If you’ve been dreaming of a bespoke family safari but are worried about malaria – we’ve got just the thing for you here.
Make time for new memories, adventures and excitement while disconnecting from the world and succumb to Africa’s beauty. Let its magic engulf you while maintaining an indulgent level of sumptuous luxury as well as peace of mind that it’s safe for the whole family.
We recommend the below two luxury malaria-free getaways at some of the world’s most widely recognised premier safari destinations – Madikwe and Marataba.
Madikwe and Marataba are completely safe for young children. Both areas are malaria-free safari regions and by far the premier luxury safari camps for families with exceptional children’s programmes amidst gorgeous wilderness and opulent accommodation. Specially equipped and staffed to delight the modern family with adventure and fun in complete safety and extravagance.
Madikwe is a 50 minute charter flight or 4-5 hour drive from Johannesburg and lies on the edge of the Kalahari and Botswana borders. Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Hills and Jamala Madikwe are such lodges who have become synonymous with luxury and attention to detail.
Incredible Game Viewing
Madikwe Private Game Reserve has become world famous for its Lion and (highly endangered) African Wild Dog viewing. What’s more because Madikwe’s terrain is a unique mix of savannah and semi-arid desert the diverse safari experience allows visitors the chance to view the ever-renowned Big 5 as well as a number of rare desert adapted species.
In the more recent years the Leopard viewing has improved tremendously at Madikwe. Due to the semi-arid nature of the terrain, the visibility in the reserve is good and the quality of game viewing is further ensured as the game rangers are able to drive the safari 4×4 vehicles off road for closer viewing.
A trip to Madikwe is perfectly complimented by a couple days in Cape Town or even some down time on a tropical beach in northern Mozambique!
Marataba Safari Lodge is perfect for a quick escape to the bush and more importantly, malaria-free. Enjoy private, luxury accommodation with absolutely delightful and warm staff. Marataba Safari Lodge is a mere four hours North-West of Johannesburg. Resting at the sleepy foothills of the magnificent Waterberg mountain range, you will find an absolutely magical retreat. Combining luxury, adventure, and the best of Africa’s delights, Marataba Safari Lodge truly has it all.
An idyllic location
Set against the backdrop of the spectacular Waterberg Mountains, Marataba Safari Lodge is the ideal location for an intimate escape with your loved ones. Marataba will no doubt go above and beyond any of your wildest dreams. The staff at Marataba take the utmost care to make sure that your escape is as intimate as can be – from the surprise lantern-lit boma dinners, and the hot bubble baths, to the complimentary massages and the sunset boat cruises! A sense of calm and quiet overcomes you while you soak in the picturesque surroundings. Feel your soul filling with peace and joy while you admire the sights and sounds of the surrounding landscape and its exquisite wildlife. Breathe in the fresh air, and marvel at the gorgeous, glowing African sunsets…
Delightfully African
Marataba Safari Lodge appeals to the African adventurer that lies in all of us. The captivating pink-orange sunsets; the lush, green bushveld; and the abundant game all make for an exciting African escapade. What could be more thrilling than spotting a leopard hunting at dusk, or lions feeding on a kudu? Watch the elephants drinking peacefully at the waterhole and the hippos lazing about in the cool waters. And, we have good news for bird-lovers—Marataba is an absolute bird-lover’s paradise! It is abundant with yellow-billed hornbills, grey go-away birds, and crimson-breasted shrikes. It’s always a treat to see the striking woodland kingfisher as well as the colourful malachite kingfisher, and the whydah birds are particularly mesmerising to watch with their spectacularly long, dancing tails. To name only a few species of the many that awaits you.
After a fun-filled day of game drives and walks, you can relax by the poolside with your family and admire the gorgeous surroundings!
For more family-friendly safaris, click here.