Malaria & Safety – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip lives in South Africa and is the author many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt and Insight guide to South Africa.

Philip lives in South Africa and is the author many Africa guidebooks, including the Bradt and Insight guide to South Africa.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including the Bradt and Insight guides to South Africa.

Philip is the author of the Bradt and Insight guides to South Africa.

Safety

Parks and reserves, in our opinion, are always a very safe place to be in South Africa and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is no exception. Because of the entry fee payable and rules of conduct within the park, this isn’t a place for criminals to spend their time. It is still possible for theft to occur in lodges or hotels within the park, but other crime, violent crime in particular, is basically non-existent.

Big Cites

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is rarely a singular destination and is usually part of a tour around the country. Your access point is most likely a city like Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban and safety precautions need to be taken against city-related crime, including carjackings if you are driving yourself. See the links below for more information.

Malaria & Vaccinations

There is a very small risk of contracting malaria in the wet summer months from September to May in parts of South Africa. Until recently, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi was included in this region, and it was recommended to take antimalarial medication when visiting the park. Based on new research, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is now located in a low-risk zone, and antimalarials are no longer considered necessary. It is still advisable to cover up and use mosquito repellent (with at least 30% DEET) in the evenings during those wet months. In addition, several vaccinations are needed before travel to South Africa, in general, and to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing always brings certain safety risks, but you’ll be fine if you listen to the instructions given by your guide and take notice of the 'wildlife viewing safety precautions' below.

Further advice on limiting dangers and annoyances when traveling:

Want to Visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR?