Malaria-Free Safaris
At Africa Tailormade, we create customized journeys that open up malaria-free wilderness areas across Southern Africa.
The wild, without the worry of malaria
You might still hear the soft buzz of a mozzie now and then, it is Africa, after all, but in these regions, there’s no malaria to spoil the fun. Here, you can focus on what really matters: the lion’s low rumble at dusk, the smell of rain on red earth, the sparkle in your child’s eyes on their first game drive.
What “Malaria-Free” Means
A malaria-free area is one where the Anopheles mosquito (the malaria carrier) doesn’t occur. You may still encounter the odd mozzie, but there’s no malaria risk and no need for prophylactics.
No Malaria Risk
These regions are free from the Anopheles mosquito, meaning there’s no malaria risk and no need for preventative medication.
Still the Bush
You might encounter the occasional mosquito, but without malaria present, they’re simply part of the natural bush setting.
Peace of Mind
Enjoy Big Five sightings, open-air dining, and relaxed lodge mornings with the added comfort of knowing you’re in a malaria-free area.
Our Favourite Malaria-Free Safari Destinations
Across Southern and East Africa, these malaria-free and low-risk reserves offer all the thrill of safari without the added concern — making them ideal for families, first-time travellers, and anyone seeking peace of mind in the wild.
Madikwe Game Reserve
North West Province, South Africa
Big Five sightings and family-friendly lodges define Madikwe. Close to Johannesburg, it’s ideal for multi-generational safaris with excellent guiding.
Welgevonden Game Reserve
Waterberg Biosphere, South Africa
Dramatic cliffs and open plains set the scene for rhino, elephant, lion, and leopard sightings, all within easy reach of Johannesburg.
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Northern Cape, South Africa
Vast red dunes and rare species like pangolin and brown hyena meet refined, private safari experiences in South Africa’s largest reserve.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Eastern Cape, South Africa
Luxury lodges and strong conservation focus combine with rewarding Big Five viewing near the Garden Route.
Kwandwe & Amakhala Game Reserves
Eastern Cape, South Africa
Private villas, accessible game drives, and easy coastal pairings create a seamless bush-and-beach safari balance.
Marakele National Park
Waterberg, South Africa
Scenic mountain landscapes and thriving elephant and rhino populations make Marakele an accessible, quieter safari choice.
Pilanesberg National Park
North West, South Africa
An ancient volcanic crater setting delivers accessible Big Five viewing with easy connections from Johannesburg.
Etosha National Park
Namibia
Wide salt pans and waterholes attract elephant and lion sightings in a dry, open wilderness with low seasonal risk.
Mount Kenya & Laikipia Plateau
Kenya
Low-risk safari regions ideal for walking adventures, camel treks, and relaxed family stays on private conservancies.
Why Choose a Malaria-Free Safari with Africa Tailormade?
Family-friendly safaris
Lodges welcome children of all ages, making multi-generational safari travel easy and enjoyable together.
Effortless travel Logistics
Convenient flights and short road transfers ensure your journey feels smooth, seamless, and stress-free.
Big Five sightings
Lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant thrive in these remarkable malaria-free safari regions year-round.
Seamless extensions
Extend your safari with Cape Town, Victoria Falls, or a relaxed Mozambique beach escape experience
Malaria-Free Safari FAQ's
Is it truly malaria-free?
Yes, all reserves listed above are recognised by South Africa’s Department of Health as malaria-free or extremely low-risk.
Do I need to take any precautions?
You won’t need malaria medication. A light repellent is recommended during summer evenings, but purely for comfort.
Can I still see the Big Five?
Definitely. Madikwe, Welgevonden, Shamwari, Tswalu, and Kwandwe are all home to the Big Five, with excellent chances of sightings.
Are malaria-free safaris only in South Africa?
South Africa leads the way, but you’ll also find low-risk regions in Namibia’s Etosha, Kenya’s Laikipia, and northern Tanzania’s highlands.
When is the best time to go?
These destinations are beautiful year-round. The dry winter months (May–August) offer excellent visibility for game viewing, while the summer rains (October–March) bring green landscapes and newborn wildlife.
Can you combine a malaria-free safari with Kruger or Okavango?
Yes. Many of our travellers start in a malaria-free reserve, then venture north into Botswana or Kruger for a few nights of high-density game viewing. We’ll build your journey to balance comfort, variety, and adventure.
Sample Itinerary
6 Days Malaria-Free Family Safari
Across Southern and East Africa, these malaria-free and low-risk reserves offer all the thrill of safari without the added concern — making them ideal for families, first-time travellers, and anyone seeking peace of mind in the wild.
Day 1 – 3:
Madikwe Game Reserve
Arrive in Johannesburg, fly or drive to Madikwe Game Reserve. Enjoy game drives, bush walks, and lodge activities.
DAY 4 – 6:
Welgevonden Game Reserve
Transfer to Welgevonden Game Reserve or the Waterberg region for a change of scenery and relaxed days by the pool.
Optional Add-On:
Cape Town or Garden Route
Add on a few nights in Cape Town or along the Garden Route – it’s an easy combination and malaria-free.
A Note on Malaria and Travel
If your heart’s set on Kruger, Botswana, Zambia, or Tanzania -don’t let the word “malaria” hold you back. Thousands of travellers visit these regions every year safely.
The key is to chat to your doctor before you travel. They’ll advise on the right malaria prophylactic for you and most are easy to take, well tolerated, and widely used by safari-goers.
Between the precautions lodges take (mosquito nets, fans, repellents) and modern medication, it’s entirely possible to enjoy your safari comfortably and confidently – whether you choose a malaria-free area or not.
At Africa Tailormade, we’ll help you make an informed decision based on your itinerary, travel dates, & who’s travelling with you.
Ready to explore Africa?
Ready to start your malaria-free African safari adventure? Schedule a call with one of our safari specialists and let’s bring your tailor-made journey to life.