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A safari should feel exciting, enriching and effortless, not something you need to worry your way through. While many safari destinations in Africa are malaria-risk areas, there are also exceptional reserves and national parks where you can witness wildlife in all its glory, without the need for anti-malarial medication. For families with young children, travellers who prefer a more relaxed travel experience, or anyone wanting added reassurance, malaria-free safaris in South Africa and Namibia offer the best of both worlds: unforgettable wildlife encounters with total peace of mind. You’ll still enjoy the same breathtaking landscapes, Big Five game viewing, world-class guides and unique wilderness experiences — just without the added concern.
Why Choose a Malaria-Free Safari?
Peace of mind: Travel freely without thinking about medication schedules, mosquito precautions or health risks — especially helpful for families.
Perfect for children and multi-generational travel: These regions are some of the most family-friendly safari areas, with kids’ activities, child-friendly lodges and shorter travel distances.
Excellent Big Five wildlife viewing: Malaria-free safaris in South Africa, especially in regions like Madikwe, offer strong populations of lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, as well as rare species like African wild dog.
Easy to combine with Cape Town, Winelands & the Garden Route: No need for complicated routing. Malaria-free safaris combine beautifully with South Africa’s most popular travel regions.
When to Go on a Malaria-Free Safari
South Africa’s dry season (May to August) is generally malaria and mosquito-free, making this one of the best times for wildlife viewing. Clear skies, cooler temperatures and thinning vegetation make animals easier to spot at waterholes and along riverbeds.
However, the ideal time to visit varies slightly by region:
KwaZulu-Natal, Madikwe & Limpopo
Best between May and September, when conditions are dry and wildlife viewing is at its peak.
Cape Town, Western Cape & Eastern Cape (including Shamwari)
Malaria-free areas here are suitable to visit for much of the year, with dry and sunny conditions from September to April.
Southern Kalahari (Tswalu)
A year-round destination. Expect warm days and cool evenings between May and September, with excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Where to Go for a Malaria-Free Safari
A pioneering conservation success story spread across 25,000 hectares of protected wilderness. Shamwari delivers classic Big Five game viewing, exceptional guiding, varied habitats, and a selection of luxury lodges ideal for both romantic escapes and family safaris.
Bordering Botswana, Madikwe is one of South Africa’s best-kept safari secrets. The reserve is known for its memorable elephant sightings, diverse landscapes, and one of the most reliable chances to see endangered African wild dogs. Fully malaria-free and very family-friendly.
One of the most dramatic landscapes in Africa. Towering red dunes, desert-adapted wildlife like oryx, elusive desert leopards and shy aardvarks, star-filled night skies and total, quiet stillness. A malaria-free safari here pairs beautifully with coastal Swakopmund or a fly-in Namibia circuit.
The largest private game reserve in South Africa. Vast, remote and exclusive, Tswalu is known for rare desert wildlife: black-maned lions, aardvark, pangolin, and meerkat encounters. A deeply immersive safari for those seeking something extraordinary.
Ways to Experience a Malaria-Free Safari
Discover immersive wildlife experiences suited to families and travellers seeking total peace of mind in Africa’s malaria-free regions
4-day South Africa Safari Package
Experience a relaxing malaria-free safari in the Madikwe Game Reserve, staying at the luxurious Impodimo Game Lodge. Enjoy glass-fronted suites with private decks, Big Five game drives, bushwalks, and family-friendly experiences.
From $2,640 pp sharing
4 Nights – Garden Route Uncovered
Discover South Africa’s scenic coastlines along the Garden Route. Explore Knysna’s sparkling lagoon, the Tsitsikamma Forest, the Outeniqua Mountains, the Cango Caves and charming coastal towns, ending your trip in beautiful Cape Town.
From $1,175 pp sharing
9-Day Fly-In Namibia Safari
Soar between Namibia’s desert, coastal and savannah landscapes on a fly-in journey. Explore Damaraland, NamibRand, Ongava and Okonjima while enjoying exclusive lodges, striking scenery and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
From $11,603 pp sharing
Plan Your Safari
Tell us how you like to travel — relaxed, adventurous, romantic, or family-focused — and we’ll design a journey that fits you perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Kruger National Park is not malaria-free. While some areas are considered low risk, the region is still classified as a malaria zone. If avoiding malaria medication is important to you, we recommend choosing one of South Africa’s dedicated malaria-free reserves such as Madikwe or Shamwari.
Yes. Malaria-free safari regions are ideal for families and are often the recommended choice when travelling with babies or young children. Many lodges offer family rooms, child-friendly game drives, junior ranger programmes and flexible mealtimes, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the experience comfortably and safely.
No. If you are travelling only within designated malaria-free reserves, there is no need for preventative malaria medication. However, if your trip also includes destinations like Kruger, Victoria Falls or parts of Botswana, your consultant will advise you on the best precautions based on your specific route and travel dates.