A Malaria-Free Family Wildlife Exploration to South Africa
Embark on a malaria-free wildlife adventure, exploring stunning landscapes with expert guides and staying in luxurious lodges. Perfect for families or honeymooners, this unforgettable nine-day safari promises memories to last a lifetime
Trip highlights
- Spend a night in the busy city of Johannesburg before your safari begins
- Head out on thrilling bush walks in Madikwe Game Reserve
- Sleep out under the stars drinking in the star-strewn night skies
- Sign up for a special programme of children's activities in Marataba
- Enjoy a water safari, looking for wildlife in the river and on the banks
- Join an experienced guide for morning and evening wildlife drives
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–2
Welcome to Jozi
South Africa‘s ‘Big Apple’, this sunny city is not only one of the world’s largest urban areas and South Africa’s commercial and economic hub, it’s also been branded the new capital of cool. In recent years, Johannesburg (otherwise known as Joburg or Jozi) has undergone a huge transformation, shifting from a jumping-off point to a city that has been described as one of the coolest cities in the world. The inner city in particular has been completely redeveloped with a huge amount of public art popping up all over the streets.
Where you could stay
Days 2–5
Magnificent Madikwe
The Madikwe Game Reserve, bordering the Kalahari Desert and Botswana in South Africa’s north west corner, is one of the country’s lesser known and more remote of the Big Five safari experiences. Moreover, it’s malaria-free, making the area great for families. This is South Africa‘s fifth largest game reserve at 75,000 hectares where a wide variety of wildlife can be found. There is a large population of elephants, 300 types of bird and over sixty different mammal species including the ‘Magnificent Seven’ (elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, lion and African Wild Dog).
Where you could stay
Make it mine
On foot
Night skies
Bush walks
During the morning game drives, should you be feeling energetic, you can take up the option of experiencing an up-close-and-personal glimpse of the African bush on foot via a gentle bush walk through the bush back to the Lodge. This experience provides exceptional close encounters with the smaller inhabitants of this wilderness. Due to the heat in summer, winter is the best time for walking safaris.
Stargazing and sleepouts
A sleepout or starbed suite is the most incredible way to immerse yourself in the wonder of the African bush. Enjoy the spectacular clarity of the night sky and listen to the sounds of the wilderness as you fall asleep. Awake to the chatter of birds in the glowing golden light of sunrise.
Days 5–9
Sanctuary in Marataba
Marataba is a malaria-free 23000 hectare private concession within the Marakele National Park, set in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains in the scenic Limpopo Province. With buffalo recently reintroduced, the park is now home to all of the Big Five, as well as abundant bird life and varied flora. The Tswana name Marakele or ‘place of sanctuary’ is a fitting name for this South African national park where you can enjoy game drives and walks whilst exploring majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys.
Explore together
Bush skills
Splash out
Into the veld
Family adventures
Spending time outdoors can help young travellers become stronger, more confident and more imaginative. Marataba’s Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure experience includes a eco-garden play area with dedicated coordinators. Days here are filled with nature treasure hunts, like looking for heart-shaped rocks and leaves. Family game drives may involve bush orientation, animal spoor identification and mould-making. There are other fun activities as well, like making pizzas or cupcake decorating, arts and crafts, and movie nights.
Water safari
Some of Marataba’s most extraordinary sightings occur from the deck of a flat-bottomed river boat. Head 2.5 km up the Matlabas River and back, looking for wildlife both in the water and on the river banks. It’s perfect for birdwatching and relaxed, uninterrupted game viewing. This experience is suitable for six years and older.
Morning bush walks
Part of the morning safari at Marataba, bush walks are an excellent opportunity to get off the vehicle and in touch with nature. Your expert field guide will position you downwind of bigger game and call your attention to the smaller creatures you might often miss on drives.
My husband and I recently traveled to South Africa and we utilized Jacada travel services. Jody Van Merode planned the perfect trip for us- we spoke over the phone and she put together an itinerary that would best match what we wanted to see, our interests and our budget! We visited two very different game reserves - each beautiful in…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
