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The 6 Best Malaria Free Game Reserves In South Africa

Even though there are easy precautions that can be taken to avoid malaria, there are some people such as elderly people or people with children that would prefer to go on safari in malaria-free areas. Luckily there are several areas in South-Africa. We have put together a list of some of our favourite Big 5 malaria-free reserves in South Africa for you:

1. Madikwe Game Reserve

Situated in the North-West province of South Africa, Madikwe is with 75000 hectares one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. Hugging the border of Botswana, this game reserve is home to over 25 luxury game lodges, many of them are child friendly, even though there may be a minimum age for the children to participate in a game drive. Madikwe is about 4,5 hours from Johannesburg by car, scheduled charter flights from Johannesburg are also available.

2. Pilanesberg National Park

This national park is about 2,5 hours from Johannesburg by vehicle and is situated in a volcano crater. In 1979 the area was fenced, and the re-introduction of animals started. Today there are over 7000 animals present in this beautiful reserve, amongst which the Big 5.

3. Welgevonden Game Reserve

This 36000 hectare Big 5 game reserve is home to the Big 5, including the recently re-introduced black rhino. At 2,5 hours drive from Johannesburg, this reserve offers a lovely variety of luxury lodges. As with most private reserves, you are not allowed to drive in the reserve yourself, but the lodges offer 2 safari activities daily.

4. Addo Elephant Park

Addo is een van de malariavrije reservaten waar je zelf kunt rijden plus het biedt ook budgetvriendelijke accommodatie. Gelegen in de Oostkaap, dit prachtige park is de thuisbasis van meer dan 500 olifanten en biedt ook Big 5 game viewing. Er kunnen ook georganiseerde gamedrives worden geregeld.

5. Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Addo is one of the malaria-free reserves where you can drive yourself plus it offers some budget accommodation as well. Situated in the Eastern Cape, this beautiful park is home to over 500 elephant and also offers Big 5 game viewing. Organised game drives can be arranged as well.

6. Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Nambiti is situated in the middle of Kwazulu Natal, about, 3,5-4 hours from Johannesburg and 2,5 hours from Durban. Nambiti offers multiple luxury lodges and is a magnificent small game reserve offering Big 5 viewings.