawi
Malaria is a risk throughout Malawi, including around Lake Malawi and in popular national parks and wildlife reserves.
Travellers should take precautions when visiting Lilongwe, Blantyre, Lake Malawi, Liwonde National Park, Majete Wildlife Reserve and other rural or low-altitude destinations.
November brings the start of the rainy season in much of the country, making malaria prevention especially relevant. Antimalarial medication is generally recommended for travellers to Malawi, alongside consistent mosquito-bite prevention.
Lesotho
Lesotho is generally considered malaria-free. Its high altitude and cooler climate distinguish it from many neighbouring regions where malaria transmission occurs.
Travellers visiting Maseru, the Maloti Mountains and the country's highland areas do not normally need malaria tablets specifically for Lesotho. However, those combining a Lesotho visit with travel to malaria-risk areas in South Africa or elsewhere in Southern Africa should assess the full itinerary.
Angola
Malaria is a major health risk throughout Angola, including Luanda and other urban areas. Travellers should not assume that staying in a city eliminates the risk.
November falls within the rainy season in much of the country, when conditions can favour mosquito breeding. Antimalarial medication is generally recommended, with the choice depending on the traveller's medical history and itinerary.
Anyone planning a visit to Angola should arrange a travel-health consultation before departure and take precautions against mosquito bites throughout the trip.
Why November matters for malaria awareness
November is an important month for malaria prevention in Southern Africa because it coincides with the start of the rainy season in many parts of the region. Warmer weather and rainfall can create favourable conditions for mosquitoes, while the risk of transmission increases in several established malaria areas.
The seasonal change is particularly relevant for travellers planning to visit Kruger National Park, northern Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi and northern Namibia. In some destinations, November marks the beginning of a higher-risk period; elsewhere, malaria transmission occurs throughout the year.
However, rainfall alone does not determine whether malaria is present. Local altitude, temperature, mosquito populations and the effectiveness of malaria-control measures also influence transmission. A rainy month does not automatically mean that every destination has a high risk, just as dry weather does not guarantee protection.
Travellers should also remember that malaria is not limited to remote safari camps. Depending on the country and location, transmission can occur in rural communities, towns and urban areas.
The most important step is to check the current recommendations for every destination on your itinerary before departure. Advice may differ even within the same country, and the decision to take preventive medication depends on the destination, duration of travel, activities and individual medical circumstances.
Malaria prevention tips for travellers
Malaria is preventable, but no single precaution offers complete protection. Travellers visiting risk areas in November should combine mosquito-bite prevention with medical advice about antimalarial medication.
1. Arrange a travel-health consultation before departure
Speak to a travel-health professional several weeks before your trip, particularly if you are visiting multiple countries or remote safari destinations. They can assess your itinerary and advise whether prescription antimalarial medication is appropriate.
The choice of medication depends on factors such as the destination, medical history, other medicines, pregnancy and potential side effects. Do not rely on advice intended for a different country or assume that the same recommendation applies throughout Southern Africa.
2. Use an effective mosquito repellent
Apply an effective insect repellent containing DEET, icaridin (picaridin) or another recognised active ingredient, following the product instructions. Reapply it as directed, especially after sweating or swimming where applicable.
If you use sunscreen, apply it before the repellent.
3. Cover exposed skin, particularly in the evening
Malaria-transmitting Anopheles mosquitoes are generally most active between dusk and dawn. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and socks during these hours, especially when spending time outdoors at safari lodges, campsites or lakeside accommodation.
Lightweight clothing is often more comfortable in the region's warm November weather.
4. Choose accommodation with effective mosquito protection
Air-conditioned rooms and accommodation with intact window and door screens can reduce exposure. If you are staying in a tent or a room without adequate screening, use a properly fitted mosquito net, preferably one treated with insecticide.
Follow the accommodation's instructions for mosquito coils or other insect-control products, and do not use them in ways that could create a fire or inhalation hazard.
5. Take prescribed antimalarial medication correctly
If medication is recommended, follow the prescribed schedule before, during and after your trip. Different medicines require different starting and stopping times, so do not assume that all tablets are taken in the same way.
Antimalarial medication reduces the risk of illness but does not eliminate it. Continue to prevent mosquito bites even when taking tablets.
6. Know the symptoms and seek medical help promptly
Malaria symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. They can resemble flu or other common infections, and symptoms may not develop until after you have left the risk area.
Seek urgent medical assessment if you develop a fever during your trip or after returning home and have visited a malaria-risk area. Tell the healthcare professional where and when you travelled and explicitly mention the possibility of malaria.
Malaria can become life-threatening, particularly when caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe, and do not assume that you are protected because you took antimalarial medication. Malaria can occur months after exposure, so mention your travel history even if considerable time has passed.
Bottom line
November is the start of an important malaria-prevention period in many Southern African destinations. Check the risk for each stop on your itinerary, obtain individual medical advice where necessary, and combine any prescribed medication with consistent mosquito-bite prevention.
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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