South Africa’s Premier Game Reserve
Situated on the border with Botswana close to the Kalahari Desert, Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth-largest game reserve in South Africa. As one of the lesser-known reserves, this hidden gem is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers visitors a Big 5 safari experience over 750km².
Roughly a 4.5 hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Madikwe offers a number of luxurious lodges as well as community lodges in a malaria- free zone.
Accommodation
Find an impressive number of luxury lodges within Madikwe Game Reserve, each offering a unique take on this thriving hotspot.
Why Visit Madikwe Game Reserve
A 4.5-hour drive or short charter flight from Johannesburg, Madikwe is one of South Africa’s largest Big 5 reserves and provides the best chance for visitors to see African wild dog. No day visitors are allowed in Madikwe, maintaining exclusivity and allowing for uncrowded game-viewing opportunities. This malaria-free reserve is a perfect family destination, and most lodges provide activities specifically tailored for children, allowing parents to relax and unwind.
- Big-5 reserve
- Easily accessible from Johannesburg & Gaborone
- Malaria free
- Family-friendly
- Exclusive
What To Expect
The reserve is home to approximately 66 large mammal and roughly 300 bird species.
You will find all this flora and fauna in an area comprising vast open plains of grasslands, woodlands, rocky outcrops and mountains.
The area is bordered in the south by the Dwarsberg Mountains.
The Big 5 are represented in the reserve and you are likely to spot lion, leopard, elephant, rhino or buffalo. During your visit you will also have the rare privilege of possibly seeing highly endangered African wild dog.
In 1994, a small group of six wild dogs were introduced into Madikwe. This founding group has seen a challenging time with rabies outbreaks, territorial clashes and encounters with lions.
Despite the odds, Madikwe now has a thriving wild dog population with three hunting packs roaming the area. They are somewhat accustomed to safari vehicles, offering spectacular photographic opportunities. Madikwe Game Reserve’s conservation efforts to protect the ‘painted dog’ are in place to help conserve this majestic species.
Madikwe Game Reserve operates a community-based wildlife conservation system. This involves a three-way partnership between North West Parks, the local community and the private sector.
The private sector funds the construction of game lodges. Employees at the lodges are drawn from surrounding villages to help uplift the area. |
The parks board sets up the infrastructure and is responsible for the operational management of the reserve. Part of their job is also to identify suitable land for lease to the private sector. |
The reserve is one-of-a-kind and is known for its involvement with the local communities. Community lodges are owned and run by the local people, creating a healthy economic environment. |
Madikwe Game Reserve has a combination of gravel and tar roads. Final access to all the lodges in the park are via gravel roads.
Conditions of these roads vary depending on the season and the weather. Most (2×4) smaller vehicles will be able to make their way around the reserve but we advise against the use of sports cars and vehicles with low ground clearance.
You may be required to drive 10- 30 km’s on gravel roads before you enter the park depending on which gates you enter through. Always drive slowly in the park.
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Park Area: +-75 000 hectares
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Currency: South African Rand
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Seasons: Good game viewing is available all year as the park is a single unit conservation area (there is no migration). The rainy season is between October and April in the summer months. Winter provides pleasant game viewing as animals concentrate around waterholes and vegetation thins out.
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Popular attractions: Big 5, African Wild Dogs, family safari destination, romantic escapes, luxury lodges, honeymoon safaris.
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Nearby airports: Gaborone airport (28kms)/ O.R. Tambo International (369kms)/ Madikwe has an 1200 metre airstrip for use by private aircraft.
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Nearest cities: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Rustenburg, Zeerust
Meet Our Reservations Team
- Our travel consultants have first-hand experience of all Madikwe’s lodges and camps and will make sure they find the best match for your specific needs.
We are independently rated as excellent on Trustpilot
- We will organize your entire package including transfers
- We offer highly competitive rates
