Guidebook to 7 Recommended Malaria Free Safaris in South Africa

Introduction

Welcome to South Africa, a destination that is as breathtaking as it is family-friendly! When planning a family holiday, health and safety are often top priorities, which is why South Africa’s malaria-free safaris are an ideal choice for those travelling with young children.

Why choose malaria-free safaris in South Africa? Simple: it’s the peace of mind you get. Knowing that the adventure doesn’t come with the worries associated with malaria zones means you can fully immerse yourself and your little ones in the wonders of the wild.

But where in South Africa should you go? Allow us to share some of our favourite spots for family-friendly, malaria-free safaris:

Tuningi Safari Lodge | Madikwe Game Reserve | South Africa

Tuningi Safari Lodge, located in the Madikwe Game Reserve, offers incredible malaria free safaris in South Africa with breathtaking views and safari experiences, making it ideal for families. Beyond the stunning scenery and exciting game drives, Tuningi specifically caters to families with a variety of options to ensure an unforgettable adventure for all ages. For children over 6, Tuningi allows participation in regular game drives alongside experienced guides.

The lodge also offers a dedicated kids’ programme, which allows children to learn about the wonders of nature through ranger-led activities and interactive experiences like spoor tracking. This provides a thrilling opportunity for families to spot Africa’s Big Five and other incredible wildlife together.

Accommodation for families: The lodge offers two Family Suites with private deck and plunge pool.

Two loungers and two other chairs on a deck offer a view of a green and lush grassy landscape.
View from the luxury suite deck overlooking the lush landscape of the Madikwe Game Reserve.

Riverdene Family Safari Lodge | Shamwari Private Game Reserve | South Africa

Situated within Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, Riverdene Family Safari Lodge presents remarkable malaria free safaris in South Africa, especially for families wanting to witness incredible wildlife and create lasting memories together. The lodge offers game drives to children over four years old as well as a children’s programme with indoor and outdoor activities to keep them entertained and busy. While the children are busy at the kids’ club, parents can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation, with the lodge’s luxurious spas. The lodge’s atmosphere is designed to encourage families to connect and create lasting memories.

Accommodation for families: The lodge offers nine luxurious interleading rooms, comfortably accommodating two adults and a child.

A blue pool surrounded by pool loungers overlooking an open green landscape as the sun sets with Safari365.
A blue pool surrounded by pool loungers overlooking an open green landscape as the sun sets.

Amakhala ⁠Hlosi Game Lodge | Amakhala Game Reserve | South Africa 

Situated in the Eastern Cape within Amakhala Game Reserve, Hlosi Game Lodge is a sanctuary not just for wildlife enthusiasts but also for families seeking an unforgettable African adventure. The reserve is known for its diverse Big 5 sightings and a variety of other animals. Children over the age of six are allowed to join the game drives, which take place in the morning and the evening. The lodge also offers their Cubs on Safari programme as well as expert babysitting services. This game reserve provides a thrilling opportunity for families to experience malaria free safaris in South Africa. 

 

Accommodation for families: The lodge offers two family suites, each with two bedrooms and its own private deck for game viewing.

Barman behind a bar cleaning a glass in a well lit room with Safari365.
The intimate bar area at Hlosi Game Lodge.

⁠Impodimo Game Lodge | Madikwe Game Reserve | South Africa 

Located in the North West Province, Impodimo Game Lodge is one of the most perfect places for malaria free safaris in South Africa. Set on a ridge that overlooks the 75,000 hectares of the Madikwe Game Reserve, here you will find the iconic Big 5, African wild dogs, cheetahs, and various mammals and bird life. Impodimo Game Lodge offers incredible morning and afternoon game drives. For those wanting more of an immersion into this incredible area, bush walks are available. On your walk, you will be accompanied by a talented tracker who will teach you the art of tracking.

The lodge also has an elephant hide, which is a wonderful way to experience elephants up close and personal. The lodge welcomes guests of all ages; guests aged 6 and older are welcome on game drives, while younger guests can go on a “bumble drive” — a shorter, tailored game drive to keep the children’s attention. The lodge also offers an immersive children’s programme to keep them entertained.

Accommodation for families: A family safari suite for two children and two adults, this includes a private vehicle.

Cozy lounge area at Impodimo Game Lodge.
Cozy lounge area at Impodimo Game Lodge.

⁠River Safari Lodge | Kariega Game Reserve | South Africa 

Nestled in the Eastern Cape, the Kariega Game Reserve houses the River Safari Lodge, a haven for family adventures. The reserve spans 11,500 hectares, with the lodge overlooking Bushman’s River. Here you will find three out of the Big Five animals, including the rhino, buffalo, and leopard, as well as other species such as hippo, zebra, giraffe, and wildebeest, to name a few.

Children aged 5 and older are permitted on game drives (with discretion for younger guests applied by the General Manager and the guide). The lodge also provides a playroom, a Junior Ranger Programme, and babysitting services, ensuring entertainment and care for all ages.

Accommodation for families: The lodge has ten chalets that feature two or three air-conditioned bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, accommodating up to six people. We also offer two four-bedroom chalets, which can sleep families of up to eight people.

The lodges deck protruding into the river with Safari365.
The view of the deck overlooking the river.

Mark’s Camp | Lalibela Game Reserve | South Africa

Situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Lalibela Game Reserve offers an incredible malaria-free safari in South Africa for families at their Mark’s Camp. Here, you will find a large watering hole that attracts various species of antelope, giraffe, and elephant.

You and your family can enjoy morning and evening game drives, as well as an incredible outdoor dining area, known as a ‘boma.’ The camp offers bumble game drives, a special kids’ menu, babysitting services, and a children’s programme. Families with children aged 2 years or older can join the game drives.

Accommodation for families: The lodge’s family rooms can accommodate two adults and two children (under 18 years). They also offer three family suites, each with two en-suite rooms and a lounge area, accommodating up to six guests.

The pool are and deck at Mark’s camp with Safari365.
The pool area and deck at Mark’s Camp.

Ivory Tree Game Lodge⁠ | Pilanesberg Game Reserve | South Africa 

Located in Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Ivory Tree Lodge offers an incredible opportunity for a malaria free safari for travellers with young children. This game reserve is unique in that it is set in an ancient volcanic crater, making it unique in its geological landscape and diverse in its wildlife, home to the iconic Big 5 and various other animal and bird species.

Here, you and your family can immerse yourselves in this diverse landscape with morning and evening game drives (only for children aged 6 and older), archery, air gun shooting, quad biking, or interactive drumming, to name a few. There is also a children’s programme with educational games and activities, as well as spa treatments specifically designed for children. This reserve is perfect for any family who wants to experience malaria free safaris in South Africa.  

Accommodation for families: The lodge offers executive suites that have private plunge pools as well as luxury and standard rooms that can comfortably accommodate families of four.

The outside area of Ivory Tree at the lodge with sun loungers.
The outdoor area at the lodge features sun loungers for enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Why Choose a Malraia Free Safari in South Africa? 

Why choose malaria free safaris in South Africa? It’s about more than just eliminating health risks; it’s about creating a safe, stress-free environment where families can truly enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of South Africa. Whether it’s your first safari or a return trip, these destinations offer a blend of adventure and security that’s hard to match anywhere else in the world.