uMkhuze Game Reserve
Malaria & Safety
South Africa Parks
Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.
Safety
In our opinion, South African parks and reserves are very safe places to be, including uMkhuze Game Reserve. uMkhuze is rarely visited as a destination in its own right. It is usually part of a larger tour of the country. There is some crime in towns and cities, so normal precautions should be taken when visiting urban centers during your trip. See ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ below for more info. The chance of any crime-related incident happening to you is minimal.
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. uMkhuze is located in a low-risk area, and antimalarials are not considered necessary. It is still wise to cover up and use mosquito repellent (those containing DEET are most effective) in the evenings during those wet months. In addition, several vaccinations are advisable when traveling to South Africa in general (consult your local healthcare professional).
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is very safe as long as you stick to the park’s rules and follow your guide’s instructions. Incidents with wild animals are extremely rare. However, taking time to read the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below might be useful.