I was born and grew up in Africa, whilst my parents house was in a “Malaria Free” area, we would often go on our holidays into the bush to places like Mana Pools on the Zambezi river or onto Lake Kariba. Both these areas have Malaria.We would always take medication and I have to say that in 30 years neither I or any of my family ever got Malaria. So I feel that as long as you take the sensible precautions like the full course of medication and cover yourself up in the evenings, malaria should not be an issue.

If you still do not feel comfortable travelling to an area that has malaria, but still want to go on a safari holiday, there are plenty of places that can offer you the wildest splendor that Africa has to offer, without the fear of Malaria.South Africa has some of the best safari locations that are in so called malaria free areas, so here are a few ideas for you:

Malaria Free Safaris in South Africa.

Madikwe Private Game Reserve
Madikwe is famous for its excellent sightings of African wild dogs. I was lucky enough to have visited Madikwe a few years back, when I was still studying to become a safari guide and we did indeed have some excellent wild dog sightings. On top of this Madikwe is a true malaria free Big 5 safari destination. Many reserves claim to have all of the Big 5, but only have White Rhinos, instead of the much more feared and endangered Black Rhino. Madikwe Game Reserve has both and I was lucky enough to have seen both on my trip to the reserve.

The views on Madikwe Game Reserve are also stunning, the reserve is located right on the Botswana border, and covers a vast 75,000 hectares and only about three hours’ drive from Johannesburg and the international airport.

I think that the combination of the stunning bush scenery, high concentrations of wildlife especially the predators, luxury lodges, fully qualified game rangers and all within easy reach of Johannesburg International airport make the Madikwe Game Reserve one of the best Malaria free reserves in South Africa, if not the whole of Africa and I would highly recommend a safari at Madikwe.

Welgevonden Private game Reserve
The very difficult to pronounce 34 000 hectare Welgevonden Game reserve in the Waterberg region of South Africa’s northern Limpopo province is another excellent malaria free option for a safari. I must admit to having a soft spot for this reserve as I have worked on Welgevonden as a field guide, although not a true Big 5 reserve (it does not have the black rhino) It more than makes up with it by having a large population of white rhinos as well as elephant, lion and buffalo. There are the elusive leopards on the reserve, but are not often seen.

Welgevonden means ‘well found’ and I can promise you that you will not be disappointed by the stunning scenery of the sometimes rather mountainous surroundings that can make for spectacular game drives.

In total Welgevonden is home to over 50 different mammals and boasts one of the largest populations of white rhino on a private reserve anywhere in Africa. On top of the usual suspects of Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Lions, Elephants and Buffalo, there are rare and unusual species too, such as brown hyena, aardwolf and aardvark which are all best seen at night. At one end of the reserve you will find grassy plains that wouldnt look out of place in Kenya’s Masai Mara. Here you’ll find many antelope species, from the largest eland to the majestic Kudu as well as cheetah, lion and leopard who are always close by. The diversity of habitat on Welgevonden enables such a wide range of wildlife including over 300 bird species, including rare blue cranes.

Welgevonden is only a two hour drive from Johannesburg and is a malaria free safari location that I would highly recommend.

Below is a video of photos that were taken by myself or a few of my guests whilst I was working at Shidzidzi & Nungubane Lodges on the Welgevonden Game reserve.