South Africa has some incredible Malaria-free Game Reserves and National Parks that is world renowned for offering some of the best big 5 safaris in Africa.
Even though Malaria is easily preventable, we at Grosvenor Tours understand that some guests, particularly families and multi-generational groups with young children and grandparents, might prefer to enjoy the wild experience with the necessary caution.
Each one of these Malaria-free safari regions offer an authentic safari experience with prolific game viewing, diversity of species and beyond beautiful landscapes. Here’s our top picks:
EASTERN CAPE
Eastern Cape safaris offer luxurious tented camps and safari villas, perfect for exclusive use and for the entire family to enjoy. Fully inclusive of morning and evening game drives, walking safaris, scrumptious meals and sundowner drinks at sunset, these safari lodges can easily be combined with Cape Town and Garden Route. All the reserves are malaria-free, making this best choice for families.
Best time to go: Temperatures are moderate year-round, with winter June to August being quite chilly and summer January to March very hot.
MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
Situated in the North-West Province, close to Botswana’s border, the reserve stretches over 76,000 hectares and known as the largest private reserve in South Africa, completely malaria-free. Home to the Big Five, Madikwe has a large populations of the elusive painted wild dog, which is really unique to this area. Accessible by air – 1 hour scheduled flight from Johannesburg, or by road – +- 5 hours.
Best time to go: Between March and November when temperatures are lower. October to April is rainy season with the highest rainfall between November and February, also summer time when temperatures are hot and humid.
WATERBERG
South Africa’s best kept secret, located only 3 hours’ drive from Johannesburg and very easily accessible. This malaria-free area is surrounded by the spectacular Waterberg Mountain Range of the Limpopo Province. The rugged landscape with a vast 150,000 hectares of land, is known for beautiful bushveld savannahs, large animal populations and amazing bird life, certainly a unique experience. Many activities are available including horseback safaris, game drives and bush walks. This wilderness area might be located close the city, but it sure still feels like a million miles away.
Best time to go: The dry season July to September is the best time for wildlife viewing. After the rainy season the grasslands are in full bloom and is lush and green, making wildlife spotting a little bit more challenging.
As you can see, one can still have an incredible Big 5 Safari Experience in a malaria-free area, so why not consider this for your next vacation?
Need some inspiration? Have a look out our sample programs combining Cape Town and Eastern Cape Safari.
Contact us to start planning for your next Malaria-free safari.
