Thakadu River Camp
Thakadu River Camp has 12 luxurious safari tents on the banks of the Marico River in the malaria-free, Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve. Thakadu is a wholly-owned, community-based project and an ecotourism success story. This exclusive, tented safari bushcamp is situated in the far eastern part of Madikwe, in a good area for game viewing.
Highlights
- Luxurious en-suite tents overlooking the Marico River
- Traditional Meru-style safari tents on wooden decks give you a close-to-nature experience
- Excellent viewpoint for stargazing and birdwatching
- Friendly local guides with a vast knowledge of the area
- Pampering on-site spa treatments
- Refreshing swimming pool overlooking the bush
The main lodge at Thakadu River Camp is an intimate, elegant, open-plan affair that includes a lounge, restaurant, pool deck and bar. The 12 luxuriously appointed safari tents are spacious and comfortable, each with an indoor bathroom and a private viewing deck overlooking the river.
Close to Nature
Guests are often thrilled by the sounds of the bush that waft through the tent walls – especially at night. The private decks are also great for birdwatching and stargazing.
Successful ecotourism project
Thakadu River Camp, a wholly-owned, community-based tented safari camp, is a thriving eco-tourism partnership between the local parks board, the community and the operator. It's a unique concept and one that substantially benefits the locals. The staff are all locals with extensive knowledge of the area and its rich wildlife inhabitants.
Getting there
By air - Scheduled flights connect OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International with Madikwe Airstrip. Charters are available on request.
By car - Thakadu is a 4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg and two hours from Gaberone. Road transfers can also be arranged.
Our take on Thakadu River Camp
Thakadu River Camp is a special, luxurious safari experience. We were impressed with the quality of the local guides at this lodge. The lodge itself appears better suited to those without young children as, apart from a swimming pool, there didn't seem much for children to do.
Includes
- All meals and snacks
- Two game drives daily on open safari vehicles
Excludes
- Bed levy
- Entrance fees to Madikwe
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities (optional)
You may also want to look at
Madikwe River Lodge
Madikwe River Lodge is the original safari lodge in the Big 5, malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Each wooden en-suite chalet has a private deck overlooking the Marico River and is set amongst lush, riverine bush. The lodge is family-friendly and has an excellent position in one of the best regions of Madikwe from a game-viewing viewing point-of-view.
Tuningi Safari Lodge
Well-located in Madikwe's western sector, Tuningi Safari Lodge overlooks a small waterhole which attracts a large variety of wildlife – by day and by night. Exclusive luxury, excellent cuisine and superb hospitality will make your safari an experience to remember.
Rhulani Safari Lodge
A small, private safari lodge, Rhulani Safari Lodge offers 5-star luxury accommodation and the chance to spot the Big 5 and a wide variety of wildlife, with an unhurried, uncrowded safari experience. Malaria-free Madikwe has incredibly diverse plant life and topography, attracting a wide variety of wild animals.
