NEGATIVE international media reports concerning malaria threats after the floods in the Mpumalanga region have led to a rate of 30% to 70% cancellations at certain game lodges and reserves in the area.
This according to Dr Andrew Jamieson from British Airways Travel Clinics (BATC) who says his research shows that these cancellations, while not attributable to individual lodges, have occurred at various times this year.
The Kruger National Park (KNP) has not had any cancellations but has had a number of international queries and concerns from media and potential visitors.
"We have taken all the necessary precautions, including ploughing R50 000 into spraying the walls of guest and staff lodgings," says William Mabasa, manager of public relations for KNP.
He says that although there have not been a high number of cases of malaria reported as yet, KNP was anticipating a high number of cases and felt it was necessary to emphasise that visitors should take all the necessary protectional measures and prophylactics.
Singita Private Game Reserve has had to refund only one tour group, more as a result of the floods than the malaria risk, although sales and marketing manager Ken Hermer says that the malaria risk does seem to be a concern among guests.
"We're fielding a lot of calls from overseas and are advising people on the dangers posed and the special precautions needed," he says.
According to him, Singita has taken steps to alleviate the risks.
Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand has had a "few cancellations due to concerns about the water levels and malaria," admits Teresa Visagie, Chitwa Chitwa's marketing manager.
She says however, that visitors to the lodge, who had to be moved around a lot, were "exceptionally happy" and emphasised that they had received the same value out of their trip as at any other visit.
The non-malaria areas will definitely have preference for visitors this year, predicts Sally Kernick, from Idube Game Lodge. She also says she "wouldn't be surprised" if there were cancellations due to the malaria threat, although there have been none as yet.
"The media reports on the disease are certainly doing a lot of damage," says sales and marketing director for Exeter Game Lodge, Ian MacDonald.
He agrees that the risk is there, but if all precautions are taken, the chances of contracting malaria are very slim.
Jamieson says he is working closely with the resorts to reduce the mosquito population and educate guests about the special precautions and preventative measures they can take against the disease.
"We're trying to avoid the concept of sweeping the issue under the carpet. We want people to know that there's a danger so that they will take the necessary precautions and significantly reduce the risk," he says.
BATC and the lodges are addressing the problem in three ways. Firstly, the mosquito population is reduced by treating the rooms with insecticides, spraying the walls, checking screens and mosquito nets and installing airconditioners and fans (mosquitoes cannot fly in moving air).
Secondly, safe larvaecides are dropped into water pools to kill the mosquito at its larval stage, and the third preventative method is to educate and advise visitors about individual protection measures.
(Adele Mackenzie)
