There are plenty of malaria-free safari destinations to choose from where you can enjoy a Big 5 safari in the African bush without making any sacrifices in terms of your safari experience or the quality of the accommodation. You’ll even find a diversity of species and landscapes that differ from those in the more popular traditional safari destinations. To help you choose, we’ve put together our favourite spots for a malaria-free safari in South Africa!
Garden Route
The Garden Route is home to several private game reserves that offer something different to the usual safari. Apart from the benefit of a malaria-free safari experience, the close proximity to Cape Town makes it an easy choice for those looking to squeeze in a safari on their trip to the coast. Expert guides and the exclusivity of these lodges ensure that your sightings are intimate and memorable. The vastly different scenery and spectacular mountainous backdrops set the scene for sensational game viewing that thrills and delights guests.
Our Favourite Places:
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Kwandwe’s unique environments flank both the northern and southern banks of the Great Fish River. The Indian Ocean’s breeze turns south-facing slopes into dense forest-like thickets of Euphorbia trees. While the north-facing slopes span out into the bushveld, creating two vastly different ecosystems.
Early morning and late afternoon/evening game drives allow visitors to view different animals’ habits. Cool mornings reveal grazing game while the late afternoon ushers animals to the river banks to quench their thirst. Nightfall showcases the reserve’s nocturnal residents: including special species such as the aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox and porcupine.
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve is perched on the pristine, malaria-free wilderness of the lush, emerald hills of the Garden Route and is barely a four-hour drive out of Cape Town. Keep your eyes on the horizon and expect to see a wide variety of wildlife roaming expansive plains punctuated by the unique beauty of fynbos vegetation.
Gondwana is home to many different animals. Game drives may yield sightings of giraffe, hippo, zebra, cheetah, antelope species and if you’re lucky, black rhino. Boasting a wide range of accommodation options, from private chalets, sprawling villas and even luxury tented camps on the Pioneer Trail slackpacking adventure, this gem of the Garden Route has it all.
Madikwe
One of South Africa’s premier malaria-free safari destinations is undoubtedly Madikwe. Home to the Big 5, an assortment of game and over 360 bird species, it is a wildlife lover’s paradise. Conveniently located just a few hours from Johannesburg it is the perfect place to get a taste of the wild. Madikwe is uniquely poised in the transition zone where the bushveld begins to blend into the Kalahari desert and several rare species occur here naturally.
Our Favourite Places:
Jamala Madikwe
Jamala Madikwe is an exceptional safari lodge situated in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Excellence is evident in every aspect of Jamala Madikwe, from the excitement of the safari guides and staff to the classy and elegant décor. Experienced guides will accompany you on morning and evening game drives, imparting their knowledge of the surrounding wilderness and its many inhabitants. From the Big 5 to over 300 species of bird, be prepared for a fantastic safari experience.
Tuningi Safari Lodge
If you want to treat your family to an ultimate South African safari without roughing it too much, Tuningi Safari Lodge should top your list. Slip into one of the luxury suites, that are limited to a maximum of 16 guests in total. If ultimate exclusivity is what you’re after, then there is no better choice. The Little Tuningi private camp is a secluded refuge with its own private plunge pool and boma, ideal for small groups or families.
KwaZulu-Natal
Found in northern KwaZulu-Natal, bordering on the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is Phinda Game Reserve. While not strictly a malaria-free area, the reserve is a very low-risk destination with very few cases being reported in the region. Made up of no less than seven distinct habitats, the reserve hosts an abundant variety of wildlife, including the Big 5. The region’s famous white rhinos wallow near watering holes while herds of elephants and buffalo make their way across the plains. Predatory cats relax in the shade or stalk nyala and impala as they browse. Experience the thrill of tracking these animals on foot as your Zulu trackers point out interesting indigenous trees and shrubs.
Our Favourite Lodges:
Phinda Vlei Lodge
If the idea of watching a real-life wildlife documentary from the comfort of a private plunge pool sounds appealing to you, head to &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge. With six suites each with a private deck and the wilderness as its garden, this intimate lodge allows guests to witness wildlife against the backdrop of the African bush.
The lodge’s setting on the outskirts of a wetland allows close-up views of the wildlife. Highlights include twice-daily game drives, rhino-tracking walks, and riverboat cruises along the Mzinene River. Guests can expect encounters with lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, and leopards on a visit.
Marakele
Discover the exceptional diversity of flora and fauna within the Marakele National Park. Set in the malaria-free heart of Limpopo’s Waterberg Mountains it hosts some fascinating endangered species. Home to the largest population of Cape Vultures in the world and both black and white rhino, it offers something special for wildlife enthusiasts. With a host of activities (many of them family-friendly) such as bush walks and game drives, immersive experiences are a key component of this tranquil region.
Our Favourite Lodges:
Marataba
A four-hour drive from Johannesburg, Marataba offers guests a Big 5 experience in a spectacular setting alongside the Waterberg Mountains. This malaria-free reserve boasts a plethora of wildlife with the added attractions of sundowner boat rides and regular leopard sightings. A special feature of Marataba is an evening boat trip on the Matlabas River where they can enjoy sundowners and views of the Waterberg.
Come Enjoy A Malaria-Free Safari in South Africa
South Africa has a host of safari options suitable for every traveller. Whether you are avoiding malaria areas, seeking out special species or simply sticking to a region of the country there’s a safari for you. Each and every one promises to delight you in different ways and set a burning passion for Africa ablaze in your heart. Get in touch with one of our Rhino Africa Travel Experts to plan your malaria-free safari today!
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