A malaria-free safari is a great option for those worried about either catching malaria or unable to take anti-malarial medication for health reasons. While there are many options in South Africa for a malaria-free safari, some are better than others! One of my favorite malaria-free safari destinations is Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape (Nelson Mandela's home province).

A quick word about malaria ...

Malaria, spread by the Anopheles mosquito, is a significant threat to many people living in Africa. But as a visitor your odds of getting bitten by a malaria-carrying (female) mosquito are quite minimal. Malaria is spread from person to person, via the mosquito. So it is far more prevalent in densely populated areas - and a safari out in the bush with few people around, is just not the right condition for malaria to thrive! Nevertheless, for some people, even the idea of catching malaria is enough to put them off a trip to Africa. If that's the case, you'll be happy to know you can enjoy an African safari without worrying about getting bitten by a mosquito. Malaria-free safaris are also an excellent option if you're traveling with children, if you're elderly, if you're pregnant (or wish to become pregnant) or in any way unable to take anti-malaria medication. 

About Kwandwe

Kwandwe means “Place of the Blue Crane” in Xhosa (South Africa’s highly endangered national bird) and is home to a healthy population of these rare birds.

The 22,000 hectares (54 000 acres) of pristine wilderness is home to the famous Big 5 as well as a diverse number of smaller and more unusual species. Kwandwe flanks both the north and south banks of the Great Fish River, which meanders for 30 km (19 miles) through this pristine, private wilderness.

Four Relais & Chateaux accredited lodges provide excellent accommodation in this large private game reserve: Great Fish River Lodge, Ecca Lodge, Uplands Homestead and Melton Manor.  Melton Manor and Uplands Homestead are sole use villas, ideal for large families or groups of friends who are looking for their exclusive use, and each comes with their own private staff, trackers and guides. They each have a pool to cool off, perfect especially during the summer months (November - March).

The Lodges

Great Fish River Lodge has nine luxurious suites with private plunge pools and expanded decks overlooking the Great Fish River. This is the perfect lodge for couples looking for a romantic getaway. 

The Ecca Lodge features six intimate suites nestled into a gently sloping, densely vegetated hillside. Each suite features a sitting area, en suite bathroom with spacious, plate glass-enclosed shower, bath, private w.c and twin hand-basins.

The artistic, modern interior design is absolutely stunning at both lodges. Delicious fresh farm cuisine is prepared daily, and guests can dine in the open dining areas, or request their meals in their suites. The Ecca Lodge has a kids menu, and they are very flexible with what you wish to order if you have a picky eater. My youngest son has severe food allergies and they were incredible in making sure everything he ate was safe. It was the first true "vacation" I had enjoyed in a decade, as I did not have to prepare any of his meals.

The Safari Experience

Experienced rangers and trackers lead guests on interpretive, twice-daily game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Because Kwandwe is private, you are able to go off road in search of the more elusive big cats and black rhino. Rangers and trackers make sure not to disturb the wildlife too much by off roading unnecessarily, there is great respect for wildlife here without in anyway affecting your wildlife viewing as a guest. Fascinating nocturnal animals such as aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine, Cape fox, bat-eared fox and springhare are regularly encountered on exciting night drives.  

The guides are specially trained to the highest standards at Kwandwe, and are absolutely wonderful. Game drives are in open 4x4 vehicles, and no more than 6 guests are on each vehicle. Guides will also take you out on nature walks if the schedule allows for it. You will also be able to enjoy sundowners and a tea/coffee break in the bush, and stretch your legs once the guide has made sure the area is safe of course! We were treated to a lovely bush breakfast on our last day at Kwandwe, an unforgettable experience.

The ideal time to spend at Kwandwe is 3 nights or more. The Reserve is big enough that you will not drive the same route twice, but small enough that after 3 days you are bound to have seen the Big Five and much more, (of course this is never guaranteed, but your chances are excellent).

Getting There

Kwandwe is near Grahamstown, about a 2 hour drive from Port Elizabeth, (the end of the Garden Route). You can fly into Port Elizabeth and arrange for transfers directly with the lodge, or drive yourself. Just make sure you get the right directions for the correct gate into the reserve. Once you arrive at Kwandwe, your car will be parked for the duration of your stay, as all game drives are undertaken in 4x4's with qualified rangers and trackers.

Booking

Book through your safari specialist or contact Kwandwe directly.