Most of Namibia's popular tourist route is malaria-free. In the north of the country malaria does occur, and simple, proven measures protect you there. For the risk map by region and what official sources say, see Malaria in Namibia: risk regions. This guide covers practice: how to protect yourself.
Where there is risk and where there is not
According to the CDC, malaria occurs in the regions of Kavango (East and West), Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa and Zambezi. Windhoek is malaria-free. The main routes (Windhoek, Sossusvlei, the coast, Swakopmund, Fish River Canyon) run outside risk areas.
Etosha National Park lies in the northern regions, so prepare for it in advance. The Zambezi (Caprivi) strip and the north (Kunene, Kavango) carry higher risk.
Season
Risk is higher in the rainy season, roughly November to June. In the dry months (July–October) there are fewer mosquitoes and lower risk. Check exact months and areas with a travel-medicine doctor before departure.
Protective measures
Clothing
- cover arms and legs in the evening and at night: light, light-coloured long sleeves and trousers;
- treat clothing with permethrin as directed.
Repellents
- use a repellent with DEET (20–50%) or picaridin on exposed skin;
- apply before sunset and reapply as the label directs;
- local repellents are widely sold in Namibia.
Where you sleep
- choose rooms with window screens, air conditioning or a bed net;
- check the room for mosquitoes before bed;
- coils and vapourisers add to a net but do not replace it.
Daily rhythm
- malaria mosquitoes are active from dusk to dawn, the key time for protection;
- evenings by the campfire or waterhole call for repellent and covered skin.
Tablets (prophylaxis)
For risk regions the CDC lists atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine (tafenoquine requires G6PD screening first). Outside risk regions tablets are not recommended; mosquito protection is enough.
Which drug suits you is a doctor's decision, based on your age, health, other medication and route. See a doctor at least 4–6 weeks before departure: some drugs start before you enter a risk area.
Symptoms
Early signs resemble flu: fever, chills, headache, weakness, muscle pain. They can appear a week after the trip or later, up to several months. If you have a fever during or after travel, see a doctor and mention that you visited Namibia.
How we plan routes
We choose route and season with risk areas in mind and tell you where protection matters. If you are heading north, we discuss the measures in advance at the first free consultation.
This material is provided for reference. Medication advice comes from your doctor.