South African Lodges

Madikwe Private Game Reserve Safaris & Packages

The malaria-free, Big Five Madikwe Game Reserve is located in South Africa's North West province.  Established in 1991 and comprising of 750 square kilometres of magnificent bushveld, this reserve was named after the Madikwe or Marico River, on whose basin it is located.

Safaris in Madikwe:

  • Malaria-free (ideal for family safaris with kids)
  • Home to the 'Big 5'
  • Wild Dog Reserve
  • Full Board Lodges ( all inclusive of meals, accommodation and game drives)
  • Only 3.5 hours drive away from Johannesburg
  • Accessible by aircraft or road transfer.

Wildlife in Madikwe

South Africa's Madikwe Game Reserve offers travellers an adventurous and rewarding safari experience with close encounters of the 'Big 5' (lions, buffalo, rhinos, leopards and elephants) which roam this vast, malaria-free reserve.

This bushveld habitat in the North West Province is home to the rare brown hyena, which is not often seen in other regions of South Africa.  Besides the gemsbok, eland and sable are two other uncommon antelope species travellers encounter here.  Serval and caracal are elusive, but can sometimes be spotted on night drives.

Lion is plentiful, with sightings of cheetah and leopard being rarer.  The endangered wild dog can often be seen which has become extinct in some other areas of Africa.  Both black and white rhino are present with the white rhino being very common.  With only a few vehicles traversing the Madikwe Game Reserve, guests are ensured of exclusive, high-quality wildlife experience.

Weather and climate in Madikwe

Summer rainfall marks the Wet season from October to April while winter is the Dry season from May to September.  High temperatures and thunderstorms are common in the summertime, with less humidity in Madikwe than in coastal areas of South Africa.  Winters are sunny and temperate with cool nights.  Especially during the game drives in the evenings and during the night, warm clothing is necessary for comfort

Madikwe Private Game Reserve Lodges & Camps

Accommodation

The accommodation in the Madikwe Game Reserve ranges from rustic safari lodges and camps to the most exquisite and luxurious game lodges.  Guests have a great choice of various safari accommodation options to choose from to meet their individual requirements.

Game Lodges and Safari Camps in Madikwe:

  • Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge
  • Etali Safari Lodge
  • Impodimo Game Lodge
  • Jaci's Lodges
  • Jamala Madikwe
  • Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
  • Madikwe Safari Lodge
  • Makanyane Safari Lodge
  • Mateya Safari Loadge
  • Molori Safari Lodge
  • Morukuru Family
  • Mosetlha Bush Camp
  • Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
  • Rhulani Safari Lodge
  • Tau Game Lodge
  • Thakadu River Camp
  • The Bush House
  • Royal Madikwe
  • Three Cities Madikwe River Lodge
  • Tuningi Safari Lodge.

Access to Madikwe Game Reserve

The Madikwe Game Reserve is located on the border between South Africa and Botswana.  This game-rich reserve can be easily been accessed from Johannesburg, Pretoria and from the Gaborone airport in Botswana.  Most of the game lodges which are situated on the western side of the Madikwe Game Reserve are accessed via the Wonderboom Gate.  The safari accommodation in the eastern and central regions of Madikwe is mainly accessed via the Abjaterskop Gate.

Driving times to the Madikwe Game Reserve:

  • Botswana- Gaborone Airport (1-2 hours)
  • Zeerust (1 hour)
  • Johannesburg Airport (4-6 hours)
  • Pretoria (4-5 hours).

Main gate entrances into Madikwe:

  • Wonderboom Gate
  • Tau Gate
  • Abjaterskop Gate
  • Motledi Gate
  • Derdepoort Gate.

Map of Lodges in Madikwe Private Game Reserve