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 operates like the Sabi Sand Game Reserve even though it is provincially managed. Wildlife viewing is as good, if not better.
It 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.
Madikwe 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.
The 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.
Madikwe Game Reserve Accommodation
Madikwe Game Reserve offers 4 & 5* lodges on one of the largest game reserves in South Africa (75,000 hectares).
Some of the more upmarket lodges are (we can do them all so even if not listed here): Madikwe Safari Lodge,
The Royal Madikwe,
Morukuru Family (Owner’s House, River House, and Farm House), Tuningi Safari Lodge,
Jamala Royal Safari Lodge,
Tau Game Lodge, Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge and many more.
