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South Africa is unique in Africa in offering several malaria free Game Reserves and parks. These are ideal if you have young children or you cannot take anti-malaria medication. The great news is that these reserves offer brilliant wildlife viewing and outstanding safari experiences, so you won’t need to compromise on quality to ensure a malaria-free trip.There are three main malaria free areas with game reserves in South Africa - Madikwe Game Reserve, the Waterberg and the Eastern Cape which all offer Big Five game-viewing, as well as plenty of general game. But there are also several smaller reserves, or more far-flung options which you may not have heard of. Here are some stunning malaria-free safari destinations in South Africa:
Perhaps the best alternative to the excellent private reserves in the Greater Kruger area is the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Nestled against the Botswana border close to the Kalahari desert, Madikwe is a lesser known gem and protects a vast untamed wilderness area. Although state-owned, it operates exactly like the private reserves further south and embraces the same type of exclusivity. It is home to the Big 5 plus a thriving population of the endangered wild dog and other sought-after species such as cheetah and brown hyena. Bird-watchers will enjoy about 360 species in this dry Kalahari ecosystem.
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Home to an abundance of wildlife, including Africa’s famous Big 5, Pilanesberg National Park is a malaria-free reserve just a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg. Situated in the ecologically rich transition zone between the dry Kalahari and the wet Lowveld, Pilanesberg is centred around an extinct volcano crater.This totally unique setting fosters lush bushland vegetation and an array of intriguing wildlife and bird life that wouldn’t necessarily be found living together normally. This makes Pilanesberg one of the most fascinating parks in South Africa and an ideal option for a malaria-free safari.
Get a quoteThe Waterberg district is just a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg, making it one of the most accessible malaria-free safari destinations in South Africa. The area is known for its rugged mountain landscapes, rich tapestry of varied habitats and for private game reserves that offer the Big 5.It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and considered one of South Africa’s most significant archaeological and palaeontological sites for its 3-million-year-old humanoid fossils that have been discovered there, as well as the ancient rock formations and thousand-year-old San rock art sites.Despite its proximity to the urban hub of Johannesburg, the Waterberg has the ability to make you feel worlds away. Marakele Game reserve, Welgevonden Game reserve and Entabeni Game Reserve are some of the malaria free game reserves in the Waterberg
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Situated just an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth in South Africa, not only does Addo Elephant Park host malaria-free safaris, but it also offers marine life viewing to provide the opportunity for guests to witness the famous Big 7 which includes the southern right whales and great white sharks.Home to a large population of elephants, Addo Elephant National Park is the perfect malaria-free destination for elephant lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Get a quoteA stay at Shamwari Private Game Reserve is one that will remain with you forever. Due to its location in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the reserve offers abundant wildlife, fauna and flora exclusive to the area and wildlife viewing is almost on a level of what you can expect in the Greater Kruger area. As part of a family holiday, book into one of the child-friendly lodges with a special ‘Kids on Safari’ program.
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Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned and operated private game reserve in the eastern Cape. Incorporating luxury safari lodge accommodation, magnificent Big 5 and other game viewing as well as breathtaking vistas over the hills, valleys and rivers below; Kariega Game Reserve offers the ultimate in authentic South African safari holidays. Two beautiful rivers make this game reserve in South Africa completely unique. Guests can complement their safari experience with a boat cruise down the Kariega River
Get a quoteAlthough not the wildest destination, Amakhala Game Reserve has a lot going for it. It is reasonably affordable and easily combined with a Cape holiday. Wildlife viewing is great and four of the Big Five are frequently spotted.The exception is leopard; you might find tracks, but these shy animals don’t easily let themselves be seen here. There is a wide variety of accommodation catering to different budgets. Some are perfect for a romantic holiday, while others would be an ideal choice for a family safari.
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Another world class private game reserve in the beautiful Eastern Cape is Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. It is a renowned conservation and community success story and home to rare and endangered African wildlife. Guests at this malaria-free Eastern Cape game reserve in South Africa can enjoy a unique Big Five safari experience steeped in nature, history and culture. Home to the Big 5 and comprising only six intimate and award winning safari lodges, camps and villas, Kwandwe provides understated luxury.
Get a quoteSituated in South Africa’s immense Savanna Biome, Tswalu Game Reserve lies in a transition zone between the true Kalahari ecotype and arid savannah in the heart of the malaria free Northern Cape. The incredible beauty of the surroundings and the great variety of wildlife make the safari at Tswalu an unforgettable experience.Beautiful, elegant and the epitome of African Chic, Tswalu has an extremely low ratio of guests to space. There are only two camps on the entire reserve, offering you the pinnacle of privacy, luxury and exclusivity.There is no ‘best time’ to visit Tswalu, as each of the four Kalahari seasons offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities and dramatic changes to the landscapes as the environment responds to the presence or absence of water.
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Grootbos has carved a unique niche in the upmarket eco-lodge sector by specializing in the Cape region of South Africa's world-renowned flora and marine.Tucked between mountains, forest and sea, guests experience a world that is full of outrageous flora, miles of private beaches, and safe encounters with giants of the sea. Not a traditional Big 5 destination, southern right whales, bottlenose dolphins, Cape fur seals, endangered African penguins and the majestic great white sharks reign in its waters and can be seen up close and personal for an awe-inspiring experience. Together, they make up the ‘Marine Big 5’, a class on its own to rival its land-based counterparts.Exclusive and secluded, Grootbos combines contemporary style and luxury with a relaxed natural environment to make you feel both at home, and completely pampered.
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