Malaria-Free Family Safari
Big Five & Elephants for the Whole Family, No Tablets Needed
Overview
This five-day journey is designed around one simple idea: a Big Five safari the whole family can enjoy without a single malaria tablet. You combine a private-reserve stay at Shamwari, where a dedicated children's programme and family suites make bush life easy, with a day among the giant herds of Addo Elephant National Park. It is a gentle, varied trip that keeps children engaged and gives parents and grandparents a genuinely restful safari.
Shamwari's five ecosystems mean plenty of plains game between the Big Five sightings, and its Born Free big-cat sanctuary adds a conservation story children remember long after they get home. Addo, an hour away, protects more than 600 elephants along with lion, buffalo and rhino — few places let you watch so many elephants at close range in complete safety. Everything is within a short drive of Gqeberha, so travel days stay short.
Who It's For
Made for families with children of any age and for multi-generation groups who want an easy, malaria-free introduction to the Big Five with plenty of variety and downtime.
Package Highlights
Zero Malaria Risk
No tablets for any age — total peace of mind
Kids' Programme
Junior ranger activities keep children engaged
Addo's Elephants
Watch 600+ elephants in one of Africa's great herds
Big-Cat Sanctuary
Shamwari's Born Free centre tells a real conservation story
Big Five Drives
Lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino
Family Downtime
Pools and family suites between drives
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A short transfer from Gqeberha brings the family to Shamwari for lunch. Settle into your family suite, meet your guide, and set out on your first afternoon game drive. Children can start the junior ranger programme as parents take in their first sundowner in the bush, followed by an early family dinner.
🏨 Accommodation: Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Your Route
Tap a marker to see each stop on your journey.
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge
📍 Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Shamwari's dedicated family lodge, with interconnecting family suites, a pool and a full junior ranger programme set beside a seasonal river.
From $380 per person per night
Addo Rest Camp (day visit)
📍 Addo Elephant National Park
The national park's day facilities and waterhole hides, visited on a full-day elephant excursion rather than an overnight stay.
From $0 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Family
(~$413/night)
Riverdene Family Lodge, shared drives, all meals, Addo day trip
Get QuoteFamily Plus
(~$625/night)
Interconnecting suites, private vehicle option, premium beverages
Get QuotePrivate
(~$975/night)
Private guide and vehicle, exclusive-use family suite, spa credits
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 4 nights family lodge accommodation
- ✓ All meals and selected beverages
- ✓ Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles
- ✓ Full-day excursion to Addo Elephant National Park
- ✓ Born Free big-cat sanctuary visit
- ✓ Junior ranger children's programme
- ✓ Airport transfers from Gqeberha
- ✓ Park and conservation fees
✗ Excluded
- ✗ Flights
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Visa fees
- ✗ Premium beverages
- ✗ Spa treatments
- ✗ Gratuities
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
This family safari works all year. School holidays in summer are lively and green, while the quieter shoulder months and dry winter offer easier game viewing and lower rates — ideal for flexible families.
Why Choose This Package
Truly Malaria-Free
The whole Eastern Cape is malaria-free, so children and grandparents can join every drive without medication.
Two Kinds of Wildlife
A private reserve for the Big Five and Addo for its famous elephant herds give the family real variety.
Kids Stay Engaged
Junior ranger activities and the big-cat sanctuary turn a safari into a genuine learning adventure.
Short Travel Days
Everything sits within an hour or so of Gqeberha, so children spend more time watching wildlife and less time in transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Malaria-Free Family Safari?
From $1,650 per person | 5 Days / 4 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
