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Malaria is a serious mosquito-borne disease that poses a significant health risk for travelers to many parts of Africa, including many popular safari destinations. The malaria parasite is transmitted through infected mosquito bites, and medication is taken daily or weekly to prevent illness. For those wishing to experience the wonders of an African safari without the worry or hassle of taking medication, several excellent options exist.
Malaria-Free Safari in South Africa
Madikwe Game Reserve is located in South Africa’s North West Province, and offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities in a malaria-free region. The game reserve is located 1 1/2 hours from the international airport in Gaborone, Botswana or a 3-4 hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, South Africa. The reserve is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) as well as cheetah and endangered African wild dogs. Visitors can enjoy luxury lodges and guided safari tours without the need for antimalarial medication.
Pilanesberg National Park is set in an ancient volcanic crater, and offers a unique and malaria-free safari setting just a few hours from Johannesburg. The park’s diverse ecosystems support a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five and over 360 bird species. Multiple lodging options are available in and near the park and activities include guided safari tours and a sunrise hot air balloon view of the crater. The feel of a South African safari can be found here without the need for antimalarial tablets.
Eastern Cape Game Reserves
Many game reserves and parks offering malaria-free safari options are found in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Some options include; Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Amakhala Game Reserve, and Addo Elephant National Park. Travelers may choose to fly into Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) or Cape Town. Combining a safari in the Eastern Cape with the “Garden Route” is also a popular choice for visitors.
Botswana Safari: Malaria-Free Option
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was established in 1999 as a joint partnership between Botswana and South Africa and the entire park is unfenced, allowing wildlife to move freely between the two countries and along ancient migration routes that enable survival in the arid desert environment. Many visitors opt for a more rustic safari experience with camping and 4X4 tours along rugged trails. Due to it’s location in the Kalahari Desert, there is no risk for malaria and antimalarial tablets are not necessary for this safari destination.
Malaria-Free Safari in Namibia
Erindi Private Game Reserve is located in the Erongo Region of Namibia, which is classified by CDC as a malaria-free region and antimalarial medication is not needed. This game reserve offers the chance to view plentiful wildlife including the “Big Five” plus cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, African wild dogs, hippos, hyenas, and warthogs among others! Lodging options include a deck with views over a wildlife waterhole and a private landing strip for private charter flights.
Yellow Fever and Vaccine Recommendations for Safari
While you may not need malaria medication for the safari options listed above, vaccinations like hepatitis A and typhoid fever are recommended and the yellow fever vaccine may be required depending on your travel plans. Read more about vaccine and yellow fever for your safari to South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. We invite you to schedule an appointment with Destination Health Travel Clinic at any of our three Massachusetts locations; Braintree – South Shore, Springfield – Longmeadow, or Natick – Framingham office.
