South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape, where rehabilitated farmland teems with lion, leopard, elephant, and rhino — conservation magic.
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All the details you need to know about your journey
Starts
Port ElizabethEnds
Port ElizabethVisits
South AfricaDuration
6 nightsStyle
Fly-inBest time
May - SepPrice From
$6985Board basis
Fully-Inclusive
This is one of the few Malaria free safaris and its in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Known for its big game, bells-and-whistles hospitality, lush private reserves – and its malaria-free Big Five safaris – of-course. If you’re looking for a stylish escape with none of the worries, it ticks all the boxes. Over six memorable days, you’ll experience the very best this picturesque stretch of South Africa has to offer. And it’s a great conservation success story, too. So you get to be part of the change, just by being there.
Rehabilitated over the years, what was once overgrazed farmland now teems with all the big game your eyes could possibly feast upon. You’ll spend sun-up to sun-down discovering it all. You’ll get up close and personal with everything from lion, leopard, elephant and cheetah, to favourites like zebra and giraffe. Malaria free safari South Africa is also one of the few remaining places in Africa where you’ll get to see both black rhino and white rhino at the same time. No mean feat.
Samara Karoo Lodge offers a blend of comfort and authentic charm in the heart of the Great Karoo. Discover a pristine wilderness where cheetahs roam flourish, elephants wander, and rhinos tread ancient paths, all under a canopy of endless stars.
EXPLORE
As the name suggests, this little Eastern Cape hidey-hole is pretty great. The lodge sits, you guessed it, on the banks of the Great Fish River which winds through 54,000 malaria-free acres of private game reserve. Its nine spacious suites,...
EXPLORE Starting in Port Elizabeth (now officially named Gqeberha), you’ll be whisked away to Samara Karoo Lodge for your first three nights. Set in the secluded stretches of the Great Karoo, just eight farm-style suites look out over the Karoo bush. From here, you’ll launch straight into your safari. You’ll track – and photograph – the Big Five on guided game drives -- and even on foot (if you’re up to it).
Just a short drive away from Shamwari lies Kwandwe’s Great Fish River Lodge, your home for the next half of your safari. Its nine spacious suites, with their floor-to-ceiling glass-doored bush views, are hard to leave each morning. But the wildlife that’s waiting for you is seriously worth it. Here, game drives and nature walks are the order of the day. You’ll track elephants, buffalo and all the big cats. (Keep your eyes open for predator action.) Heading back to city life won’t be easy, but you’ll do it knowing you’ve made a real difference to Africa’s wildlife.
Unfortunately all good things come to an end – it's your last morning in the Eastern Cape bush. Soak it up by going on a final morning game drive, or have a slow morning at camp before heading to the airport.
| Green Season | Shoulder Season | Peak Season | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | $6985 per person sharing | ||
| Single Supp | |||
| Local Flights |
All Accommodation All Activities as per Itinerary All Airport Transfers All Meals & Selected Drinks All Scheduled Flights Conservation Fees Wifi in Camp Where Available You’ll explore two spectacular malaria-free reserves in South Africa’s Eastern Cape — Samara Karoo Lodge in the heart of the Great Karoo and Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, a pristine wilderness along the Great Fish River.
The Eastern Cape is naturally malaria-free, so there’s no need for preventative medication, making it stress-free for parents and travellers who want to avoid malaria risk. These reserves welcome families, and with private guides, child-friendly activities, and flexible schedules, it’s an ideal choice for guests of all ages.
At Samara Karoo Lodge, expect classic Karoo charm with wraparound verandas, cosy fireplaces, and sweeping views of the mountains. Kwandwe’s Great Fish River Lodge offers nine elegant suites that feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors, private plunge pools, and panoramic river and bush views with a front-row seat to the wild.
These reserves are home to the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino (both black and white) — plus cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hippo, and abundant plains game. Birdwatchers can enjoy a variety of species, and there’s always a chance of witnessing exciting predator action.
Game viewing is excellent year-round. The dry winter months (May–September) offer cooler temperatures and easier wildlife spotting as animals gather at water sources and the bush has generally thinned out. The green summer months (October–April) bring lush landscapes, newborn animals, and incredible birdlife.
Yes! All road transfers between Port Elizabeth and the camps, as well as any necessary internal flights, are arranged for you. This should be a seamless, hassle-free journey.
Absolutely. The malaria-free setting, luxurious yet relaxed camps, and flexible daily schedules make it a great choice for both first-time safari guests and multi-generational families travelling together.
Absolutely! It pairs beautifully with a few nights in Cape Town, a road trip along the Garden Route, or even a beach stay in the Eastern Cape. We can customise the itinerary to match your travel style and pace.
Our Reviews
Chad at Hidden Africa was absolutely wonderful to work with. We worked together to fully customized our 2 week elopement … read more
I cannot recommend Hidden Africa and Chad highly enough! From the very first conversation, Chad was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely … read more
Geraldine worked with my friend Cheryl to arrange the most amazing Southern Africa trip. Geraldine even worked around some of … read more
How do you write a review for a travel agency that is above perfect? It's not hard! Hidden Africa listened … read more
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