Summary
Malaria-free safaris do exist in Africa; they can be found in several ecologically diverse regions of South Africa. If you want to see the Big Five without worrying about taking malaria pills (prophylactics) or other precautions, there are plenty of options available.
Why Choose a Malaria-Free Safari?
Malaria-free safaris are an excellent option if you’re traveling with children, if you’re elderly, if you’re pregnant, or in any way unable to take anti-malaria medication. For some people, even the idea of catching malaria is enough to deter them from a trip to Africa. If that’s the case, you’ll be glad to know you can enjoy an African safari without concern about mosquitoes.
Malaria-Free Safaris in South Africa
There are many areas in South Africa that are malaria-free and can offer world-class safari experiences. While some of South Africa’s best game parks are unfortunately located outside the malaria-free zone (like Kruger National Park and others in the Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal regions), many private game reserves have been established in the Eastern Cape area, Madikwe, Pilanesberg, and the Waterberg area. These reserves have successfully relocated numerous animals, and aside from the Big Five, you can also see rare mammals like cheetahs and wild dogs.
The Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape region is very popular since you can combine a safari with a visit to Cape Town. Some of the best game parks in this region are along the Garden Route and include:
- Kwandwe Game Reserve – Three lodges provide excellent accommodation in this large private game reserve near Grahamstown. Day and night drives are available to view numerous lion, cheetah, rhino, elephant, hippo, and leopard in the park. Bush walks, canoeing, and fishing are also activities you can enjoy. Children are welcome, but the recommended age for enjoying a safari here is 6 and over.
- Addo Elephant National Park – Soon to be one of the largest national parks in South Africa, Addo offers visitors not only the Big Five but sightings of whales and great white sharks as well. Situated just north of Port Elizabeth, Addo is home to several luxury lodges as well as the Addo Main Rest Camp, which provides more budget-style accommodation such as chalets, tents, and rondavels. Hiking and horse riding are also popular activities besides safari drives. Families should note that children under 6 are not allowed on drives organized by the park.
- Shamwari Game Reserve – Situated along the Bushman’s River, Shamwari is a private, family-owned game reserve that offers visitors a chance to see the Big Five and much more. Lodges are luxurious, and game drives and meals are included with the package. You can enjoy a spa, daily game drives, and bush walks.
- Amakhala Game Reserve – Formerly farmland, the family-owned Amakhala Game Reserve is now home to lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, and numerous other antelope. Situated just east of Port Elizabeth, Amakhala offers game drives and a variety of very comfortable lodges. Day visits are easily accommodated for children over the age of 6.
- Kariega Game Reserve – Located along the Kariega River, this game reserve offers canoeing safaris, fishing, and river cruises in addition to excellent game drives. The wildlife is abundant, and the lodges are luxurious, featuring outdoor pools and decks. A minimum stay of at least 2 nights is recommended to fully enjoy the activities on offer.
Because the Garden Route is so popular, many packages will combine a few days in a game park with a visit to the beach and other highlights of the area.
- Safari Packages from locally based tour operators.
- Safari Guide Africa has a great list of packages and deals for malaria-free and family-friendly safaris.
- Rhino Africa offers several safari packages on their own or in combination with the Garden Route.
- Travel Butlers provides specials on nearly every safari available in the Eastern Cape area.
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe is located in the north of South Africa’s North West province on the edge of the great Kalahari Desert, bordering Botswana. This area, once private farmland, has transformed into a conservation success story with the relocation of more than 8,000 animals (Operation Phoenix) during the 1990s.
The best way to reach Madikwe is via charter flight or by car from Johannesburg (3.5 hours) and Gaborone in Botswana (1 hour). Many visitors also enjoy a trip to Victoria Falls (although the Falls are not in a malaria-free zone), alongside exploration of Botswana’s fine National Parks.
Madikwe boasts several wonderful private lodges and camps, some of the best listed below. Note that visitors cannot enter the park without staying at one of the lodges, which are luxurious yet often surprisingly affordable due to favorable exchange rates.
Best lodging in Madikwe includes:
- Jaci’s Tree Lodge – An ideal choice for families, featuring tree houses built around a giant Leadwood tree. Facilities include outdoor jungle showers and en-suite bathrooms. Raised wooden walkways lead to the restaurant and bar.
- Madikwe Safari Lodge – Nestled in the heart of the reserve, this lodge offers sweeping views of the plains. It is small, family-friendly, and features a pizza oven and plunge pools for children.
- Madikwe River Lodge – Beautifully situated on the Marico River in a riverine forest. This lodge includes family rooms along with 16 chalets, welcoming children of all ages.
- Thakadu River Camp – A community-owned luxury tented camp that is very child-friendly. A lovely swimming pool overlooks the Marico River, with each tent offering its own private viewing deck.
- Etali Safari Lodge – A luxurious and intimate choice with just 8 suites available, each equipped with its own private sundeck and whirlpool.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Pilanesberg is a stunning game reserve situated on the remains of an extinct volcano crater near Sun City (a major holiday resort). Created as a reserve in the late 1970s, Pilanesberg now boasts the Big Five, thanks to a broad wildlife relocation project. Just a 2-hour drive from Johannesburg, this park is easily accessible and popular with local families seeking a getaway from the city.
