Hi Debbie, thanks for the info and looking forward to meeting you in Sept. I think it's only the 100% DEET that dissolves clothes, sandals etc so I'm hoping we'll be ok with the 50%!! I've also got a supply of the anit-mossie wristbands which last for 5 days at a time and are supposed to be very effective. On another thread someone said that the natural alternatives aren't so effective and a bit of googling seems to confirm that. Can't wait til we arrive in Cape Town!!

Hi Bob,

I too am going to South Africa in Sept. I have opted for the MALARONE anti malaria tablets as though expensive have been side effect free for me in the past. You only need to take them 2 days before entering a malaria zone and a week after leaving. I am not doing the add on and have 14 days supply of malarone. Looking around I have found Sainsburys in store, Lloyds pharmacy (online) and apparently Superdrug (larger stores with a pharmacy) though I couldnt locate the latter are looking competitive with pricing. About £38.00 for 14 tablets. Check with your GP.

I too am worried about Deet as have very sensitive skin. I have been reading stories online of sandals dissolving and watch straps when in contact with Deet !!!!(not sure what percentage). I will take some Deet 50% but am looking at natural products. Some studies online suggest there are good alternatives. Lemon Ecalyptus oil is highly rated as one possibility. A friend has recommended Neals Yard anti mozzie spray as effective. Also a Vitamin B complex was recommended by my GP.

Hope this helps.

Debbie

Hi everyone, thanks a million for all your useful advice, I've printed it all out so I don't forget any of it! First time going to a tropical climate, so I'm very excited and a little nervous!

Hi Bob :)

Im about to book for kenya, so malaria is high over there aswell.

my doctor said dosent matter how much you cover up they will still bite through tshirts, jeans, shorts if they want to,

so why feel hot and uncomfortable when your going to get biten anyway right 🙂

the wrist bands will help along with creams and repelent sprays ect but also look into getting malaria tablets from your doctor normally around £30 for upto 3 week course that will help, if you do get biten its less the chance of you getting malaria 🙂

hope this helps Chloe x

Hi Bob,

I hope you dont mind my advice as well. I have been to the Victoria falls in September. You will love it and make sure that if you get a chance to swim in the devils pool (at the top of the falls) that you take it - amazing experience.

As for marmite - yep have heard this too, or b vitamin tablets as the mosis hate the yeasty smell.

I opted for insect repelllant with DEET which I applied before dusk and when anywhere near water and also aftersun (I think boots soltan) that has anti mosi in it. I am very juicy and dont remember getting bitten too badly. You can also get pens to apply to the bites to stop the sting.

In terms of anti malarials I took some one a day tablets - I cant remember the name now but they were fab - no sdie effects at all. They are only available on a private prescription and although expensive to know there are no side effects is fab.

I wore long trousers, socks and trainers and just applied repellant to the juicy ankles and any exposed areas.

Are you staying Zambia side or Zimbabwe side?

Hope you have a fantastic time - am very jealous.

If you need any more advice please ask.

Heather

Hi Bob,

I believe that mosquitos are usually more active at dawn and dusk. Wearing t-shirts, shorts and sandals with repellant and your wrist bands should be okay during the day. When I did the South Africa trip, I only wore long trousers and shoes in the evening. I used a lot of the DEET spray and I didn't have any reaction.No matter how much protection you use, you will probably get a bite or two so take some anti-sting cream/spray.

Regds

Jim

Hi Bob,

I use a tropical strength spray if I'm away in a mozzie environment and I'll take anti-malaria tablets if its recommended. I know it's sensible to cover up from head to toe in clothing but I never have; I just go with flip flops, shorts and T shirts.

Julian.

Many thanks for the advice Olly, much appreciated!!

Another thing the say / or a myth is drink tonic water, as that has quinine in it.

Cindy

Hi Bob

I think it's fair to say that the more you cover up, the less likely you are to be bitten. But it may be best to try both approaches while you are away and see which works best for you. Personally, I would go for shorts and a regular spray of insect repellent - or sun cream with an added insect repellent.

I remember reading a few years ago that eating Marmite was a good way to keep mosquitoes at bay as they don't like the taste of vitamin B, but this may be a myth!

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor