We're planning a campervan trip in South Africa next April and May. We'll start in Cape Town in the second week on April and head north, spending some time in Kruger in early May before dashing back to Cape Town to return the campervan. My wife is concerned with both malaria and the possible side effects of anti-malaria medicine. Having read that Kruger is visited by over a million people a year, we're wondering how many tourists to Kruger have actually come down with the disease.
Of course statistics won't matter if we do contract it.
We would like to have opinions on whether to take the medicine, and if so, which medicine has the least side effects. We are seniors in good health, BTW.
Thanks!
Reply to this Kruger is a low risk malaria area. Always check with your Doctor. Or speak to a Doctor when in South Africa, on the way. The biggest mistake people make is, just because you have the tablets, does not mean you stop the other precations. Like cover up at sunset, spray the room, put on mozzi creams, etc. Enjoy your trip and have fun. <snip>
[Edited: 2011 Jul 21 08:28 - Jabe:6222 - No URL drops on forums, please.]
Reply to this I would recommend medications to prevent malaria for Kruger. While you are entering the time where there is less malaria, ,most travel medicine docs, including those in South Africa would recommend malaria medications for Kruger. I have worked in a hospital in Thohoyondou not to far from Kruger in the Venda region, and there was plenty of malaria. Agree with Make Track, other insect precautions are important as well. malarone, Doxycycline and Mefloquine are all effective for that part of the world, and each have tdifferent side effect profiles, dosing and costs. Have a great trip....it is an incredible place, and I was there for my 3rd time this past summer, Sofia's first.
Reply to this 
