Is There Malaria in Namibia?

Look at any travel article about planning a trip in Sub-Saharan Africa, and malaria is a word that will often come up.

Each year, the area, which includes Namibia, reports the majority of the world’s malaria cases. 

Yet unlike many of its neighbours, Namibia has mostly managed to keep the disease, which is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, at bay.

A couple of decades ago, Namibia set a goal to eliminate malaria by 2023. The government has since had to adjust its date to 2027, but it has made huge strides in achieving its goal.

To give you an idea, when someone asked “Is there malaria in Namibia?” in 2001, the answer would have been yes, and out of a population of less than 2 million people, an almost unbelievable 735 510 cases were reported.

And if you were to ask that same question in 2021, the answer would still have been yes, but with only 13 738 cases reported (and of these, only 14 cases were fatal), the instances of malaria are so rare that it’s really not the concern that it once was.

If you travel mostly in the central, coastal and southern regions of Namibia, you are at nearly no risk at all of encountering the mozzie that can make you ill.

Malaria needs hot and humid conditions to survive and spread, and those conditions are only found in the north and north-east of the country.

As much as 96% of the most recent cases of malaria have been in these areas.

But since you asked, “Is there malaria in Namibia?” we’re going to give you all the information you need on the topic.

How Likely is it to Get Malaria on a Safari?

When asking “Is there malaria in Namibia?” it’s natural to picture yourself on a safari, surrounded by the hypnotic sights and sounds of the African bush, wondering if such an incredible experience comes with a health risk. 

The truth is that the malaria risk in Namibia exists, but it is very location-specific. 

Northern and north-eastern regions of the country, particularly near the Caprivi Strip and Kavango areas, carry the highest risk. 

Luxury travellers who plan carefully, take preventive measures, and try to stay indoors during the hours when mosquito activity peaks can dramatically reduce their likelihood of contracting malaria. 

It’s really all about being sensible and making sure that you don’t give the mosquitoes the smorgasbord they are looking for, especially if you are out and about during the early morning and early evening (around about the time you’d go on safari).

Are Safaris in Namibia Safe?

Yes, safaris in Namibia are considered very safe, including from a health perspective. 

Malaria risk in Namibia is highest only in certain zones, and only during certain times of the year, meaning most of the country is virtually malaria-free and more than safe to travel through with minimal protection.

Safari operators are also highly attentive to guest well-being, and while on board the safari vehicle, if you are going on a guided game drive, they’ll often provide insect-repellent amenities.

Most lodges are also aware of the slight risk of malaria, as well as the nuisance that mosquitoes are when one is trying to sleep. As such, rooms have screens on windows as well as nets to cover beds.

Lodge staff can also give you guidance on which mosquito-prone areas you should stay away from. 

Do I need Malaria Pills in Namibia?

Whether you need malaria pills in Namibia depends on your itinerary, your health and your personal preferences.

If you are intending to travel to known malaria areas in Namibia, such as the Caprivi or Kavango regions, taking a prophylactic medication is always the best way to go.

Should you only be travelling in low-risk areas, such as Windhoek, Sossusvlei, or the Skeleton Coast, pills may not be necessary, but you might feel more comfortable taking them anyway, just as a precaution, if you are travelling during a time of year when you might be exposed. 

As with any medical requirements, it is always best to go to a travel clinic before your Namibia tour. 

This way, now that you have the answer to the question “Is there malaria in Namibia?”, you’ll have peace of mind, and you won’t have to worry about health issues arising during or after your travels.

Where is it Malaria Free in Namibia?

Much of central and southern Namibia, including popular destinations like Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, and the Namib Desert, is considered malaria-free. 

Visitors to these areas can enjoy crisp desert air and the numerous stunning landscapes, all without too much concern for mosquito-borne illnesses. 

Even further up north, if you are staying in one of the many high-end lodges with proper mosquito control, your exposure to the illness will be drastically reduced. 

When planning your visit, and especially if you are booking your Namibia safari through a travel company, you can always ask “Is there malaria in Namibia?” where you intend to go.

How Bad is Malaria in Namibia?

You’ve asked, “Is there malaria in Namibia?”And we’ve told you that there is a risk. 

So your next question, we’ll take a guess here, is probably “How bad is it?”

The answer is that it is not bad at all, especially when compared to countries like Mozambique or Zambia. 

Cases are concentrated in the far north during the wet season, and the risk diminishes dramatically, with malaria almost disappearing, during the dry winter months. 

While malaria in Namibia should not be ignored, modern preventive measures, like using repellents, wearing appropriate clothing, and, if necessary, taking prophylactic medication, make the disease far less threatening for well-prepared travellers.

Which Month is the Malaria Season?

Malaria season in Namibia usually spans from November through May, which is the country’s rainy summer season.

Peak risk often occurs between February and April, when, after the seasonal rains, stagnant water creates the ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. 

If you are visiting outside of these months, you’ll have minimal risk, which makes late winter and early spring (the dry season) an ideal time for malaria-free experiences in most of the country.

It also just so happens that the dry season is also the best time of year to have a wildlife safari. 

The lack of rain forces wildlife to congregate at the last remaining waterholes, giving travellers like you the opportunity to see all sorts of animals.

What Injections do I need for Namibia?

Travel health clinics commonly recommend routine vaccinations for visitors to Namibia, including shots for tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and hepatitis A and B. 

While there is no vaccine for malaria, preventative measures such as prophylaxis, insect repellents, and protective clothing are essential if you intend to travel in high-risk areas during the malaria season. 

What is the Biggest Problem in Namibia?

“Is there malaria in Namibia?” is far from being the greatest concern for most travellers, since malaria is only a slight risk in specific northern regions. 

The biggest problem in Namibia, for travellers, often stems from dehydration and sun exposure, particularly in desert regions like Sossusvlei. 

The direct sun, even in winter, can be quite brutal, and travellers are always advised to dress for the sun, and to keep hydrated, even if they don’t feel particularly thirsty.

Why Can’t You Wear Black on a Safari?

Wearing black is discouraged on safari, not because of malaria directly, but because dark colours attract tsetse flies and, sometimes, mosquitoes. 

In high-risk malaria areas in Namibia, wearing light-coloured, breathable clothing can significantly reduce mosquito bites, which in turn will help prevent malaria.

Lighter coloured clothing will also keep you comfortable in the sun.

Which Safaris are Malaria Free?

Safaris in central and southern Namibia, including private concessions in the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, and coastal areas in and around near Swakopmund, are malaria free.

In fact, the World Health Organisation says that there’s no danger the further south you travel.

You might also be surprised to learn that the most popular safari destination in the country, Etosha National Park, is also considered a low-risk place. 

Khaudum is also safe to travel through without too much worry about contracting malaria.

What is One of the First Signs of Malaria?

The reason why malaria can be a very troubling illness is that doctors who are not familiar with the disease can have trouble diagnosing it.

Often, the first symptoms, such as fever, chills, headache, and fatigue, can be attributed to most other illnesses, and they appear seven days, several weeks, or sometimes as long as a month after being bitten by an infected mosquito. 

This can make diagnosis tricky, and it’s also why, should you have been travelling through a malaria area, you need to tell your doctor where you’ve been the moment you begin to feel unwell.

Prevention is certainly better than a cure, but an early diagnosis can save your life.

Is there malaria in Namibia?

Yes, there is, but with careful planning and the right precautions, a Namibian safari can be an extraordinary, worry-free experience.