I have heard that if we take Larium we can't dive due to the potential side effects. Can anyone suggest another type to take which is effective in Botswana? Quilalea Island is malaria free which is great.

Hi Georgie
It's true that you cannot take lariam when you plan to scuba diving, we ran into the same problem and decided to take malarone instead. There is some good infomation on DAN's south african website http://www.dansa.org/ under malaria

aurora

Georgie: I have taken malarone (was recommended) for my Botswana trips so you will not likely have any problem there.

Unfortunately I have not been to Quilalea -- that region is on my wish list -- but I did a lot of snorkeling in the Bazaruto Archapelago to the south and it was fabulous, on par with the best snorkeling I have ever done. I'm sure your diving will be outstanding as that area has a great reputation too.

Well Malarone it is once I have cleared it with my doctor. By the sound of it not many people have been to Quilalea. It could be there are only 9 chalets and it is not easy to get to and not cheap. I have read some great things about it and a few bad but that is quite normal. Quilalea have a special the first person pays $475UDS per night diving included and the second is half price.

Georgie: you are right, most people are still finding out about Mozambique which is exactly why I went there a couple of years ago. It is paradise and you will be ecstatic to go there while it is still being rediscovered. I think most people just are not looking for the island getaway when they go to Africa and those that do mostly go to Zanzibar. For a diver I think you are making a great choice. You probably have a better chance of finding some reviews by checking scuba boards then here. Please post a report here after your trip so there will be a reference in the future.

I'm curious why one can't take larium while diving. Can anyone fill me in as I'm going on a diving trip and am on the fence about taking malerone b/c it makes me nauseated.
Thanks