Magical Madikwe - much more than just malaria-free

Hidden Gem

Although it's the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa (almost 750 km²), Madikwe is also one of the lesser-known and, therefore, less crowded wildlife reserves. It also happens to be one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lion) as well as cheetah and wild dog. It has a range of tented and luxury safari lodges to choose from and, as it's malaria-free, it's a great destination for multi-generational and family safaris. Some of the more exclusive lodges are also perfect as honeymoon and romantic getaway destinations.

Conservation Success Story

The land Madikwe now occupies was previously an over-grazed, over-farmed wasteland. After various land-viability studies by the government, it was decided that the best solution was for a game reserve that could uplift the local community by providing jobs and income through tourism.

This resulting three-way co-operative between state, private business and the surrounding communities has proved to be a sustainable working model and a shining example for similar developments throughout Africa. The private sector has funded the construction of some safari lodges, while other community lodges are owned and run by the local communities, creating a healthy economic environment.

Biggest Wildlife Relocation Ever

In 1991, the government initiated Operation Phoenix – the largest wildlife translocation the world has ever seen. Once the designated lands had been enclosed in a 150 km perimeter fence, electrified to prevent the escape of elephants and large predators, the capture and release programme began. By 1997, some 10,000 mammals had been relocated from other national parks.

It was the first time entire families of elephants were relocated. It was also the first instance where African wild dogs (Lyacon pictus) were introduced into a fenced reserve and an initial group of six wild dogs were moved to the reserve in 1994. Their progress has had its challenges – with deaths due to territorial clashes, lion attacks and rabies outbreaks but, nevertheless, these highly endangered animals seem to flourish in Madikwe, bouncing back from any setbacks.

Madikwe has another unique distinction: it's one of the few game reserves in the world proclaimed simply by virtue of it being the best and most sustainable land use for an area.

Huge Diversity of Wildlife

Madikwe straddles two distinct vegetation areas – the Kalahari thornveld (western sector) and the Lowveld bush (eastern sector) – providing an incredible diversity of landscapes and varieties of fauna and flora. In fact, you're able to see different species not usually both present in many of the other national parks – like brown and spotted hyena; springbok and impala; typical plains game like zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and kudu, as well as typical Kalahari or desert species like Gemsbok (Oryx).

In Madikwe, you have every chance of spotting the Big 5 (both white and black rhino), cheetah, wild dog, giraffe, zebra and hippo. Other smaller mammals you're likely to encounter include oribi and duiker, honey badger, otter, serval, fox and jackal, meerkat, mongoose, antbear, baboon, porcupine, warthog, squirrel, bushbaby and hedgehog. The diverse vegetation of Madikwe also offers a haven for birds with over 350 species recorded on the reserve, both local residents and migrant visitors.

Madikwe, with its dramatically different landscapes, wide-open spaces, towering viewpoints and diverse wildlife and birds is an outdoors photographer's dream.

Layout of Madikwe

Broadly speaking, the western part of Madikwe is dry and a bit more open. The eastern part of Madikwe has some typical bushveld savanna but also a lot of sickle bush thickets which are favoured by buffalo and black rhino. To the north are some open plains where you're likely to find herds of springbok. The south is usually quieter with fewer roads and lodges, where the dramatic hills and mountains form a beautiful backdrop to the scenery.

Because of these differences in vegetation and landscape, it is a good idea during your stay to try and combine a lodge in the eastern part of Madikwe with a lodge in the west. By spending a couple of nights at each, you'll get a great overview of the landscape and scenery of Madikwe and enjoy different game drives in various parts of the reserve.

Range of Accommodation to Choose From

Accommodation in Madikwe is mainly in luxury private game lodges rated 4 and 5 stars and the standards are high. There's also the charming Mosetlha Bush Camp – situated literally in the heart of Madikwe, which offers a more rustic experience. Because Madikwe is in a malaria-free zone, it's a favourite with families with children and many of the lodges are child friendly with dedicated activity and entertainment programmes. Other lodges are exclusive use and there are also lodges that are ideal for romantic getaways and honeymoons with star beds (open-air, luxurious, sleep-out platforms).

There are no day visitors or self-drive tourists allowed in Madikwe: you need to be a guest of one of the lodges. You'll go on conducted game drives in your lodge's open safari vehicles, always accompanied by an experienced guide/driver. Some of the lodges also use trackers.

Some of the More Affordable Options:

• Impodimo Game Lodge
• Tau Game Lodge
• Thakadu River Camp
• Mosetlha Bush Camp

Best Family-Friendly Options:

• Jaci’s Safari Lodge
• Madikwe River Lodge
• Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge (Little Madikwe)
• Madikwe Safari Lodge (Lelapa Lodge)
• Morukuru Family Lodge
• Tau Game Lodge
• Tuningi Safari Lodge

Best Honeymoon/Exclusive Small-Group Options:

• Jaci’s Tree Lodge
• Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
• Madikwe Safari Lodge (Dithaba and Kopano Lodges)
• Morukuru Owners House
• Little Tuningi
• Rhulani Safari Lodge
• Jamala Madikwe

Easy to Get To

Madikwe is about a 3h30min drive from Johannesburg/Pretoria. Most of the lodges are within easy reach of the eastern and western gates.

Nearby airports: Gaborone airport (28kms)/ O.R. Tambo International (369kms). Madikwe has two airstrips for use by private aircraft.

Nearest cities: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Rustenburg, Zeerust, Gaberone

Madikwe Game Reserve is within easy reach of Johannesburg and Pretoria as well as close to Gaborone (20 kms), which makes it the ideal starting or endpoint of a safari, especially when combined with a trip to Botswana.