There is nothing more irritating on safari than having a mosquito buzzing around your head while you are trying to sleep. Mosquito netting not only keeps them away so that you can get a peaceful nights sleep but also protects you from the threat of malaria.
They should be used in conjunction with mosquito repellents and anti malaria tablets to form an effective deterrent against the insects on safari.
Most safari companies do have mosquito nets installed in the accommodation they provide for their guests so make sure you check with them first if you are planning on buying one for your trip.
But not all accommodation in Africa has them and if you are going to be spending time before or after your safari it might be a good idea to have one handy.
Here are some tips to help you choose the best available
Types of Mosquito Netting
They generally come in four different shapes and sizes.
- Dome net - Smallest and self supporting so excellent for backpackers.
- Wedge net - Very space efficient and requires between one and three support points. Suitable for people changing location often.
- Bell net - Makes use of a single support and spreader to increase space inside. Reasonably heavy and often used in permanent locations.
- Rectangular or Box net - The heaviest but also has the largest volume for improved air circulation and coolness. Multiple support points and not portable.
Chemical Treatment
Permethrin treated nets stop the mosquitoes from biting through the material, protects against damaged or poorly erected netting and decreases the amount of insects in the room.
Permethrin has been used on mosquito netting for decades and is a safe, naturally occurring insecticide which is recommended by the World Health Organization and one treatment is enough to last for approximately six months depending on the use and storage of the net.
Fabrics And Mesh Sizes
Mosquito netting is normally constructed from nylon, polyester or less commonly cotton because it has a low resistance to damp and mould and less tear strength.
Nylon and polyester is ideal because it is light, damp resistant, has a high tear strength and holds Permethrin treatment well so make sure your choice is of one of these fabrics.
The space inside will also affect your level of comfort and the temperature. More space in the box and bell nets mean lower temperatures and improved airflow.
The Top Six Safari Companies
Wouldn't it be great to have a list of all the best safari operators in the top African safari destinations so that you can effectively and confidently choose between all the hundreds that are available?
Well, there is such a list and I've compiled it by using all the Africa trips reviews and journal diaries that I have seen and been sent over the years at my African Safari Journals website.
It's very much like you being able to ask a large group of people what their safari trip was like with the company they went with and then ranking the results in a top six list. A big advantage is that the views are independent and based on first hand experience.
The list covers the six best operators in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Find out more about the Top Six Safari Operators here...
Bruce Whittaker
African Safari Journals and Top Safari Guides Founder
'Top Safari Guide' and 'Guide Your Own Safari' eBook Apps Author