Madikwe and Northern Malaria Free Reserves
South Africa’s northern region is also home to the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve – a thrilling landscape of valleys, mountains and forests where spectacular wildlife roam. More than 300 species of birds can be found in Waterberg, along with African pythons and Nile crocodile. The Tswalu Game Reserve, on the edge of the Kalahari, is another of our favourites thanks to its luxurious lodges and commitment to wildlife conservation. Tswalu only permits 40 guests at any one time, ensuring an exclusive experience with minimal impact to the reserve’s incredible biodiversity.
- Only South Africa can offer malaria-free safaris.
- Thrilling Big Five safaris with exclusive accommodations.
- Madikwe is the largest malaria-free game reserve.
- Great game viewing in mountainous surroundings at the Waterberg.
- Tswalu is a remarkable conservation project near the Kalahari.
- All malaria-free reserves are easily accessible from Johannesburg.
Located in the North West Province of South Africa, on a rocky outcrop in the centre of the Madikwe Game Reserve, sits the Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge. There are ten sumptuous suites, all with elegant ‘Afrochic’ furnishings. Guests enjoy their game viewing in open topped vehicles, and short walks along old elephant tracks.
Tswalu (meaning “a new beginning”) is designed in classic African style and blends into the Kalahari environment, offering unrivalled elegance.
Morokuru River House is one of the most exciting exclusive use properties in South Africa.
Set amidst two rolling mountain ranges, the Motse legae and Tarkuni homestead are the ultimate private sanctuaries on the vast Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Recently redesigned to uncompromising standards of comfort and elegance, Tarkuni is an exceptional choice for families seeking a tranquil, exclusive-use escape.
A collection of exclusive-use bush villas, Morukuru Family welcomes you with top-notch personal service. The unrivalled range of activities, outstanding personal service, expert guiding and world-class cuisine make this portfolio of villas some of the best malaria-free safari properties in South Africa for families or a group of friends.
Madikwe Hills Lodge is an intimate and luxurious safari lodge set among the 75,000 hectares of the Madikwe Game Reserve. The main lodge has five luxurious suites, a dining lodge and a spa. The suites have been designed for complete relaxation and comfort, each boasting soft sofas, voluminous mosquito netting and cotton picot linen. Overhead fans and air conditioning are a welcome respite from the harshness of the African heat.
Loapi offers the epitome of a private Kalahari experience. You’ll stay in your own spacious tented home with its own team of staff. Each of the six homes is carefully placed in the contours of the valley, offering both incredible savannah views and ultimate privacy. The camp is very welcoming of families and, being in a malaria-free area, is great for young and old alike.
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.
The only country able to offer malaria-free safaris, South Africa is a wonderful choice for many looking for a luxury safari experience. Enjoy the abundance of wildlife on offer in some of the most exclusive private reserves, before exploring cosmopolitan Cape Town, where the glamour of the city meets the rugged outdoors.
See the splendour of South Africa as a family on this exclusive safari. Spend your days exploring captivating Cape Town, enjoying the delights of the Winelands and on safari, seeking out the abundant wildlife that roams the wilderness. No matter your age, this iconic safari will leave you with memories for a lifetime.
With opportunities to see the Big Five of both land and sea, along with incredible scenery, enormous national parks, world-class vineyards, a fascinating history and vibrant, friendly people, South Africa frequently tops the lists of the world’s best holiday destinations. Even so, less than 1% of the world's travellers make it here, so it’s a place where you’ll find yourself with a few select, like-minded and discerning adventurers who have discovered this gem of a country. It’s a place you could return to for the whole of your life and never tire of it.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
If you’re looking for a country that’s got everything, choose South Africa. Renowned for the spectacular views of the Garden Route, vibrant Cape Town, malaria free safaris, fascinating history and outstanding wildlife, the whole family will fall under the alluring spell of this diverse country.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the first person to call South Africa “the rainbow nation”. It’s a reflection on the fascinating diversity of this country, not only in the identities of its people but in the landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and activities it offers. South Africa is a country which, because of its variety, can be all things to all people, truly a rainbow of varied opportunities and experiences.
in South Africa
Without a shadow of a doubt, South Africa is one of the very best places to watch wildlife in the world. The Kruger National Park — a protected area the size of Wales — is certainly the most famous and popular safari destination, but with Journeysmiths you’ll escape the crowds to explore vast, wildlife-filled private reserves, in the company of the best guides.
Cape Town is one of the world’s great cities with a unique setting beneath Table Mountain.
To experience a little bit of everything that South Africa has to offer, you can hardly do better than to drive along the coastal road of the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It’s an extraordinary journey, and there’s wildlife on both land and shore, endless beaches, historic battlefields, and the vineyards are never far away. One day you might be whale spotting at Hermanus — renowned as one of the best whale watching locations in the world — and the next you could be learning about the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, handling antique weapons and scrambling over the British and Zulu positions.
Formerly the Zulu Kingdom, the province of KwaZulu Natal runs along South Africa’s dramatic Indian Ocean coastline. The Drakensberg Mountains create a natural border between Lesotho and the Eastern Cape, and offer some excellent hiking routes.
For families of all ages there is so much to see and do in South Africa, making it an excellent and diverse travel destination. We’ve chosen 20 of the best experiences to immerse you in the culture, wildlife and beautiful places of this remarkable country.
South Africa is an excellent choice for family travel with children of all ages. Its wildlife is abundant, with a great diversity of species, including the Big Five: rhino, leopard, lion, elephant and buffalo. There are vast malaria-free reserves and it’s easy to get from safari regions to Cape Town and the beach.
Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary
Working in partnership with globally recognised conservation organisation; Care for Wild, the world’s largest rhino orphanage, we have curated a truly unique and exclusive experience giving a privileged few behind-the-scenes access to this otherwise incredibly private sanctuary.