What Malaria Tablet Suits My Destination?

Top Travel Destinations That Require Malaria Tablets

Planning a trip abroad? Whether it’s a luxury safari in Africa or a backpacking adventure across Southeast Asia, protecting your health is just as important as booking your flights. One of the most vital steps in travel preparation is ensuring you’re protected against malaria – a serious and potentially fatal disease transmitted through mosquito bites.

At Cheltenham Travel Clinic, we regularly support patients preparing for travel to destinations where a malaria tablet course is strongly advised. Here are some of the most popular destinations where you’ll need to consider malaria prevention, along with tips to help you stay safe and healthy while abroad.

1. Kenya and Tanzania

Home to some of the world’s most iconic safari landscapes, Kenya and Tanzania attract thousands of visitors each year. However, both countries have high malaria transmission rates, especially in rural areas and game reserves.

What you’ll need:

A full course of malaria tablets, such as Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine, depending on your health profile and travel plans. It’s essential to begin taking your medication before you arrive and to continue it after leaving the area, following your clinician’s instructions.

Top tip:

Insect repellent with at least 50% DEET and long-sleeved clothing are crucial alongside tablets to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

2. India

India is a vast and diverse country, and malaria risk varies depending on where you’re going. While urban areas such as Delhi and Mumbai may pose lower risk, many rural regions – particularly in the northeast, Orissa, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands – require precautions.

What you’ll need:

Malaria prevention is recommended for many parts of India. A consultation at our clinic will determine whether a malaria tablet is necessary based on your itinerary and length of stay.

Top tip:

Consider timing your visit during the cooler months (October to March) when mosquito activity tends to be lower.

3. Nigeria and Ghana

Travellers visiting friends and family or doing business in West Africa should be particularly cautious. Countries like Nigeria and Ghana have some of the highest malaria transmission rates in the world.

What you’ll need:

Malaria tablets are essential. If you’re travelling for an extended period, Doxycycline might be more suitable due to its affordability and longer-term usage profile, but other options are available too.

Top tip:

Local immunity is not the same as personal immunity. Even if you’ve travelled to these regions before or were born there, you may still need a full malaria prevention plan.

4. Cambodia and Laos

Backpacking through Southeast Asia has become a rite of passage for many UK travellers. While Thailand’s main tourist areas are relatively low-risk, neighbouring Cambodia and Laos have higher malaria rates in forested and rural regions.

What you’ll need:

Depending on your travel style and accommodation choices, you may be advised to take malaria tablets for part or all of your journey through these countries.

Top tip:

Bring a mosquito net treated with permethrin if you’re staying in remote or rustic locations.

5. Papua New Guinea

Known for its rich biodiversity and stunning remote landscapes, Papua New Guinea is a unique destination – but also one with a high risk of malaria throughout most of the country.

What you’ll need:

A full course of malaria tablets is strongly recommended. As healthcare access may be limited in remote areas, prevention is critical.

Top tip:

Avoid swimming in stagnant water, where mosquitoes tend to breed, and reapply insect repellent after sweating or swimming.

6. Amazon Basin (Brazil, Peru, Colombia)

The Amazon is a bucket list destination for many, offering eco-tours and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences. However, large parts of the rainforest region are considered high risk for malaria.

What you’ll need:

Malaria tablets are usually recommended, particularly if you’re spending time outside of urban areas or on river expeditions.

Top tip:

Wear light-coloured clothing, as dark colours attract mosquitoes more readily.

How Cheltenham Travel Clinic Can Help

Every traveller’s needs are different. That’s why we offer tailored travel consultations to ensure you’re equipped with the right medication, vaccines, and advice. If you’re travelling to a region where malaria is present, we’ll assess your risk and recommend the best malaria tablet for your journey.

We also provide:

Prescriptions for antimalarials and other travel medicines
Vaccinations required for your destination
Travel health advice specific to your itinerary and duration of stay

Don’t Let Malaria Ruin Your Trip

By taking the correct precautions – including the right malaria tablet – and preparing in advance, you can focus on enjoying your travels without the worry of mosquito-borne illness.

Book your travel health consultation at Cheltenham Travel Clinic today and travel with peace of mind.