Malaria and Mosquitoes
Malaria is rife here in Inhassoro and there are many mosquitos. It is imperative to bring Mosquito repellant containing DEET (diethyl tholulamide) and/or citronella. This should be applied at about 4pm and again upon waking as the mosquitoes are still around till about 8am. Take prophylactics like Deltaprim or Malarone (Melanil) for 2 weeks before coming and up to 7 weeks after the holiday. The treatment is Artemisinin (Co-Artem or Arinate with Doxycycline) and is easy to get here and extremely cheap, so purchase it here to take home. This treatment is so effective that you are on your feet again in about 3 days. The beds all have mosquito nets which should be put down at about 4 with a quick squirt of bug spray under your beds.
NB If you are pregnant please do not come without taking prophylactics, even then there is no guarantee you will not get malaria. Pregnant women are at increased risk of malaria as they attract more mosquito bites (perhaps because they contain higher levels of 4-methylophenol which attracts them) When pregnant you can get more severe forms of malaria and the risk to the mother and fetus can be fatal.
The Weather
Inhassoro is hot and humid (30C+). We are in a rain shadow area and it hardly rains apart from during cyclone season which is end of Jan through to beginning of March. Winter is June and July which is still very warm with nice cool evenings (bring a tracksuit) and a lot less mosquitos. April is fantastic weather (our fav time of year), August can be very windy but not always and Dec/Jan is a scorcher. Just about every day has sunny skies with a beautiful clear blue sea, occasionally a puff of cloud. Temperatures: December 35 degrees, Sea temp 26.
Boating hazards
Many are deceived by the beautiful aqua ocean. Although we are relatively protected by the archipelago, a storm at sea can descend on you with such speed that it is easy to be caught in very rough weather. Your boat should be a sea going boat, you must have lifejackets and use them, a radio tuned to the right channel, a flare or two and a powerful waterproof torch in case you end up traveling back at night or in a storm. Please ask Ilala management for correct radio channel, ask us to check weather online before going out and ensure we know you are going out so we can look out for your safe return. Carry vinegar on the boat as if you are stung by bluebottles or jellies it is the most effective treatment to apply. If you get seasick one of the best drugs to bring with you is StugeronND.
Local language
Most of the Locals cannot speak English. Portuguese is spoken widely and the local language is called Chitswa. Most of the staff in Ilala understand Chilapalapa/ Funigalore and some English.
Medicine and First Aid
If you are taking medication please bring enough to last your trip as you may not be able to get it here. The local clinic is very good and can treat most casualties. Antibiotics are cheap here, as are Malaria treatments. Bring a basic first aid kit, with antiseptic like Dettol or Methiolate, Betadine, headache pills, waterproof plasters and ear/eye drops.