March 5: We used to visit Africa regularly but stopped ten years ago because we found that antimalarial tablets did not agree with us. Where can we go that is non-malarial? Keith Stephens, via e-mail

Chloe Bryan-Brown writes: You might have better tolerance of recently developed antimalarials such as Malarone, which many travellers say is easier to take than other brands.

It can be obtained from your GP or a specialist travel clinic for a fee. A spokeswoman for the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) said: “While all tablets can have side-effects, there is a lot more choice now.” She added that you should first consult a doctor.

A useful website, www.malariahotspots.co.uk, gives travel health advice and information.

If you would rather not risk taking antimalarials at all, the South African Cape is a popular non-malarial winter sun destination. Chris McIntyre, of Sunvil Africa, described it as “a kind of Europe in Africa, ideal for a self-drive trip”.

He also suggested the southwest corner of Botswana or southern Namibia, but emphasised that you can never be sure about malaria, as mosquitoes do not respect borders.

March 12: We read last week’s item about malaria and Africa with interest. We have holidayed in South Africa for the past 20 years or so without taking mozzie pills, other than for the Kruger National Park. You rightly say that the Cape is free of malarial mosquitos, but so are the northern Drakensburgs, in the Mpulanga and Limpopo provinces. Mary Hayes, via e-mail

From the archive: I would like to go on safari in Africa but do not want to take Lariam. Can I take other medication, or can you suggest anywhere that is not malarious? P Grace, Sunderland

Susan D'Arcy writes: Most doctors do recommend Lariam (mefloquine) as their first choice of medication for Africa, although it can have side effects such as insomnia, headaches, mood swings and psychosis. However, there are other possibilities, including Malarone and doxycycline. Don’t be tempted to buy over-the-counter anti-malarial tablets without guidance, though. The latest figures show that in 2002 nine people in the UK died from malaria contracted in Africa, of which six had not taken any anti-malarial drugs, and three had used the wrong type for their destination. There is no short cut: you should consult a health professional for the most up-to-date advice.

If you prefer to steer clear altogether, you can find a map of malaria-free areas of Africa on the website www.malariahotspots.co.uk. For example, in South Africa, the danger areas are limited to pockets in the northern and eastern regions. Sadly, this includes the country’s most famous safari centre, Kruger National Park. However, many of the game reserves within easy reach of Cape Town are clear of the disease.

The risk of malaria can also vary within a country, so it is worth discussing appropriate precautions with your doctor. Kenya, for example, is malarious but Nairobi and the highlands are at 2,500 metres, where the likelihood of being bitten by a malarious mosquito is much lower.

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