Malaria kills over 600,000 people every year — the vast majority in sub-Saharan Africa. If you're planning a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, visiting family in Nigeria or Ghana, or volunteering in Uganda or Ethiopia, malaria prevention is not optional. It's essential.
There is no malaria vaccine available in Canada. The only prevention is antimalarial medication combined with mosquito bite protection. Here's what you need to know.
How Malaria Works
Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. These mosquitoes bite primarily between dusk and dawn. One bite is all it takes. Symptoms can appear 7–30 days after being bitten — sometimes even after you've returned home to Calgary.
Early symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches — easily mistaken for the flu. Without treatment, malaria can progress to organ failure and death within days.
Antimalarial Medications We Prescribe
Our travel health pharmacist will prescribe the right antimalarial for your trip based on your destination, length of stay, health history, and preferences:
Malarone (Atovaquone-Proguanil) — The most popular choice. Take daily starting 1–2 days before entering the malaria zone, during your stay, and for 7 days after leaving. Well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
Doxycycline — An affordable daily alternative. Also provides some protection against bacterial infections. Can cause sun sensitivity — important to know for equatorial Africa. Start 1–2 days before, continue 28 days after.
Mefloquine — Taken weekly instead of daily, making it convenient for longer trips. Start 2–3 weeks before departure. Some people experience vivid dreams or anxiety — we'll discuss whether this option is right for you.
Mosquito Bite Prevention
Medication alone isn't enough. Combine it with:
- DEET-based insect repellent (minimum 20% concentration) applied to exposed skin at dusk
- Permethrin-treated clothing — spray your hiking pants, shirts, and socks before you travel
- Bed nets — sleep under a treated mosquito net, especially in rural accommodations
- Covering up at dusk and dawn — long sleeves, long pants, and closed shoes during peak mosquito hours
Which African Countries Require Malaria Prevention?
Malaria is present in most of sub-Saharan Africa, including popular destinations like Kenya, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), South Africa (northern regions including Kruger National Park), Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Madagascar.
Even if you're only visiting for a safari or a short business trip, antimalarial medication is strongly recommended.
Other Vaccines for Africa Travel
In addition to malaria prevention, most African destinations require or recommend: Yellow Fever (often mandatory for entry), Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Meningococcal (especially for West Africa), and routine vaccine updates. We cover all of this in your travel consultation.
Book Your Africa Travel Consultation
A 30-minute appointment at Imagine Health Pharmacy could save your life. We'll build a complete malaria prevention and vaccination plan tailored to your African itinerary.
📍 #4120 – 15 Sunpark Plaza SE, Calgary, AB T2X 0M5
📞 (403) 910-3990
🌐 Learn more about our Travel Health Clinic
Africa Destination Vaccine Guides
Each African destination has different malaria risk levels and vaccine requirements. View our country-specific guides:
- Kenya Travel Vaccines — Yellow fever required, high malaria risk, typhoid
- Tanzania Travel Vaccines — Yellow fever required, malaria (including safari areas), typhoid
- Rwanda Travel Vaccines — Yellow fever required, malaria, typhoid, meningitis
- Uganda Travel Vaccines — Yellow fever required, malaria, typhoid, rabies
- South Africa Travel Vaccines — Malaria in Kruger area, yellow fever if arriving from endemic country
- Botswana Travel Vaccines — Yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A
- Ghana Travel Vaccines — Yellow fever required, malaria, typhoid
- Ethiopia Travel Vaccines — Yellow fever required, malaria, typhoid, meningitis