Malaria-Free Safari Destinations

Malaria is present throughout much of Africa and many of our African travel destinations fall inside its range. That said, the risk of actually contracting malaria in places that fall within the malaria belt such as the Kruger Park, Etosha, Mozambique’s Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos, Zanzibar, the Masai Mara and Serengeti is minimal – even more so during the dry seasons and when appropriate precautions are taken.

Nevertheless, the risk remains, and to remove the threat entirely we have identified malaria-free destinations for both safaris and beach holidays. Browse our range of super-safe safaris and beach holidays (many of our tours are ‘beach and bush’ combinations) or speak to your Africa Safari Expert for more information on malaria-free destinations in Africa.

South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route, Eastern Cape & Madikwe

South Africa‘s malaria-free destinations happily combine to produce great holiday itineraries: start with got-it-all Cape Town before heading off on the Garden Route, long a firm family favourite and home to endless beaches and dramatic scenery. And where the Garden Route ends, the Eastern Capebegins, a region rapidly becoming internationally famous for offering superb Big 5 safaris in a temperate and malaria-free environment.

It’s similarly malaria-free up in the north-west of South Africa. Sun City and the Pilanesberg National Park provide an abundance of family entertainment but the big safari trump card is less than a two-hour drive away on the edge of the Kalahari: Madikwe Private Game Reserve, a genuine Big 5 malaria-free destination and perfect for families as well as honeymooners and romantics.

Indian Ocean: Mauritius & Seychelles

Tropical island aficionados will be delighted to know that two of the Indian Ocean’s best beach holiday destinations are malaria-free and can easily be combined with a malaria-free safari in South Africa.

Mauritius is an exceptionally diverse destination and is adept at delivering a wide range of holidays for families, golfers, honeymooners and romantics as well as sports enthusiasts and scuba divers.

The Seychelles – one of the world’s most indulgent beach holiday destinations – is more exclusive and focuses on deluxe beach experiences – ideal for honeymooners and discerning travellers who want genuine barefoot 5-star luxury.

Our recommended malaria-free destinations can be comfortably visited at any time of year though the question of exactly when to go on a malaria-free safari still remains in that you will need to time your visit to coincide with what you want to experience.

Accessible and rewarding all through the year, Cape Town and the Garden Route are best visited in the drier summer months from November to April when temperatures are the balmiest and rainfall the lowest.

The malaria-free game reserves of the Eastern Cape are year-round destinations, as is Madikwe Private Game Reserve though game viewing is at its best during the May to October dry season.

Mauritius and the Seychelles are year-round destinations too although it pays to do a little research to find out the optimum time for activities such as diving and deep-sea fishing. You can find out more by contacting one of our Africa Safari Experts.