Pilanesberg is an excellent choice for day trips, especially if you’re enjoying Sun City. While the park isn’t extensive, its vegetation is remarkably varied, creating a lush and beautiful environment. Options for exploration include traditional safari drives, hot air ballooning, or walking safaris. Lodges in Pilanesberg include Ivory Tree Game Lodge, Tshukudu, Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, and Bakubung Bush Lodge.
Pilanesberg is particularly suited for a self-drive safari; the roads are not paved but remain in good condition. Just outside the park gates, you’ll find several accommodation options for families, featuring swimming pools and playgrounds. Options include Bakgatla Resort, which offers chalets and tents, and Manyane Resort, which provides a variety of accommodations including campsites, chalets, and caravan sites, making it very family-friendly.
Recommended Safari Packages for Pilanesberg:
- Family Safari from CC Africa which includes Madikwe.
- Madikwe safari packages from Wildlife Africa.
- Discounted rates on Madikwe accommodation from Madikwe Info.
- 2 night Pilanesberg packages from Wildlife Africa.
- Day Tours to Pilanesburg from Johannesburg from Go Safari.
- Day trips and 2 nights in Pilanesberg at all lodges from local tour operator, Adventure Travel Africa.
The Waterberg Area
The Waterberg area is located in South Africa’s Limpopo Province north of Johannesburg. Most parks and lodges listed below are no more than a 2-hour drive from Johannesburg. This malaria-free region is brimming with private and national game parks, with the reserves stocked full of game and offering stunning mountainous landscapes, Big Five viewing, and incredible birdlife.
Entabeni Game Reserve
Entabeni is a private reserve featuring no less than five ecosystems, including wetlands, craggy escarpments, grass plains, and cliffs. Within Entabeni, you can enjoy guided game drives, bush walks, sunset cruises on the lake, horse riding, and helicopter air safaris. The reserve operates on an all-inclusive basis, with meals and game drives included in the price, meaning you’ll not be driving your own vehicle within the reserve. Children under 6 are not permitted on game drives.
Lodging options include Lakeside Lodge on the shores of Lake Entabeni and Wildside Safari Camp.
Welgevonden Game Reserve
Welgevonden is favored by weekend visitors from Johannesburg looking for relaxation in the beautiful South African bush. The Big Five, along with an additional 30 mammal species and over 250 species of birds, call this reserve home. Welgevonden borders Marakele National Park, and the two parks plan to remove their fences soon to allow for greater wildlife roaming. Inside the reserve, you can find various accommodations, from luxurious options like Sediba Game Lodge, Makweti Safari Lodge, to Nungubane Lodge.
Marakele National Park
Marakele is positioned in the heart of the Waterberg region, framed by stunning mountains. The name Marakele means “sanctuary” in the local Tswana language, and it certainly offers peace. The park is home to a variety of large game species, from elephants and rhinos to big cats, along with an impressive assortment of birds. Accommodations here are more rustic; visitors are required to have their own vehicles, and some roads are best navigated with four-wheel drive. Options include two campsites, Tlopi Tented Camp, offering furnished tents, and Bontle camping site, where guests bring their own gear.
The Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill Private Game Lodges
The Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill provide family-friendly, luxurious lodging options. This private reserve serves as a sanctuary for over 40 species of animals, as well as travelers seeking a memorable vacation. In addition to game drives, activities include horse riding, elephant safaris, curio shopping, swimming, and more.
Mabalingwe Nature Reserve
Home to the Big Five, along with hippos, giraffes, hyenas, and sable, Mabalingwe features diverse accommodations, including chalets, campsites, and bush lodges. The reserve is highly family-friendly, with rolling grasslands facilitating easy game viewing.
The luxurious Itaga Private Game Lodge boasts five-star accommodations in eight African-themed chalets, complemented by fine dining. Game drives are conducted in open 4×4 vehicles with experienced rangers.
Kololo Game Reserve
Kololo is a small reserve adorned with rolling grasslands that support various antelope species, including impala, kudu, and wildebeest. While you won’t find the Big Five here, it’s straightforward to visit neighboring parks (such as Welgevonden) for a complete safari experience. Lodging facilities feature a variety of chalets and camps.
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve – Northern Cape Province
Tswalu is located in the Northern Cape Province and is home to over 70 mammal species. Privately owned and operated by the Oppenheimer family, Tswalu offers visitors a truly memorable African safari experience, with accommodations that exude luxury. Guests can choose from two lodges: the secluded Tarkuni and The Motse, both welcoming children of all ages. The best way to access Tswalu is by air.
A Note About Malaria
Malaria’s reputation as a severe disease is well-founded; however, the mortality rates largely reflect insufficient health care in Africa. The vast majority of tourists who contract malaria recover fully, given their access to medication, medical professionals, clean water, and proper nutrition. With the right precautions, malaria can also be avoided. Learn more about avoiding malaria.
