Malaria can pose a major concern when planning an African safari. Did you know that not all safari parks have malaria? For many travelers, especially families with young children, pregnant women, or those wanting to avoid anti-malarial medications, this can feel like a barrier to experiencing one of the world’s greatest adventures. Fortunately, there are several safari parks and game reserves across Africa where the risk of malaria is extremely low or absent.
These destinations offer all the excitement of a classic safari: Big Five game drives, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, without the added worry of mosquito-borne illness.
Always verify with a Travel Health professional or Travel Clinic to obtain the latest data, but here are 7 notable national parks and reserves where malaria is rare or seasonal (and often negligible in the dry months), especially at higher elevations:
🟢 Low to No Malaria Risk Safari Parks
1. Etosha National Park – Namibia
- Why it’s safe: Northern Namibia is typically low-risk, especially in the dry season (May–October).
- Wildlife: Elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, and large salt pans that attract game.
2. Madikwe Game Reserve – South Africa
- Why it’s safe: Officially malaria-free. Near the Botswana border.
- Wildlife: Big Five, wild dogs.
- Luxury lodges: Great for families and first-timers.
3. Pilanesberg National Park – South Africa
- Why it’s safe: Malaria-free, easily accessible from Johannesburg.
- Wildlife: Big Five in a volcanic crater setting.
4. Waterberg Biosphere / Welgevonden Game Reserve – South Africa
- Why it’s safe: Malaria-free, in Limpopo province.
- Wildlife: Big Five, fewer crowds, excellent eco-lodges.
🟡 Seasonal/Low Risk with Precautions
These areas are higher altitude (cooler, fewer mosquitoes), making them lower risk, especially in dry season—but not officially malaria-free:
5. Laikipia Plateau – Kenya
- Why it’s safer: High altitude reduces mosquito populations.
- Wildlife: Rhinos, wild dogs, elephants, private conservancies.
6. Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania
- Why it’s safer: High altitude (~7,500 feet).
- Wildlife: Dense concentration of animals, including the Big Five.
7. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy – Kenya
- Why it’s safer: Northern Kenya, higher elevation.
- Wildlife: Rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, cheetahs.
🏆 Quick Comparison Table
| Park/Reserve | Malaria Risk | Budget | Scenery | Wildlife | Ease of Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etosha (Namibia) | Low (Dry season) | 💲💲 | Salt pans, open plains | Big game, unique desert species | Moderate – Fly to Windhoek, 5–6 hr drive |
| Madikwe (South Africa) | None | 💲💲💲 | Bushveld, rivers, hills | Big Five, wild dogs | Easy – 4 hr drive from Johannesburg |
| Pilanesberg (South Africa) | None | 💲💲 | Ancient volcanic crater | Big Five | Very Easy – 2.5 hr drive from Johannesburg |
| Welgevonden/Waterberg | None | 💲💲💲 | Mountains, savannah | Big Five | Easy – 3–4 hr drive from Johannesburg |
| Laikipia (Kenya) | Low | 💲💲💲💲 | Mountain backdrop, semi-arid | Rhinos, elephants, unique species | Moderate – Fly to Nanyuki from Nairobi |
| Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania) | Low | 💲💲💲💲 | Stunning crater ecosystem | Big Five, very dense | Moderate – Drive/fly from Arusha |
| Lewa Conservancy (Kenya) | Low | 💲💲💲💲💲 | Scenic hills, forested patches | Rhinos, Grevy’s zebra, cats | Moderate – Charter flight best |
💡 Top Picks Based on Traveler Type
- Budget-Friendly, Easy Travel:
→ Pilanesberg or Etosha - Luxury & Malaria-Free:
→ Madikwe or Welgevonden - Scenic Wow Factor + Unique Wildlife:
→ Ngorongoro Crater or Lewa Conservancy - Conservation-Focused / Private Safari:
→ Laikipia or Lewa (excellent private conservancies)
⚠️ Summary Tips
- Best time to go: Dry season (May–October), when mosquitoes are least active.
- Precautions: Even in low-risk areas, it is recommended to wear long sleeves and use repellent at dusk/dawn when mosquitoes that carry malaria are most active.
- Consult a travel clinic: Recommendations can vary by year and outbreak. Malaria data can change day to day so always consult a travel clinic to obtain the latest information and recommendations prior to your travel.
