We are visiting South Africa, Zambia and maybe Botswana in November, and mosquitoes just love my skin. Have you any recommendations to prevent being bitten? Christine Winnard, Oldham

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: It's true that some people get bitten more than others, and while research continues as to why, you'll have to arm yourself with the right anti-mossie arsenal. Of course, this is as well as malaria prophylactics, prescribed by a doctor.

The good news is that there are fewer mosquitoes in the dry season, which in southern Africa generally runs from October to December. You should still pack plenty of repellent, and most important, use it frequently. It'll be hot and humid, and you'll be active, and mixed with sweat, repellent quickly become pretty useless. You shouldn't apply it and then leave your lodge for the evening, without taking some spray with you ­ even to apply every hour or so if it's very hot.

In areas with malaria, opt for a repellent that is at least 50 per cent Deet, and go a step further by treating your clothes with an insecticide called Bugproof (about £6.50 per bottle). Along with repellent, Bugproof is available from Nomad or Cotswold Outdoor stores, or via the internet.

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