Best malaria free, luxury safari lodges

If you want to go on safari without worrying about malaria, you’re going to have to limit your options.  But fear not—luxury is still very much on the table.  In fact, some of the most exclusive and spectacular safari lodges in Africa are in malaria-free areas.

Kenya

Kenya is generally not known for being malaria-free, but if you know where to look, you can still have an incredible safari experience without the risk.  One of the best places to consider is Borana Conservancy, a stunning landscape that also happens to be home to some of Kenya’s most spectacular private safari homes.  One of Borana’s biggest strengths is how its lodges work together, pooling resources like the stables, e-bikes, and conservation-focused activities such as rhino tracking.  And because it’s entirely on private land, there’s none of the usual national park restrictions—meaning night drives, walking safaris, and a more flexible, immersive experience without the usual curfews.

Arijiju

Easily one of the best properties I’ve ever stayed at.  A masterpiece of design, managing to feel both monastic and opulent at the same time.  Tucked into the rolling hills of Borana Conservancy, it disappears into the landscape with low-slung architecture, stone walls, and rooftop gardens, making it feel like a home.  Cos it is.  With just five suites, a spa, hammam, and an infinity pool that might just get a visit from a passing elephant, it delivers an ultra-exclusive experience that feels entirely your own—seamless hospitality, total privacy, and a setting that’s impossible to beat.

Lengishu House

An elegant, exclusive use retreat perched atop a ridge in Borana, offering sweeping views of Mount Kenya, which only suffers from the fact that Arijiju is also nearby.  Being on Borana it has access to all the same wonderful activities, including unrestricted night drives, and benefits from the superb views on offer.  The property is well spread out, making it more ideal for groups than families.  With a separate pool club (which they have now heated, hurrah) and a cathedral-like the main area, it’s a mighty impressive option.  Built entirely from sustainable materials, its design embraces an earthy, ranch-style charm with warm interiors.

Sirai House

Ok, don’t hate me for mentioning it again, but yes, this is the third property in Borana.  There are only five properties in the entire conservancy, and three of them just happen to be amongst the best options in Africa.  Perched on a ridge with panoramic views of Mount Kenya, Sirai House combines contemporary design with traditional African aesthetics.  The house is entirely private, featuring six spacious suites, a stunning infinity pool, a fully equipped spa, and a state-of-the-art cinema room.  The extensive grounds include a watering hole to observe the animals, a tennis court, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Segera

Beyond Borana, you also have Segera, another malaria-free destination in Laikipia.  Set within a private conservancy, it features a mix of villas and the standout Nay Palad Bird Nest, offering a unique overnight experience under the stars.  The retreat leans heavily into art, sustainability, and wellness, with a strong focus on curated experiences beyond traditional safaris—think sculpture gardens, solar-powered vineyards, and a spa-heavy itinerary.  While undeniably stylish and well-run, Segera lacks the raw authenticity and immersive wildlife experience of Borana’s lodges.  Game viewing can be less consistent, and the property itself, though beautifully landscaped, feels more manicured and resort-like than the wilder, more atmospheric retreats found in Borana.

South Africa

Tswalu

Tswalu is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, a vast 110,000-hectare expanse of red dunes, grasslands, and rugged mountains.  With a strict limit on guest numbers, it’s marketed as a refuge for rare and elusive species—pangolins, aardvarks, black-maned Kalahari lions, meerkats, and desert-adapted rhinos—offering a safari experience that goes beyond the usual Big Five checklist.  That said, I somehow managed to see a cheetah take down its dinner, a pack of wild dogs on the move, and plenty of lions, which makes you wonder if they undersell the place just to keep expectations in check.

Accommodation is spread across Loapi Tented Camp, the newest and most design-forward option, The Motse, a more classic lodge, and Tarkuni, a five-bedroom private homestead perfect for families and groups.  And then there’s Klein JAN, probably the most visually dramatic restaurant I’ve ever seen, hidden behind an old farmhouse door and accessed via an underground tunnel.  The setting is extraordinary—the food, well, let’s just say the setting is extraordinary.

Leobo Private Reserve

Leobo Private Reserve offers an entirely different take on safari—one that is as much about adventure and adrenaline as it is about game viewing.  Located in South Africa’s Waterberg region, Leobo is an exclusive-use, 20,000-acre reserve where guests can go completely off-script: there are no game-drive schedules, no structured itineraries, and absolutely no other guests.  The Leobo Observatory Private Villa is a strikingly modern lodge with panoramic views, an infinity pool, and even its own research-grade telescope.  Activities here are next-level, from heli-safaris and quad biking to horseback riding and skydiving, making it an ideal destination for families or groups looking for a private playground with an adventurous edge.

Molori Safari Lodge

Molori Safari Lodge, set in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve.  The lodge features just five suites, each with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, private infinity pools, and interiors that feel more Beverly Hills than bush.  Madikwe itself is an excellent game-viewing destination, home to the Big Five, wild dogs, and a strong cheetah population, though it lacks the open wilderness feel of some other reserves.  Molori makes up for this with a hyper-personalized approach—private vehicles, top-tier guides, and a spa and wellness program that ensures relaxation between drives.

Morukuru Family Madikwe

Morukuru Family offers a trio of exclusive use safari homes in the Madikwe Game Reserve, perfect for families or groups wanting complete seclusion.  Owner’s House, River House, and Farm House each come with a dedicated team—private chef, butler, guide, tracker, and even a nanny—ensuring a fully tailored experience without the constraints of a traditional lodge.  The style is elegant yet homely, with open-plan spaces, pools, and riverfront settings that bring the bush right to your doorstep.  They also sit on private land, avoiding the bush traffic jams.

Melote House

Melote House is an exclusive-use private safari villa consisting of a main house with six guest suites and an adjacent cottage with two additional suites, accommodating up to 16 guests when booked together.  With three swimming pools, a private spa, and a deck overlooking a waterhole, the house is as much a sanctuary for relaxation as it is a gateway to wilderness exploration.  The on-site gym and yoga deck provide space for wellness and relaxation, and parents can enjoy peace of mind with child-minding services available.

Game drives can encounter the Big Five, rare black rhinos, and a variety of other wildlife across the vast landscapes.  Beyond the traditional safari, Melote House offers an array of curated experiences such as boat cruises and fishing excursions with qualified skippers, helicopter safaris for a bird’s-eye view of the dramatic landscapes, or mountain biking, horseback safaris, or even take part in conservation activities such as rhino tracking.

The Verdict

Avoiding malaria zones does narrow your options, but it doesn’t mean giving up luxury, exclusivity, or incredible wildlife experiences.  It does mean skipping Singita, though, since they seem to have an unshakable commitment to placing every camp squarely in a malaria zone.  That said, from Kenya’s Laikipia region to South Africa’s malaria-free reserves, there are outstanding safari options that let you experience the best of Africa—without worrying about becoming part of a diseased mosquito’s food chain.