Explore South Africa on a 6-Night Luxury Malaria-Free Safari

Travel Logistics

Travel Logistics

Starts: 
Port Elizabeth
Ends: 
Port Elizabeth
Itinerary

Itinerary

Visits: Eastern Cape
Timing

Timing

Duration:
6 nights
Best times:
May - Sep 26
Price Guide

Price Guide

From USD $6985
per person

Wake up to the magic of the Eastern Cape and the Great Karoo Malaria free safari South Africa

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.

Highlights

  • Getting to see all of the Big Five – and on one game drive, if you’re lucky!
  • Staying in a stunning riverside location that brings the wildlife to you.
  • Spending quality time with the cheetahs on a bush walk.
  • Spa treatments, private plunge pools and five-star wining and dining every night.

Cool & Unusual

  • Being a part of one of South Africa’s great conservation success stories.

Break it down Itinerary overview

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.


Your stay Camps & lodges

Itinerary gallery

Malaria free safari Dates & Rates

SeasonDatesPrice Guide
ShoulderMay - 10 Sep 2026from $6,985 per person sharing

Pricing intended as a guideline. Subject to availability, airfare and rate of exchange fluctuations. E&OE

Bang for your buck What’s included

3 nights at Samara Karoo Lodge including all meals

3 nights at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge including all meals

Transfers from Port Elizabeth

All meals at safari lodges (typically brunch, high tea and dinner)

Local wines and beers, soft drinks and bottled water at meal times

All game drives and standard lodge activities

Experienced Safari Guides and Trackers on safari

Snacks and drinks during game drives

Conservation fees for game parks and reserves

Complimentary laundry service while on safari unless specified

Frequently asked Questions

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.

This is why we do what we do Our travellers' stories

HOW IT WORKS

Take a look around for a bit of inspiration.

Tell us what your dream safari looks like. 

Next, your Personal Travel Planner will schedule a call to plan the perfect adventure.

Confirm your trip and get packing.

LET’S GET THIS SAFARI STARTED

Ready to go? Give us a shout and let’s start planning your next adventure. We’re almost as excited as you are.

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