17 Oct Malaria Free Accommodation
Ensure Malaria-Free Accommodation for a Safe Bushveld Experience
It is an alarming fact that the female anopheles mosquito is responsible for more human deaths than great white sharks, man-eating tigers, rogue elephants and all the alpha predators, plus venomous snakes, scorpions and poisonous spiders, put together. It is estimated that up to 550 million people may have contracted malaria in 2010 alone, and that as many as 1.24 million of those may have died. Such figures should certainly spur most people to give some serious thought to finding malaria-free accommodation when planning a bushveld adventure. In fact, this could prove to be a far more effective precaution than simply taking a chance on one of the, frequently unreliable, prophylactics recommended by a pharmacist or family doctor.
Mosquitoes multiply rapidly and the result is that strains resistant to several anti-malarial medications have emerged over the years. However, although most of the African continent is home to these flying insects, it is fortunate that not all of them are infected with the potentially deadly plasmodium parasite and that their bite, therefore, results in no more than an annoying itch.
A great deal of progress has been made in efforts by the WHO in cooperation with governments to eliminate these winged carriers by spraying their breeding habitats in order to destroy their larvae. The result is that many of the previously affected regions are now malaria free and, as such, have been seen as ideal locations in which to establish the accommodation required by the many visitors who are keen to experience the country’s wildlife in its natural surroundings.
The north-easterly region of South Africa is made up of the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Between them, they share the vast, world-famous wildlife reserve known as the Kruger National Park. Although the many other game parks and reserves of Limpopo may be less impressive in terms of their size, the array of flora and fauna that they nurture has seen them become favoured getaway destinations for locals, and a “must see” for a growing number of overseas visitors.
Set in the heart of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that straddles the province, is the magnificent Welgevonden Game Reserve. Teaming with indigenous wildlife, including every one of Africa’s iconic Big Five, this malaria-free region also offers the traveller accommodation that is fit for a king.
At Fifty Seven Waterberg, experienced local guides will help you explore the region’s beauty and experience its wildlife. When the day is done, a spacious room, exquisitely furnished, and with its own patio combine comfort with privacy, while a pool offers the chance to cool off before enjoying a starlit meal from the boma.