Blog post 2. Why a Malaria-Free Safari in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Should Be on Your Bucket List
My First Solo Adventure in South Africa
Let’s go back to where it all began for me. In 2015, I left the Netherlands on my very first solo adventure abroad. Through my university, I went to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, to a little town called Port Alfred, to study Minors in Lodge Management and Wildlife Management.
For six months, I spent my days in the South African bush, learning all about how eco lodges were set up and how these operations intertwined with managing a wildlife reserve. During the three months I focused on Wildlife Management, I lived in the little town of Alicedale, next to Addo National Elephant Park. Studying wildlife meant safari drives every day, bush walks to learn animal tracking, and studying the behavior of African mammals — including the famous Big Five — as if we were preparing to become rangers ourselves. I wasn’t just a tourist; I was living the safari lifestyle as an insider.
Being a Manager at Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve in the Heart of the Bush
I absolutely loved this time and decided I wanted to dive deeper into this part of the hospitality and travel industry. After completing another module of my degree in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, I secured an internship as Duty Manager at Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve. Now, this was an experience! After only three days walking alongside another manager, I received a key and they said: “Good luck — you’re on tomorrow!”
From that moment, I was responsible for the daily operations of a boutique five-star lodge unlike anything I had ever seen. Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve is one of those rare places where — as they say — Heaven, Earth, and Ocean meet. It really does! It’s actually one of the only game reserves where the African bush meets the ocean, meaning you can have breakfast while watching zebras and giraffes roam the hills, with whales playing in the ocean — all in the same view!
As Duty Manager, my role was a mix of everything: welcoming guests, ensuring flawless meals, coordinating check-ins and check-outs, and working closely with the rangers, spa, housekeeping, and kitchen teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences. It was a crash course in leadership, problem-solving, and world-class hospitality — all while surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery South Africa has to offer.
At just 22 years old, it was challenging and intense — long hours, high expectations, and constant problem-solving — but also extremely rewarding. I grew so much, both personally and professionally. Living and working there as if I were a local opened doors to exploring the region even further. Many of my friends were working at other lodges and game reserves, so I had the chance to visit plenty of other incredible places across the Eastern Cape.
Exploring the Eastern Cape: A Malaria-Free Safari Destination
What surprises me is that the Eastern Cape remains so underrated. It’s easily accessible and can be combined with Cape Town, nearby wine regions, the penguin colonies, and the many highlights along the famous Garden Route. And the best part? No malaria worries — visitors don’t need preventative medication or have to stress about mosquito-borne risks.
This makes the safari experience much more relaxed, especially for families or travelers seeking a stress-free adventure. You still get to witness the Big Five, explore breathtaking landscapes, and immerse yourself in the wild, untamed beauty of South Africa.
For me, the Eastern Cape will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I discovered the magic of living so close to nature. But beyond my own memories, it’s the perfect place for anyone to begin—or continue—their African adventure. Safe, accessible, and full of incredible wildlife, it offers all the thrill of a malaria-free safari without the usual worries.
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the sound of the bush, spotting elephants on your morning drive, and ending your day with a glass of South African wine as the sun sets over rolling hills and the ocean — a malaria-free safari in the Eastern Cape is a must.
And who knows… in one of my next posts, I’ll take you further along the Garden Route into South Africa’s famous wine regions, or to one of the many other places I’ve been lucky enough to experience.
With warmth,
Kimberly 🌻
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