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. WhetherΒ you'reΒ 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.Β Our favourite Malaria-Free Reserves all offer the βBig Fiveβ as well as plenty of general game.
TheΒ threeΒ principal malaria-free safari regions we recommend areΒ MadikweΒ Game Reserve, theΒ Eastern Cape, theΒ Waterberg.Β These are also quite accessible.Β 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 βsafariβ ambience.Β HoweverΒ this isΒ definitely notΒ the case withΒ MadikweΒ Game Reserve (in the remote North-west of South Africa). It offers some of the most quintessential savanna plains.Β
The 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve boasts a healthy wildlife population including plenty of predators, elephant, buffalo. Β 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 childrenβs safari programme with special activities and even kiddies game drives for the very young.
Madikwe Game Reserve is pretty remote, about 4 to 4Β½ hoursβ drive from Johannesburg or a one hour charter flight.Β It offers the most classic βAfricanβ 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:Β Families, first-time safari travellers and those seeking the closest experience to a classic East African safari.Β
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,Β Kwandwe,Β KariegaΒ andΒ LalibelaΒ to name but a few.Β
Β 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 importantβand this is where our first-hand knowledge really helps.Β
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.Β The Eastern Cape game reserves are around 1 to 1Β½ hoursβ drive from Port Elizabeth and about 3-4 hours from the Garden Route.
Best for:Β Families, Garden Route holidays and first-time safari visitors.Β
The third ''main'' malaria-free safari area is the Waterberg, only 2Β½ 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.Β It is exceptionallyΒ beautiful,Β butΒ wildlife viewing can be slightly less consistent thanΒ Madikwe, particularly for predators.Β
Best for:Β ShortΒ safaris, scenicΒ landscapesΒ and repeat safari travellers.Β
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, itβs doesn't come cheap. However we think its worth blowing your bonus onβ¦
Best for:Β Experienced safari travellers and those seeking exclusivity.Β
The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is our least favourite. (There, Iβve 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:Β ShortΒ stays, Sun City combinations and convenience.Β
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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