Malaria Free Game Reserves
For complete peace of mind on your safari holiday especially if travelling with young children, South Africa has a number of excellent malaria-free game reserves.
The reserves we feature have been handpicked for their quality of gameviewing, range of safari activities and outstanding accommodation options. They also cater for children, with exclusive-use lodges and in many cases, fantastic kids’ programs.
South Africa’s fifth-largest game reserve, Madikwe is located on the border of Botswana on the fringes of the Kalahari Desert. Once overgrazed farmland, the landscape is now home to 66 mammal species including all of the must-see “Big 5”: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. There are also packs of rare wild dog on this 185,000 acre reserve, which is accessible only to guests staying at safari lodges and camps within its boundaries.
On the Northern Cape near the country’s border with Botswana lies South Africa’s largest private game reserve. Tswalu Kalahari comprises of 272,000 acres traversed by a maximum of ten gameviewing vehicles at any given time, ensuring incredible exclusivity. Track endangered desert rhinos and look for comical meerkats amid breathtakingly vast landscapes of open grassland and rolling dunes.
The country’s Eastern Cape is home to some enchantingly beautiful ecosystems, ranging from semi-arid Karoo desert to rugged hills. Kwandwe and Shamwari are two outstanding private game reserves in this area, offering a wide range of activities to uncover resident big game as well as eye-opening insights into the challenges facing wildlife conservationists in South Africa.
Location
Malaria Free Game Reserves Highlights
- Safari destinations ideal for families with young children
- Rich in big game and rare animals such as wild dog and cheetah
- Diverse landscapes from desert to dramatic hills
- Lodges which offer outstanding kids’ programs so adults can relax
- Support conservation and take part in animal conservation projects
When To Go
Excellent all year round, with game easiest to observe during the dry season (May-Sep). Birding is however, best in the green, wet season (Oct-Apr). Being family-orientated destinations, these reserves are busiest during South African school holidays, especially around December.
Want to find out more about our South Africa safaris?
Call one of our travel specialists on 1300 363 302.
Featured
Accommodation
South Africa has a wonderful range of malaria-free game reserves throughout the country – an important consideration for travellers with young children and for those who have existing health problems. Enjoy an authentic safari experience with complete peace of mind at these properties. For information on additional accommodation not featured, please contact us.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Malaria-free Kwandwe Private Game Reserve on South Africa’s Eastern Cape offers five safari lodges, each designed to showcase the remote beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
A secluded retreat within the exclusive 185,000 acre Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge offers guests two accommodation options.
Madikwe River Lodge
Family-friendly Madikwe River Lodge is a relaxed, comfortable safari lodge set in South Africa's wonderful, malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve which is home to all of the iconic "Big 5" and much more.
Shamwari Game Reserve
On South Africa’s pristine Eastern Cape, Shamwari Game Reserve is an excellent safari destination being malaria-free and home to fantastic wildlife including all of the legendary "Big 5".
Tau Game Lodge
Located on the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Tau Game Lodge offers an authentic safari experience in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Tswalu Kalahari
South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu Kalahari is inhabited by over 80 mammal species including meerkat and desert rhino.
Tuningi Safari Lodge
On the vast Madikwe Game Reserve is the luxurious Tuningi Safari Lodge as well as family-friendly Little Tuningi, a self-contained private villa.
Sample
Itineraries
The following itineraries are just some of the many experiences that we can design for you. All of our tours are private, independent and tailor-made to your personal travelling requirements. Please contact us to begin customising your personalised South Africa experience.
Best of South Africa
Experience the very best of South Africa from vibrant Johannesburg and spectacular Cape Town to seeking out the 'Big 5' on safari and discovering the beautiful Cape Peninsula.
Essential South Africa and Victoria Falls by Rail
Experience an unforgettable safari in the Sabi Sand Private Reserves, be awed by Victoria Falls then journey aboard Rovos Rail back to Johannesburg.
Kruger and The Cape
Discover some of South Africa's best known attractions on this journey that begins with a big game safari in the world-renowned Sabi Sands and concludes in beautiful Cape Town.
South Africa Overview
Why travel to South Africa: Described as “a world in one country” South Africa is more than just a safari destination. The wildlife of Kruger and the many private reserves throughout the country are complemented by South Africa’s fascinating history and diverse cultures, the beautiful coastline and majestic landscapes of the Cape.
When is the best time to view animals in South Africa? Gameviewing is best during the dry season (May-Oct); however the summer months are good for general touring and sightseeing.
What is the culture of South Africa? Many different cultures including Zulu, Swazi, Xhosa, Indian, Cape Malay and European. A unique cuisine, as well as distinct music and dance. Elegant Cape Dutch architecture.
What is the climate in South Africa? The inland plateau has a temperate climate (17°-30°C), whilst the coast is subtropical and more humid (22°-30°C). The seasons are the same as Australia, however most of the rain falls in summer. Winters are dry and sunny, but nights can be very cold. The Western Cape is the exception, with a “Mediterranean” climate – cool, wet winters and warm dry summers (17°-24°C).
What can I combine South Africa with?South Africa is easily combined with neighbouring Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia or the nearby tropical island of Mauritius. Johannesburg is a very popular gateway to most of southern and eastern Africa.
How to get to South Africa?Many major airlines including South African Airways, Qantas, Etihad, Emirates, Kenya Airways, Qatar, Singapore Airways and British Airways fly into Johannesburg. There are also many regional airlines such as Air Botswana, and domestic carriers that service local cities such as Cape Town and the Kruger National Park area.
Do I need a Visa for South Africa? Please call us on 1300 363 302 or visit or FAQ page
Do I need vaccinations for South Africa? Please call us on 1300 363 302 or visit or FAQ page
Request our Africa Brochure
All of our safaris and tours are tailor made.
Contact us to start customising your African safari.