A malaria-free safari in the Madikwe Game Reserve is an extraordinary experience. Uncrowded in contrast to other reserves; it is not open to ‘day visitors’. Therefore, more exclusive. Madikwe Game Reserve offers 4 & 5* lodges on one of the largest game reserves in South Africa (75 000 hectares).
The Madikwe Game Reserve is in the North West province of South Africa. It is north of Pilanesberg; on the Botswana border. Which is approximately a 3,5 – 4 hours drive or a short charter flight from Johannesburg.
Wild dogs kill at Jamala Madikwe
Madikwe Game Reserve is regarded as one of the top conservation areas in Africa. It came about due to Operation Phoenix. This project was one of the largest game translocation exercises ever undertaken in the world. There were more than 10 000 animals released into the reserve. Madikwe is now home to 86 mammal species.
This is one of the only places in Africa where you can see Aardwolf, Brown Hyena and Spotted Hyena together in one reserve.
Aside from the excellent opportunity of seeing Africa’s Big 5, the Madikwe Game Reserve is also home to healthy Cheetah and Wild Dog populations. As well as Africa’s Secret-7: Aardvark, African Wild Cat, Civet, Large Spotted Genet, Pangolin, Porcupine and Serval.
Your safari consists of thrilling game drives and also leisurely bush walks in what is now one of the best malaria-free safari experiences in Southern Africa.
Elephants drinking out of pool at Impodimo Game Lodge
The reserve offers a wide diversity of habitats; ranging from vast plains of open woodlands and grasslands, riverine thickets of the perennial Groot Marico river, and steep cliffs of the Rant van Tweedepoort, Enselbergs, and the Dwarsberg mountain ranges.
Best time to visit Madikwe Game Reserve
Summertime (between November to March) can be exceptionally hot. Therefore the rainfall experienced at this time provides welcome relief. Summer evenings are mild. The winters are dry and mild with cold nights.
