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7 Low to No Malaria African Safari Parks

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.

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