Malaria-Free Safaris

While malaria is easily preventable, some people prefer to head for a malaria-free safari destination, especially the elderly, those with young children, or those who simply prefer not to take anti-malaria medication.

There are plenty of malaria-free destinations to choose from where you can enjoy an authentic Big 5 safari in the African bush without sacrificing anything 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 Kruger National Park (a malaria area). Most of the malaria-free destinations are easily accessible and there's enough variety to suit every budget.

The Eastern Cape and Garden Route safaris are undoubtedly the most popular choice and are often added to a Garden Route self-drive tour. Madikwe Game Reserve is an hour's flight or a four-hour drive from Johannesburg. The area is home to the Big 5 as well as cheetah, wild dog and black rhino. Travellers with a limited budget and time should consider visiting Pilanesberg Game Reserve which is close to Sun City. Built in the remains of an extinct volcano, the area has a variety of wildlife and birds.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Safari Lodge

This lodge is set in the heart of the richly diverse Madikwe Game Reserve. On a gentle slope between two rolling hills, the lodge overlooks game-filled plains nestled between two mountain ranges.

Morukuru Family

Morukuru has a collection of exclusive-use properties. Enjoy the luxury of having staff on hand and the private use of a 4WD vehicle and guide.

Tuningi Safari Lodge

This exclusive, 5-star safari destination has two lodges. Stay at either the main lodge or Little Tuning, both child-friendly lodges. Enjoy bush dinners outdoors in the boma around a blazing log fire and go on exciting game drives with Tuningi’s highly-qualified game rangers, either on foot or in 4x4 open-air vehicles.

Jaci's Lodges

Jaci’s consists of two luxurious lodges, offering two very unique 5-star experiences for both families looking for some peace and couples wanting a more intimate bush experience. 

Eastern Cape

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Malaria-free game viewing in the Eastern Cape doesn’t get better than this. The luxurious Kwandwe Ecca forms part of the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve and offers Big 5 game viewing at its best.

Kwandwe Uplands Homestead

Uplands Homestead is a restored country manor with Dutch gables, lush garden and a large pool and gazebo in a fertile valley in the Eastern Cape. The sole-use homestead offers service and style in the midst of prime African bush and a Big 5 game reserve.

Shamwari Sarili Lodge

Shamwari Sarili Lodge is an environmentally-friendly safari lodge providing the perfect combination of colonial and bush experiences great for families and small groups wanting to enjoy a private safari experience.

Shamwari Riverdene Lodge

Shamwari’s Riverdene Lodge caters well for families and groups in the 25,000 hectare Shamwari Game Reserve. It offers a mixture of elegance and stylish colonialism set in the beautiful surrounds of the African wilderness.

Amakhala Hlosi

With two family suites and four luxury double suites to choose from, Hlosi is an exclusive and intimate lodge. Surrounded by rich grassland, you'll be able to view elephants from your doorstep. On your twice-daily game drives, you will get to see even more, including cheetah.

Route 62

Sanbona Gondwana Lodge

A family lodge, overlooking Bellair Dam and resembling a typical Karoo homestead. Sanbona offers 12 generously-sized luxury suites, each with endless views over the plains, Anysberg-mountains and beyond.