Recommended lodges in malaria free South Africa with heated pools

This premium reserve is the closest Big 5 to Cape Town with just under 3 hours drive from the ‘mother city’ and is a malaria free 5 star lodge. The reserve is huge, the same size as Singapore, but you won’t see any other vehicles as only the Sanbona lodges are located on this reserve. The lodge boasts nine luxury en-suite tents with a private deck and a heated plunge pool (or jacuzzi) for year round comfort and enjoyment.

Each tent sleeps two adults and is lovingly furnished with an indoor shower and free-standing bath, an outdoor shower and either twin or king-size beds. They offer a variety of game activities in open Land Cruisers and we love that they have environment projects like animal breeding and research on flora and fauna. The day will start with a game drive, then you can spend a few hours around your private heated plunge pool, then depart on the afternoon game drives which will include safari sundowners in the Karoo, and end off with the perfect day with a delicious locally ingredients inspired dinner in the restaurant at the lodge. A highlight will also be a Sanbona boat cruise safari experience that adds to the unique offering of this Karoo wilderness reserve.

This is a special gem with world-class service. Upon arrival your luggage will be whisked away to your luxury bedroom while you are briefed on the daily activities and then settle in. Each of the 8 air-conditioned suites have a private heated pool, which we know you will take full advantage of during your stay in the cooler winter months. The suites are spacious and boast an outdoor shower as well with a large wooden balcony with views of the surrounding bush.

For a most memorable evening a barbecue will be set up by the waterhole and you can also enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the bush. On game drives stay entertained by the professional ranger and trackers who have all worked in the Madikwe reserve for years and regale you with their tales. We recommend providing them with your wildlife ‘wish list’ and they will try their best to find those animals for you. We love the organically grown vegetables, fruit and herbs from their garden.

If you are looking for a contemporary safari for connoisseurs set within the beautiful landscape of the Kalahari for a malaria free safari, South Africa, then Tswalu Motse is the perfect choice for your itinerary with Ker & Downey®️ Africa. It has 9 suites so can accommodate a maximum of 18 persons. The location boasts magnificent vistas, situated in the desert and the Korannaberg mountains and each morning travelers awake to an exciting game drive filled with new possibilities. You will hardly see any other vehicles as the reserve is exclusive to Tswalu guests only.

The lodge is easily accessible as there are daily scheduled light aircraft flights from OR Tambo International Airport. The main public area has a large, outdoor pool, and a smaller infinity solar heated pool with views of a waterhole – the game it attracts is phenomenal. It also boasts a walk-in, well-stocked wine cellar, a gym and a fire pit – the perfect spot to end the day with sundowners.

All guests need to make time to dine at the award-winning Klein Jan Restaurant which opened in April 2021 and is run by a trained Michelin star chef Jan Hendrick van der Westhuizen, one of South Africa’s top exports. More highlights is the chance to possibly see Meerkats and tracking of pangolins on foot. Other activities include horse riding, walking safaris or spending time with a relaxing massage or beauty treatment.

For a malaria free safari in South Africa, within 4 hours from Johannesburg, we recommend Royal Madikwe which offers an unforgettable authentic Big 5 experience that is sure to thrill guests. We love the special touches like the lavender scented refreshing towels offered upon check in and then dinner being served in a different location of the lodge each evening.  The lodge accommodates children of all ages so it’s ideal for families or multi generational groups looking to share the safari experience. 

The lodge comfortably accommodates a maximum of 20 guests in 2 freestanding Luxury Suites, 1 Honeymoon Suite, Konone Suite, Naledi Suite and a 3 Bedroom Sovereign House. It boasts not 1 – but 2 heated pools. They are located at the Konone and Naledi Suite and with views of the naturally heated sunken plunge pool with lavish sun loungers to relax on.

See wildlife a mere 20-meters from your private terrace for an unforgettable safari 5 star stay.

This is an exclusive 2-bedroom safari house that comes with experienced staff, private host and its own dedicated guide team for the ultimate private malaria free safari in South Africa, great for families or  friends. The house is constructed with wood, stone and glass and is located in Madikwe Game Reserve on the banks of the Marico River under the shade of a giant Morukuru (Tamboti) Tree. The pool has an elevated position offering fantastic views of the bush and there is also a well-stocked wine cellar with great local South African wines to enjoy. After a warm welcome from the dedicated staff, you will settle into the gorgeous house which is around 3000 square feet. Enjoy a spa treatment or relax around the heated pool in the down time when not exploring on game drives. There is no set schedule at Morukuru Owner’s House making it the perfect tailored safari vacation to do as you please, when you please.

What could be more impressive than a heated private safari pool located just a few steps from your opulent tented suite in a Big 5 private reserve? Well then the stylish Sindile Lodge is the right place for you during your safari in South Africa. Shamwari is eco-conscious so the pools are solar heated (sun powered). With expansive nine-bedroom tents, the decor offers the right balance between natural touches and modern comforts. Each tent has a private heated pool that is surrounded by a large wooden deck with fantastic views over the Eastern Cape bushveld. Although the lodge might call the pools plunge pools, they are most certainly way larger than most other plunge pools. For activities make a stop at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, for a truly inspiring experience, along with the other various game activities that are offered.

Highly recommended for couples and honeymooners as no children under the age of 16 are permitted at the lodge. This is exclusive tranquility at its best.

This is an exclusive use house located in the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve and has a private setting with sweeping views of the Great Fish River Valley. The house has 2 master bedrooms and 2 twin suites and the main public area of the house has an open-plan living area, entertainment areas that all lead out to the large heated pool. There is also an organic vegetable garden off the kitchen area to enjoy fresh produce from. Kwande Fort House can comfortably accommodate a family or group of friends up to 8. Can you imagine relaxing on the terrace watching wildlife wander by or splashing in the heated pool with rolling green lawns as your view? Although there is a fully-equipped kitchen, 3 meals per day are provided during your stay. The house is also stocked with a wide  selection of South Africa house and sparkling wines, local and premium brand spirits, beers, soft drinks, teas and coffees. We recommend adding on a separate activity to make the malaria free safari, South Africa even more memorable and in the form of  a rhino monitoring drive, rhino conservation drive,  or book a specialist that can include photography or birding excursions.

Eagles Crag | Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Considered the flagship of the lodges at Shamwari, Eagles Crag is located on a hill with uninterrupted views of the bush. Enjoying the sunset from the spacious wooden deck is bound to be one of your favorite moments while staying at this luxurious lodge. There are 9 spacious junior suites and all come with private heated pools surrounded by wooden decks, just outside the bedrooms and all offer captivating views of the surroundings. All suites are luxurious and even come with a full stocked complimentary mini-bar. Everything has been thought of to the smallest detail and the team even provide Nutella hot chocolate when returning from a game drive on the cooler evenings, picnic lunches and a huge selection of gins from the lodge bar to enjoy the quintessential G&T sundowner. Game rangers are very passionate and will share information about wildlife, conservation (consider a visit to BornFree) and other projects at Shamwari. A sure highlight will be night drives which ensures that you get to see nocturnal animals. This is a great option for any malaria-free safari, South Africa.

If you are interested in a malaria free safari South Africa with Ker & Downey® Africa, get in touch with our travel experts who will include one of these in the perfect safari itinerary just for you. 

See you out there!