South Africa's Best Malaria-Free Safaris

For The Big 5: Madikwe Game Reserve

A popular alternative to big names like Kruger and Sabi Sands, Madikwe sits a four-hour drive outside Johannesburg. The reserve is home to animals including lions, black and white rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and many more that you can see on game drives. There are plenty of accommodation options, from a luxury room for two all the way to a private property.

A Coastal Safari: Gondwana Game Reserve

Gondwana is a unique option perfectly located a half-hour from the Garden Route coastline and a four-hour drive east of Cape Town. Imagine seeing wildlife with mountains in the background, plus the ability to go see the ocean later. It's an amazing variety of things to do. Even when you're back in your room or villa, there are still opportunities to see elephants or giraffes walk right past you!

For An Off-Beat Location: Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat

What sets Bushman's apart is that it's in the lesser-visited Cederberg region north of Cape Town. It's also not primarily a safari destination where you'll see the kind of wildlife in a typical safari. While you can see animals, including the world's largest private population of Cape Mountain Zebras, Bushman's Kloof is a well-rounded retreat-esque destination. See ancient rock art and bike in the morning, relax at their spa in the afternoon, and have a sundowner (sunset meal) set up with the unique rocky landscape surrounding you. The choices are yours!

A Perfect Family Destination: Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Kwandwe is situated near Port Elizabeth in the country's Eastern Cape and can either be driven or flown into. Guests can see many species reintroduced to the Fish River Valley, like cheetahs and black rhinos, and participate in special activities like rhino tracking, and fishing. All that, plus the variety of kids activities they offer, like treasure hunts, cooking lessons, beading, and more. Kwandwe's mission keeps families with kids, even young ones, well in mind!

For Complete & Utter Isolation: Tswalu Kalahari

A bit more difficult to reach, but well worth it! Tswalu is in the Northern Cape, far from a major city, and can only be accessed by plane. There's three different kinds of accomodation; their original camp, tented camps, and exclusive-use homestead. They offer private safaris (included in your stay), plus things like horseback riding, waking up to see the meerkats emerge from their burrows, and the opportunity to gaze in awe at endless stars from your very own starbed. Tswalu's an excellent option for those seeking true desolation and luxury in a perfect package.

When You Want It All, And All To Yourself: Leobo Private Reserve

This place has everything going for it. 20,000 acres, three hours from Johannesburg in the Waterberg region, kid-friendly, exclusive-use, and malaria-free! Enjoy staying in their villa, lodge, or if you have a big enough group, both. Spend your time quad-biking, kayaking, doing yoga, getting a lay of the land via helicopter, and, of course, viewing spectacular wildlife. Leobo is your own South African playground, plain and simple.

Close To The City, Far From The Typical: Boulders Beach

I admit, this is definitely not a safari, but who doesn't want to see penguins? During your stay in the Mother City at accommodations like One & Only Cape Town or More Quarters Neighborhood Hotel, visit gorgeous Boulders Beach. Not only can you take in the beauty and kayak, but see endangered African Penguins waddle and swim!

Please keep in mind that these are wild animals and do not touch them for their safety and your own. Their beaks are sharp, and you don't want to find that out for yourself if they feel threatened.

All safari lodges listed above provide their own variety of dining options, including meals and snacks that kids will enjoy. Private-use properties like Tswalu and Leobo offer their own chefs to cook up whatever you need, so whether you're craving comfort food or wanting something fancy, you're covered.