Madikwe Game Reserve Travel Guide
A malaria-free safari destination offering five-star luxury and the iconic Big Five.
The Madikwe Game Reserve is one of southern Africa’s great conservation success stories.
Over the past 30 years this vast tract of land has been the subject of intense conservation efforts, and today ranks as South Africa’s fifth-largest game reserve, home to an astonishing array of wildlife that includes Africa’s famed ‘Big Five’.
Though often overlooked by visitors focused on the private reserves of the Lowveld, Madikwe Game Reserve offers an unforgettable safari experience for travellers seeking a lesser-known adventure off-the-beaten tourist track.
Set between the Marico River and the Dwarsberg Mountains, with the southern reaches of the iconic Kalahari not far off, the 185 000-acre Madikwe Game Reserve is something of a hidden gem in the world of South African safaris.
While its malaria-free status is a major draw card for health-conscious travellers, the Reserve is also a remarkable tract of wilderness offering a memorable ‘Big Five’ safari.
Aside from these safari celebrities, the reserve’s open grasslands and indigenous woodlands play host to a phenomenal diversity of animal life, including more than 60 species of mammal, and 300 bird species. Madikwe is also home to a healthy population of endangered African wild dogs, and is famous for sightings of the shy and endangered cheetah.
Compared to many other national parks in South Africa, Madikwe offers an added dose of exclusivity in that access is restricted to those overnighting in the reserve. With no day visitors allowed, travelers can look forward to unique wildlife encounters and uncrowded sightings.
During your stay you’ll enjoy the wonderful hospitality and cuisine of your chosen safari lodge. Our curated selection of lodges take great pride in creating memorable culinary experiences, from lavish breakfast buffets to hearty evening meals inspired by African flavours and ingredients. Expect plenty of al fresco dining too, from impromptu sundowners to lavish picnics out in the bush.
The regular boma dinners are always a highlight. The ‘boma’ is a dedicated outdoor dining area, usually situated near the lodge, where chefs cook over open flame and the menu ranges from delicious barbecued meats to hearty stews cooked in a traditional cast-iron ‘potjie’ pot. During dinner, lodge staff and local cultural groups may entertain guests with traditional song and dance.
Dietary requirements and preferences can be catered for, please advise on reservation.
There is no dress code on safari, so pack – and dress – for comfort. Cotton clothing in neutral colours is recommended for game drives. Impromptu bush walks are a highlight of any safari stay, so comfortable walking shoes and long pants are recommended. Swimsuits are a must in the hot African summer.
Winter (May-September) can be extremely cold, especially on morning safari drives. Pack a thermal fleece, jacket, hat and gloves, and dress in layers for comfort. Most lodges offer a safari boutique stocking sun lotion, memory cards, branded clothing and souvenirs.
The weather in Madikwe follows two distinct seasons. From October to April expect days to be sunny, warm and humid, with thunderstorms bringing regular rainfall. During this time the landscape is lush and green, and antelope are plentiful.
May to September is the dry season, and though mornings can be cold the days are mild and sunny. With less vegetation, and animals drawn to the waterholes, this is also an excellent time for game viewing.
Madikwe Game Reserve is malaria-free.
Put Madikwe Game Reserve in perspective with our useful safari maps.
Situated in the northern reaches of South Africa, close to the border with Botswana, Madikwe Game Reserve is a 4½-hour drive from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. Daily scheduled shuttle flights (1h00 flying time) link Johannesburg with Madikwe, while even more convenient private charter flights can be booked on request.
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