Africa Travel Tips

If you're travelling to a malaria area, you'll need to take the following precautions:

• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Recommended repellents contain 20-35% DEET, and there are a number of brands on the market.
• As soon as the sun sets change into long-sleeved clothing and long pants if you're outdoors.
• Use a mosquito net if your tent or room isn't screened or air-conditioned; and spray insecticide or burn a mosquito coil before going to bed.
• Take the malaria tablets recommended for the region you're travelling to, and keep taking them until the course is complete.
• If you're planning on scuba diving in a malaria area notify your doctor as this will determine which anti-malaria tablets are prescribed.

The British Airways Travel Clinics provide a comprehensive malaria avoidance programme. You can contact them in Johannesburg at +27 11 807 3132, and in Cape Town at +27 21 419 3172. You can also visit www.malaria.org.za.

If you come down with flu-like symptoms either during or within four to six weeks after your visit to a malaria area, seek a doctor's advice immediately and let him know that you've been in a malaria area.

South Africa is only place in the world where you can enjoy a malaria free safari holiday.