Main Lodge Pool With Elephant Mhondoro Safari Lodge The Waterberg

South Africa Trip Idea

Malaria Free South Africa

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. 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.

Best Time To Go

All Year Round

With amazing biodiversity, South Africa offers a spectacular safari experience at any time of year. Our team of experts will make sure you're in the best locations whenever you are travelling.

Ideal Length

14 Days

With so much to see and do, we recommend a longer stay in South Africa, so you can soak in everything the fabulous country has to offer.

From The Team

Ross Cambray

Master Journeysmith

"It's often said that some destinations have a lot to offer but South Africa really does have it all. I’ve enjoyed fine dining in Cape Town one day and exciting safaris the next. I love driving along the Garden Route, exploring at my own pace. The scenery is absolutely stunning!"

Key Highlights

Captivating Big Five

Experience up close sightings of the Big Five - the majestic lion, gigantic elephant, stout rhino, hardy buffalo and powerful leopard

Walking Safari Mhondoro Game Lodge Madikwe And Northern Malaria Free Reserves

Intriguing Walking Safari

Venture out on a walking safari with expert guides to learn about the native flora and smaller fauna that inhabit the area

Leopard In The Kruger Istock 912599872 Credit Iain Tall

Malaria Free Safari

Ideal for families, there is no compromise on your safari experience with Big Five safari in malaria free regions.

World-class Wine and Cuisine

Sample delectable dishes inspired by Southern African flavours and beyond, and savour the wonderful wines of the region

Towering Table Mountain

The backdrop to Cape Town, the spectacular Table Mountain can be seen across the city and is perfect for hiking

Itinerary At A Glance

Days 1 - 5

Days 5 - 9

Days 9 - 14

Days 1 - 5

Days 5 - 9

Days 9 - 14

Days 1 - 5

Madikwe

South Africa has several outstanding malaria-free wildlife reserves. Madikwe is the largest and its climactic landscape of volcanic hills, expansive plains and winding rivers is a breathtaking backdrop for the private lodges within.

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 to the Kalahari.

All malaria-free reserves are easily accessible from Johannesburg.

Days 5 - 9

The Waterberg

Tucked away in the Limpopo province, the pristine Waterberg region doesn’t make it into most traveller’s itineraries – which, along with a phenomenal array of mammals and birds, is part of the appeal.

Compelling landscapes across private game reserves.

Fantastic mammal and bird viewing.

Walking and horse riding safaris.

Insightful cultural encounters.

Wellness retreats.

Family friendly safari and lodging.

Luxury accommodation in exclusive settings.

Days 9 - 14

Cape Town

This is one of the world’s great cities. From its peninsular position beneath the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town has centuries of history as a trade hub between Europe and Asia and the multicultural influences are palpable.

City glamour meets rugged outdoor adventure.

Iconic Table Mountain backdrop.

Vast array of activities from arts and culture to hiking and surfing.

Excellent base for exploring the winelands and Cape Peninsula.

Superb dining scene.

Pleasing Mediterranean climate.

Luxury waterfront hotels.

Places to Stay

Madikwe Hills

Madikwe Hills is an intimate and luxurious safari lodge.

Morukuru River House

Morokuru River House is one of the most exciting exclusive use properties in South Africa.

Hero Image Observatory Leobo The Waterberg

Leobo Lodge

Journey to Leobo Lodge for a malaria-free safari, and an action-packed itinerary guaranteed to entertain the whole group.

Mhondoro Safari Lodge

Check in at Mhondoro Safari Lodge, a remarkable property where Africa-meets-Europe chic combines with contemporary design, attentive service, and unbelievable wildlife encounters.

Mount Nelson

One of Cape Town's great landmarks, The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is a truly luxurious resort. A magnificent pale pink building fringed with palm trees, the iconic five star hotel offers tranquillity and seclusion in the heart of the vibrant city. Whether dining in fine restaurants, exploring the bustling streets of the cultural quarter or simply soaking up the sun, your time here promises wonderful memories.

Ellerman House

Ellerman House describes itself as being for ‘discerning guests accustomed to the finer pleasures of life’ and everything about this glorious hotel reflects that statement. The Cape Town mansion we’d all have in our dreams, it’s a superb Relais & Chateaux hotel with unrivalled views across the manicured gardens to Robben Island, and the beyond to the bay. Perhaps the principal attraction to guests, many of whom return year after year, is the discreet yet attentive service giving you the impression that you are among friends.

Vibrant Cape Town South Africa Istock 671323338 By Barichivich

Connect with nature like never before

Your South African Safari Awaits

Talk to an Expert

Positive Impact

Supporting local communities, conserving wildlife and preserving wild spaces are commitments that have been ingrained in the Journeysmiths business model for over thirty years.Supporting local communities, conserving wildlife and preserving wild spaces are commitments that have been ingrained in the Journeysmiths business model for over thirty years.

African Communities

In Africa, we support Ripple Effect, a cross-country, African-based charity who help small-scale African farmers release the potential of their land and lives. With every African journey we arrange we make a donation to Ripple Effect. In just over a decade, with the help of our generous clients, we have donated over £115,000 to Ripple Effect’s work in Africa!

5% of Net Profit to Charity

In addition to fundraising, a minimum of 5% of our annual net profits are donated to charitable initiatives. We support four amazing charities who aid communities and wildlife conservation in our key destinations.

Property Partners

Partnering with people who share our values is vital to achieving our positive impact goals. We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching.

Price Guide

Each journey is tailor-made to you with prices to reflect, but you can expect to pay:
From £8,000 per person
Journeysmiths expert team of Travel Designers creates individual itineraries tailor-made just for you. When you book with us, we’ll design your dream holiday where you will create memories of a lifetime, benefitting from over 30 years of experience, expert travel advice and preparation, flawless organisation, and complete ATOL or TOPP financial protection.

Our worldwide network of deep relationships affords us excellent confidential rates with properties, airlines and service providers. This means the price of your holiday will generally be the same as if you booked every individual element yourself - just without any of the hassle.

Each and every holiday we put together is completely unique with prices to reflect. On a superb safari holiday, where the average cost per person is in the range above, you’ll stay in the world’s most exclusive and remote camps, with transport planned right to the door, and every meal, game drive and almost all activities included. Add personalisations like visiting in the height of peak season, chartering a private plane or embarking on unusual activities, and that figure can quickly increase!

Highly Recommended

United Kingdom

"As a single parent I wanted to make my 8 year old daughter’s dream of seeing the animals of Africa come true. But I had no idea where to start, from malaria to safety to where to see the animals to sustainable travel and local impact.

Paul and Philippa knew all of the answers and we have just returned from the trip of her life. Highly recommended."

Your South African Safari Awaits

Ready to start planning?

Enquire now

Why Travel With Journeysmiths

Knowledge, Experience & Passion
Since 1990, we’ve been exploring our planet, discovering the world's finest properties and most reliable partners so that you too can experience the best of the wild world.

24/7 Support
It is rare that we hear from our clients while they are away, but if you need us, we are here 24 hours a day and act swiftly to resolve any issue.

Almost Nothing is Impossible
Marvels can be found in the most unexpected places, so we’re devoted to making this your ultimate holiday, with no constraints.

Privacy and Discretion
Luxurious, remote properties and exclusive reserves in the wilderness guarantee maximum privacy, the essence of a Journeysmiths holiday.