Malaria-free Safaris
South Africa is unique in offering several malaria free Game Reserves which are ideal if you have young children, or you cannot take anti-malaria medication.
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South Africa is unique in offering several malaria free Game Reserves which are ideal if you have young children, or you cannot take anti-malaria medication.
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For many travellers, choosing a malaria-free safari is about peace of mind rather than compromise. Whether you're travelling with young children, expecting a baby, unable to take anti-malarial medication or simply prefer not to, South Africa offers several outstanding safari destinations where malaria is not a concern. Our favourite Malaria-Free Reserves all offer the ‘Big Five’ as well as plenty of general game.
The three principal malaria-free safari regions we recommend are Madikwe Game Reserve, the Eastern Cape, the Waterberg. These are also quite accessible. This means reduced travelling time which is especially important for families with young kids. But the greater accessibility can sometimes translate into less of a ‘safari’ ambience. However this is definitely not the case with Madikwe Game Reserve (in the remote North-west of South Africa). It offers some of the most quintessential savanna plains.
The 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve boasts a healthy wildlife population including plenty of predators, elephant, buffalo. It is especially known for its wild dog sightings though these cannot be guaranteed.
Alongside the Eastern Cape lodges, Madikwe is at the forefront of offering child-friendly safari experiences with many lodges offering a children’s safari programme with special activities and even kiddies game drives for the very young.
Madikwe Game Reserve is pretty remote, about 4 to 4½ hours’ drive from Johannesburg or a one hour charter flight. It offers the most classic ‘African’ terrain of all the non-malaria reserves with open savanna plains and views for miles from its hills. It also has the most consistent game-viewing. But its remoteness may not suit everyone.
Best for: Families, first-time safari travellers and those seeking the closest experience to a classic East African safari.
The Eastern Cape is the other prime malaria-free safari area in South Africa. The original Addo Elephant National Park has been joined by several private malaria-free game reserves such as Shamwari, Kwandwe, Kariega and Lalibela to name but a few.
One of the region's greatest advantages is flexibility. Some reserves are only an hour from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), while others feel far more secluded. Choosing the right lodge is therefore particularly important—and this is where our first-hand knowledge really helps.
As with Madikwe, the Eastern Cape has a number of family-friendly safari lodges. These vary considerably in nature so chat to us about your preferences. The Eastern Cape game reserves are around 1 to 1½ hours’ drive from Port Elizabeth and about 3-4 hours from the Garden Route.
Best for: Families, Garden Route holidays and first-time safari visitors.
The third ''main'' malaria-free safari area is the Waterberg, only 2½ to 3 hours drive from Johannesburg. The Waterberg is a stunning area of natural beauty. This dramatic forested plateau is dissected by ravines and waterfalls with panoramic views over the plains below. The area is home to several private game lodges. Some offer Big Five game viewing and luxurious accommodation. Others offering a more relaxed game-viewing experience without major predators, where you can enjoy horse-riding safaris and walking.
Its proximity to Johannesburg makes it ideal for a short two- or three-night safari at the start or end of a wider South African holiday. It is exceptionally beautiful, but wildlife viewing can be slightly less consistent than Madikwe, particularly for predators.
Best for: Short safaris, scenic landscapes and repeat safari travellers.
One of our favourite malaria free safaris is at Tswalu Game Reserve in the Kalahari Desert. This offers a superb wild safari experience. But, with charter flights in and out as well as luxurious accommodation, it’s doesn't come cheap. However we think its worth blowing your bonus on…
Best for: Experienced safari travellers and those seeking exclusivity.
The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is our least favourite. (There, I’ve said it.) It is one of the most accessible reserves, adjacent to Sun City. But the game-viewing is not as good compared to other reserves. But if you have young children and you fancy a Sun City visit or a short transfer to get somewhere, then the Pilanesberg could be perfect for you.
Best for: Short stays, Sun City combinations and convenience.
Yes. They are particularly popular with families travelling with younger children, as there’s no need for anti-malarial medication.
Absolutely. Madikwe, the Eastern Cape reserves, Welgevonden and Pilanesberg all offer Big Five wildlife viewing, although the quality of sightings varies between reserves.
For consistently excellent game viewing, we’d usually recommend Madikwe. However, the best reserve depends on your itinerary, travel style and budget.
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