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.
Malaria Free Game Reserves 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.
Featured Private South Africa 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 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.
Game Viewing: Gameviewing is best during the dry season (May-Oct); however the summer months are good for general touring and sightseeing.
Culture: 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.
Climate: 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).
Combine 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.
Getting There: 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.
