Game lodges, game reserves in malaria free areas in Africa
One of the biggest downsides of travelling on safari in Africa is the prevalence of malaria in many parks and reserves. If you are looking for a malaria-free African safari experience, consider visiting the following destinations:
The malaria-free Waterberg Biosphere hosts a collection of reserves and parks in the Waterberg Mountains with its major selling point being its proximity to Johannesburg and Pretoria. As the name suggests the Waterberg consists of innumerable streams and river beds fed from springs that flow out of its fissures. A variety of micro habitats exist from rolling hills that stretch to the horizon to open plains, montane grassland and thickly vegetated valleys and gorges which make for idyllic sundowner stops. Birding in the area is rewarding with around 400 species frequenting the Waterberg region.
Situated approximately 4 hours from Johannesburg, the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s premier game reserves. Covering 75 000 hectares, Madikwe hosts a tremendous variety of habitat types which in turn result in an exceptional diversity of animal species. The Big 5 reserve hosts all the larger game species including a high density of lions, both black and white rhino, feisty elephant herds and Madikwe’s famed African Wild Dog packs. Madikwe is one of the best places in Africa to view this rare predator in the wild.
The malaria free Pilanesberg is situated two hours north of Johannesburg and Pretoria bordering Sun City. One of the largest parks in South Africa covering 55 000 hectares, Pilanesberg is situated within the eroded remnants of an alkaline-volcanic crater. The park has healthy numbers of the big five as well as various endemic animals including brown hyena, cheetah , giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile. The rocky outcrops, open grasslands, wooded valleys and thickets create a lovely setting.
The malaria-free Eastern Cape is home to a number of private reserves and the Addo Elephant National Park. The area contains tracts of savannah grassland, semi-desert Karoo, coastal forests, dune belts and thickly vegetated valleys. All the general plains game as well as the infamous Big 5 occur in healthy numbers on the various reserves. With a close proximity to the Indian Ocean visitors have on offer a diverse range of places to visit.
