South Africa is the home of some of the world's best malaria-free safari spots, from private game reserves in the Eastern Cape to Madikwe in the north, where you also have a good chance of seeing all of the Big Five. Madikwe Game Reserve also happens to be one of our favourite family-friendly safari spots, as it's home to lodges and camps that brilliantly cater for children, such as one of the Morukuru lodges or Madikwe Safari Lodge. Further west from Madikwe is the private game reserve Tswalu, in the Kalahari region, which is another beautiful property great for children, and, you guessed it, is malaria-free. Throughout the Eastern Cape there are a number of private game reserves, such as Kwandwe and Shamwari that are not only malaria-free and home to the Big Five, but are also known for their impressive conservation efforts. You can't get much better than that in our books.
If you're looking to extend your time in South Africa beyond your safari, Cape Town and the surrounding area is also malaria-free, so you can enjoy some time on the beaches around the city and in the winelands of the Cape. For a different kind of safari, around Hermanus you could go in search of the Marine Five (whales, dolphins, sharks, seals and penguins) on a boat trip.
Namibia is another country that while not entirely malaria-free, has brilliant pockets that are, and it just so happens that these regions tie in nicely to create a brilliant malaria-free safari circuit. Begin in Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, home to giant sand dunes and plenty of game species including zebra, giraffe, antelope, ostrich and more desert-dwelling creatures. From here head north via the capital city Windoek before reaching Okonjima Nature Reserve in the Central Highlands. This is one of the best places in Namibia to see leopards and while here you can get involved in the reserve's impressive carnivore conservation efforts.
Take a look at our top picks on where to go for a malaria-free safari, or get in touch with one of our Africa experts to start planning your holiday.
