Malaria Free Game Reserves in South Africa for 2025

No Pills, More Thrills: South Africa’s Malaria-Free Game Reserves

South Africa stands out in Africa for its superb malaria-free game reserves – a real plus if you’re traveling with young kids, seniors, or anyone who’d rather skip the anti-malarial pills.

From Madikwe’s wild landscapes to the Eastern Cape’s accessible luxury and the picturesque Waterberg, these reserves offer classic Big Five game viewing.

The Eastern Cape, the Pilanesberg and the Waterberg are accessible. So no need for pills, easier logistics, and no mosquito-induced paranoia. This means reduced travelling time, especially important for families with young kids.

However some are more remote; Madikwe Private Game reserve, Tswalu and the Trans-Kalagadi National Park, both in the Northern Cape.

But all are perfect for families, multi-gen groups, or even the more cautious adventurers!

Here’s your guide to going malaria-free on safari – and the best lodges to make your trip stress-free and memorable.

Eastern Cape Malaria Free Game Reserve: The Easy Access Gem

The Eastern Cape is one of the prime malaria-free wildlife areas in South Africa. From the legendary Addo Elephant National Park to luxurious private game reserves, it’s a region that pairs family-friendly safaris with easy access. You’re a short half days’drive from the Garden Route. Plus flights into Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) making it even simpler.

The Eastern Cape is great for ‘out of season’ safaris eg our summer months. As it’s in a transitional climate zone, so it doesn’t have the same summer rainfall as the Kruger and Madikwe.

Positives for the Eastern Cape

• Close to the Garden Route so no flights needed
• Very attractive countryside
• Varied lodges for every budget
• Great family-friendly lodges with excellent kids safari programmes
• Milder climate with less summer rainfall than other safari regions

But:

• You don’t get an overwhelming sense of being in the wilds of ‘Africa’. However some do have that illusive sense of wilderness. Chat to us
• Winter chills (June–mid-August) can be nippy

Overall you need to pick your lodge carefully as the quality of game-viewing varies. (Use a Specialist Tour Operator like us as we know the lodges really well!)

Recommendations – see Eastern Cape Game Reserves for our full selection

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge or Great Fish River Lodge
Kariega River Lodge
Kichaka Game Lodge
Shamwari Bayethe Tented Lodge
Shamwari Riverdene Lodge – for young children

Sample Malaria Free Safaris:

Relaxing Rascals
Mellow Cape

Madikwe Game Reserve: Big Five Bliss

Tucked away in South Africa’s far northwest, Madikwe is renowned for its consistent Big Five sightings and dramatic bushveld landscapes.

Alongside the Eastern Cape game lodges, Madikwe Game Reserve is at the forefront of offering child-friendly safari experiences. So it’s one of the best family-friendly malaria-free safari spots, with children’s programs and thrilling wildlife action.

You can fly, take a road transfer or self-drive (4 hours+) into Madikwe and there are also flights from near Marakele (see Waterberg) to Madikwe.

You could combine it with the Magaliesberg region to the west of Johannesburg close to Hartbeespoort Dam to break the journey.

Positives for Madikwe

• Reliable Big Five game viewing
• Good wild dog sightings
• Classic, open bushveld – you’ll feel like you’re truly in Africa

But:

• It’s remote – charter flights are convenient but costly.
• Long 4+ hour drive or transfer from Johannesburg
• Harder to combine with other areas (except Sun City – not everyone’s cup of tea!)

Malaria-Free Game Reserves – Safari Lodge Recommendations

Madikwe Hills

Madikwe Safari Lodge
Tuningi Safari Lodge
Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Morukuru Family

Sample Malaria Free Safari:

Kids in Style

The Waterberg & Welgevonden Malaria-free Safaris: A Hidden Gem

Only a 2.5–3 hour drive from Johannesburg, the malaria-free Waterberg region offers stunning views, dramatic plateaus, all dissected by ravines and waterfalls with panoramic views over the plains below.

The area is home to several malaria-free private game reserves. The Welgevonden and Marakele offer the Big Five, Whilst other reserves focus more on walking safaris or horse-riding. (Horse-riding, for both beginners and experienced riders, is a particular speciality of the Waterberg.)

There are also exclusive us Safari Houses – such as Ant’s Nest, Jembisa or Melote House – which are booked by one multi-gen family or a group of friends. These all offer a more relaxing and gentle intro to the bush, especially for families or first-timers.

Positives for the Waterberg

• Close to Johannesburg so easy for self-drive or road transfers
• Jaw-dropping scenery
• Horse-riding safaris (beginner to advanced)

But

• May not feel as African as Madikwe
• Important to choose the right safari lodge for your needs

Malaria-Free Game Reserves – Recommendations

Marataba Safari Lodge
Makweti Safari Lodge
Ant’s Hill and Ant’s Nest

Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve & the Northern Cape: Luxe & Legendary

If you’re ready to splurge, Tswalu Kalahari is a malaria-free marvel. It’s South Africa’s largest private game reserve – think desert-adapted wildlife, rich culture, and only 30 guests at a time. The Kalahari is the historical home of the Bushmen (San) people.

This spectacular malaria-free reserve offers a wealth of experiences: explore Tswalu Game Reserve by 4×4, on horseback or on foot.  It’s also fantastic for families. A true wilderness for those seeking exclusivity.

On the flip side, the Trans Kgalagadi National Park offers budget-friendly stays with spectacular desert wildlife, including black-maned lions and cheetah. (Nowhere in South Africa are you more likely to see cheetah than in the dry river beds of the Trans Kgalagadi park.)

It is also home to hyena and immense herds of springbok, gemsbok, red hartebeest, blue wildebeest and eland.

Malaria-Free Game Reserves – Recommendations

Tswalu Motse Lodge
Twee Rivieren
!Xaus Lodge

Other Family Safari Articles you may be interested in:

Kids on Safari – 8 tips for a bicker-free time

Top Things to Do with Kids in Cape Town

Family-friendly game lodges for different ages of children

Feeling inspired to go malaria-free? Curious which reserve is best for your style?

Three Easy Steps to Start Planning

• Chat to us (by email, phone or our enquiry form). Tell us your travel style, interests and what you’re looking for
• We match you with the perfect malaria-free lodge & activities.
• You sip sundowners and soak in the wild beauty, stress-free.

“Malaria-free game reserves in South Africa in 2025” was written by Cedarberg Africa

At Cedarberg Africa, we’re passionate about sharing the magic of Africa – from epic Big Five safaris to easy-going family adventures. With three decades of expertise, we tailor-make each trip to your unique style, whether you’re traveling with kids, celebrating with friends and family, or enjoying a romantic get-together just for two. Our team of safari specialists has explored countless lodges and hidden gems across the continent, so you can count on honest advice and personal recommendations for an unforgettable trip.