I’m taking my husband to Namibia and Madikwe for his 60th B-day from Nov 19-Dec 10. I know there’s just a few areas in our itinerary in northern Namibia, where malaria can be a problem. As this is the rainy season, I’m a bit concerned. Would you take the pills for just those five days (are there more days here)? That means at least 14 pills!

This is our itinerary:

19 Nov --- Depart Seattle
20 Nov --- Arrive JNB
21 Nov --- Fly to Windhoek, Olive Grove Guest House
22, 23 Nov --- Fly Windhoek/Kulala - 2 nights at Kulala Desert Lodge
24 Nov --- Fly Kulala/Swakopmund – Stiltz Camp
25, 26 Nov --- Fly Swakopmund/Damaraland – 2 nights at Damaraland Camp.
27, 28 Nov --- Fly Damaraland/Serra Cafema – 2 nights at Serra Cafema (malaria area)
29, 30 Nov --- Fly Serra Cafema/Ongava – 2 nights at Ongava Tented Camp (malaria area)
01 Dec --- Road transfer to Little Ongava for one night (malaria area)
02, 03 Dec --- Fly Ongava/Okonjima – 2 nights at Okonjima Main Camp
04 Dec --- Fly Okonjima/Windhoek – overnight at Hotel Heinitzburg
05 Dec, 6-7 --- Fly to JNB, drive to Madikwe 3 nights at Jaci’s Tree Lodge
08-09 Dec --- Jaci’s Safari Lodge, Madikwe
10 Dec --- Transfer to JNB, fly home

Namibia is mostly DESERT and therefore no risk. For Etosha the risk is very low but can increase as soon as the rain sets in.

Madikwe again is malaria free.

Maybe Malarone for the couple of days in Etosha area if that means a relief to your nerves. But Malarone or any other prophylaxis doesn't mean you are SAFE! Long sleeves and pants and some peaceful sleep are much better as it prevents any stings.

Happy Travels.

SV

What a nice 60th gift! Sounds like you're talking about malarone, which indeed would be 14 pills: 2 days before, 5 days in malarial areas, 7 days after. I'm unsure about Damaraland, which is stated to be a low risk area (not sure if it's low risk, no meds or low risk, but take meds). I was just there in August, dry as a bone, but still lots of mosquitos at night and morning (though I can't recall being bitten); so I think making sure you take meds is essential.

Best of luck, Steve

safarimama,

Fabulous gift! Have a terrific time.

Have you consulted with your local health department? quite frankly, at age 56, I know that I wouldn't want to take the risk of malaria...just my (uninformed) opinion.

anita

Likewise (at any age) I wouldn't take the chance of being bitten. And, though areas might be low-risk, doesn't necessarily mean no-risk; once the rains come, the mossies breed. I'd take the tabs as prescribed, 2/days prior, while in the infected area and 7/days after leaving the area.

You should be fine at Madikwe as is is malaria free.

Still, from dusk to dawn, the clothing precautions - long pants, sock, long sleeve shirts and repellent on exposed skin (not on face or back of neck). Do wash off before retiring and sleep under mossie nets where provided.

Malaria is a nasty disease and a killer.

sandi
Is there a reason you stress "not ........on back of neck"?

Thx for info.

SV

SV -
Same reason as not on face. If using chemical (i.e., Deet) repellent, the fumes are toxic!

OK,
This is good advise. We'll take those darn pink pills again. Better safe than sorry. As they say: "Those who take the pills generally don't get malaria, those who don't, do".