SAFARIS IN GAME RESERVES IN THE MALARIA FREE AREAS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

African Theme Tours will take you to areas that are malaria free in South Africa. These safe areas are in the Southern and Western half of the country and can be visited at any time of the year (see www.malaria.co.za).

GAME RESERVES IN THE WESTERN CAPE

KAROO If you only have a day to spare whilst you are in Cape Town, experience a safari in malaria free country side, only 2.5 hours from Cape Town. Once you are there you will want to stay longer.

The route from Cape Town takes you through majestic mountain scenery and passes into the Karoo and a citrus growing region of South Africa.

Giraffe, Rhino, Buffalo, Springbok, Wildebeest and many more fauna can be viewed from game specialised vehicles. For the hikers there are trails you can follow on foot and for the riders amongst us you can view game horseback. The natural wetland provides 172 species of bird.

From August to September the Karoo comes to life as the spring flowers provide a kaleidoscope of colour.

WEST COAST This private Game Reserve is set amongst the reddish brown weathered sandstone rock formations in the area of the Western Cape known as the Swatruggens Plateau.

Several rock art sites with bushman painting, some several thousand years old, are to be found within the reserve. Some paintings depict Elephants who once roamed in this region. The Bushmen, one of the oldest cultures in the world, returned to this area some 10 years ago from the Kalahari Desert. The community hunts small game and earn money by making and selling crafts to the tourists.

In this rugged Cederberg wildernesss region fauna such as Eland (the largest antelope in Africa), Kudu, Gnu, Klipspringer and possibly the elusive mountain leopard can be seen. Birds such as the Secretary Bird, Kor Bustard, Black Eagles and Black Korhaan are also found.

You can hike or view the game in 4x4 vehicles and at the end of the day before you return to your luxury cave accommodation and watch the sunset whilst having sundowners at the top of the Rietrivier Canyon.

Eco tourism and sustainable development at its fullest.

Garden Route Nestling near the Little Brac River in the Outeniqua Mountains, close to the Indian Ocean can be found a beautiful valley. It is in this setting that a third generation veterinary doctor and game farmer has his private game reserve. He rears wild animals with the surplus being sold to developing game farms. Breeding programmes ensure rare breeds such as the Black Impala don't become extinct. 80 Black Impala have been successfully raised on this reserve to boost the world numbers to 400.

Giraffe, Rhino, Nyala, Kudu, Zebra and Lion and many more animals can be viewed from 4x4 vehicles or quad bikes. The game drives are lead by qualified field guides who impart the wealth of their knowledge on the bush, mountain fynbos, flora and fauna to the visitors.

Accommodation is in luxury tents on the banks of the river, with access only by boat which provides a wonderful feeling of being totally alone in the bush with the animals. Meals from the hillside restaurant with stunning views give you your first taste of the Garden Route.

Visits to other game reserves and National Parks can be arranged.

SAFARIS AND GAME RESERVES IN THE EASTERN CAPE:

The Eastern Cape boasts a number of game reserves that are malaria free including the world famous Addo Elephant Park. In this area you are able to view the big five and a variety of accommodation options are available. There are 5 star plus luxury lodges to comfortable 3 star private rooms. The choice is yours.

Experienced game rangers conduct game drives in specialised 4x4 vehicles.

Other activities include bush walks, boat and canoeing trips.