Malaria is the dreaded safari disease, prevalent in many areas throughout Africa and is transmitted through the bite from the Anopheles mosquito. It’s a life-threatening blood disease that destroys red blood cells and is easily preventable by use of prophylactics and being aware. Malaria is a huge concern for visitors to South Africa and while most areas in South Africa are low risk, there’s still a need for visitors to be cautious. Malaria is of particular concern to the elderly and families travelling with small children. Rather to be safe than sorry, we’re going to explore the completely Malaria free safari options in South Africa.
Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape is the perfect option for visitors who are spending time in Cape Town and don’t wish to travel to further afield. The Cape coastline is rugged with cascading cliffs and beaches. Inland, there are reserves and plenty of open spaces, making this part of the country an exciting adventure capital and picturesque.
While there are plenty of Malaria free safari lodges in the Eastern Cape, we hand selected the Shamwari Game Reserve for your Eastern Cape safari. The reserve stretches over five of South Africa’s seven biomes in the Eastern Cape. It is actually one of the world’s leading wildlife conservation and safari destinations. At Shamwari, there are six luxury lodges, all of which are five star and cater for a range of guests.
Eagle’s Crag Lodge is tucked between mountain cliffs and has a romantic ambience. Villa Lobengula is an exclusive villa in the heart of the bushveld, ideal for guests seeking exclusivity and a tailor-made safari experience. For a more laid-back experience, try the Bayethe Tented Lodge – designer canvas safari tents surrounded by lush vegetation. Long Lee Manor overlooks the plains teeming with wildlife and is quite an elegant lodge. The two lodges catering for large families, groups and friends is the Riverdene Family Lodge (complete with a ‘Kids on Safari’ programme) and the Sarili Family Lodge; which overlooks the Bushman’s River.
Rhulani Safari Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve in the North-West Province
Rhulani Safari Lodge is located in one of South Africa’s largest reserve, Madikwe in the North-West province. A mere 3 hour drive from Johannesburg, this reserve is ideal for visitors seeking a safari experience up north. Boasting an abundance of wildlife enjoying the perennial Marico River and roaming the open plains in conjunction with rugged landscapes, Madikwe is the ideal option for game viewing.
Rhulani is located in a peaceful and tranquil setting in the middle of the Madikwe Game Reserve. The private chalets have plunge pools and spacious areas for relaxing. There are seven chalets and the two-bedroomed luxury family suite has two en-suite bedrooms, outdoor showers and private deck with plunge pool. Rhulani even offers massage treatments in the privacy of your room and private deck.
Black Rhino Game Reserve in Pilansberg National Park in the North-West Province
Black Rhino Game Lodge is located in the Malaria free Pilansberg National Park, which is the fourth largest national park in South Africa. The park is littered with important minerals throughout the park and is one of only three Alkaline Ring complexes in the world.
The mountain is an ancient volcanic structure, circular in shape and surrounded by plains. The Black Rhino Game Lodge is perfect for families and has a whopping 18 spacious and stylish luxury suites. There’s a thriving waterhole in front of the lodge, which serves as a playground for elephants and buffalo.
Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. It’s important to sleep under a mosquito net in areas that have heavy concentrations of mosquitoes. When out and about, use a bug spray on your body – lodges normally provide these sprays. It normally takes between 2 – 4 weeks for Malaria symptoms to appear. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to : shivers, coldness throughout body, fever, headaches, vomiting and intermittent swets.
