Insect Repellent
 

I will be in Zambia and Zimbabwe in spring and understand insect repellent is a must. Interested in suggestions for what type to buy. I've used Aerosol spray in the past on trips to Mexico, that contained DEET. That was a number of years ago and I'm sure new products have come on the market. Thanks in advance for your help.

DEET-containing products are still the most popular. You don't need more than 30%. Alternatively, there are products that contain Citriodiol, a naturally occurring extract of lemon eucalyptus oil. Citridiol has a better toxicity profile. Depending on where you are, the products include Mosi-guard or Repel Lemon Eucalyptus.

Thank you. Good information.

Hi Gio! (Diane W here) We have just used what we use at home. The first safari trip we took we overpacked, and got something at REI. Turned out the lodges/camps where we stayed provided repellent. The last trip (2012) we did fine with both sunscreen and repellents that we use at home.

I brought repellent with DEET as well as an ExOfficio shirt to a South African safari. The shirt had repellent "built in" (for lack of a better word). It worked wonderfully- not one bite!