Malaria Risk in Etosha

It will be winter in Etosha at that time but there is a malaria risk in Etosha all year. It is very simple - get a prescription from your doctor for malaria prophylaxis, use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and trousers.

The easiest one to take would be malarone, as you only need to take it one day before and 7 days after you're in the malarial area, so less than 2 weeks in total. Some of the others you need to take for 4 weeks afterwards which is a bit of a pain.

I totally agree with Stokeygirl ; and don't forget that only one infected mosquito's bite is sufficient for malaria.
RR

just returned and spent time at all 3 camps. Okaukuejo and Halali were ok during the day, not a mozzie to be seen, but understandably a nightmare at sunrise and sunset. Namutoni was the worst, even during the day, more water around.

I was covered head to toe in clothes and all sorts of lotions and potions, and didn't get bitten. There were however, many people wandering around in more skin than clothes. I'm a bit paranoid about mozzies and always cover up anyway.

Don't let it pre-occupy you - cover up, use repellant, and take malarone.

Have a great time

First of all: I haven't been there yet.

It appears, that the recommendations have changed a bit from previous years. This: http://www.afro.who.int/malaria/country-profile/namibia.pdf says, that malaria transmission period is from January to April. The Finnish health service recommends prophylaxis in northern parts of Namibia from November to JUNE, but about a year ago it was from November to May. Prophylaxis is always recommended in Caprivi and along Kunene and Kavango rivers.

I've wondered if the floods might affect the malaria issue. Perhaps the transmission period lasts longer this year?

I'm travelling to Etosha in late July and early August and I'm not taking prophylaxis. I know, that the guidelines vary and I think many people on this forum will always recommend anti-malarial tables for Etosha, but according to some sources I consider reliable they aren't essential during the driest and coldest winter months.

just remembered. went on 3 hour night time game drive from Namutoni, leaving at 7pm, well after sunset. Went to the same waterholes we'd sat at during the day and there were a million times more mozzies. even the guide commented on how many more there were than normal. there's still a lot of water around, and there's still water even in the dry season

don't take the chance, take malarone whatever the season. its cheaper via on line pharmacies, paid about £72 for 34 tablets for 2 people. worth every penny, it only takes one of the little monkeys to get you.....................