Madikwe

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Madikwe Packages

Extended Southern African Explorer

A true Southern African adventure awaits you!

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Madikwe Flexible

The reserve comprises of 75 000 hectare of malaria-free African bush.

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Malaria-Free Safari

We've got the perfect destinations for a malaria-free safari.

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Madikwe

Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the fifth largest game reserve and is also one of the lesser- known parks in South Africa. This makes it a hidden- gem as it is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers the Big 5 in a 750 km2 park. The park is situated in a malaria- free zone. Madikwe is the country’s fourth-largest reserve and one of its best, covering 760 sq km of bushveld, savannah grassland and riverine forest on the edge of the Kalahari. It offers Big Five wildlife watching and dreamy lodging among striking (and malaria-free) red sand and clay-thorn bushveld. Madikwe does not allow self-drive safaris or day visitors, which means you must stay at one of its 16 lodges to explore the reserve. Experiencing Madikwe isn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for at these exclusive bush hideaways.

Things to do

Game Drives

Game drives in 4x4 vehicles are the best way to cover as much territory as possible and have the best chance possible of seeing the great diversity of Madikwe. The Big Five is often seen on a Madikwe safari and there is also the opportunity to see the endangered African Wild Dog - a Madikwe speciality. The experienced guides ensure that game drive activities are filled with interesting facts and information about the area and the wildlife that is seen. The afternoon drives in Madikwe often stretch into evening when the nocturnal creatures of Africa can be seen going about their business.

Wildlife Photography

Those with a passion for wildlife photography will be able to get various tips from their ranger on taking the perfect safari picture, while on their game drive

Four Star Hotels

Tau Game Lodge

Tau is a South African luxury safari lodge situated on the far northern border of South Africa, in malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, the 4th largest game reserve in the country. 27 major species of game roam this South African nature reserve, making Tau Game Lodge the ideal place for a safari holiday, offering Big 5 game safaris and bird-watching safaris. Enjoy an authentic South African safari vacation in the midst of natural wildlife, complete with great game viewing and luxury private facilities, at our South Africa luxury safari lodge.

aha Madikwe River Lodge

aha Madikwe River Lodge is beautifully situated on the banks of the Groot Marico River in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, offering guests a place to relax and unwind. The Lodge also provides the ideal venue for intimate wedding ceremonies. The Madikwe accommodation comprises 16 comfortable and secluded, split-level thatched chalets. The decor of each luxurious chalet provides a rich African feel with en-suite bathrooms, romantic outside showers, and a full range of amenities. Each chalet also has a private wooden deck overlooking the river and forest. Activities at aha Madikwe River Lodge include: game drives, bird safaris, stargazing from the boma, and swimming.

aha Thakadu River Camp

Situated within a riverine canopy surrounded by an impressive diversity of fauna and flora, aha Thakadu River Camp offers guests beautifully appointed, 5-star tented suites. Besides enjoying all the comforts of modern living in the heart of the untamed bushveld, our highly skilled rangers share their extended knowledge with guests, so they may gain an in-depth understanding of the area to add to their already exciting getaway experience. The main camp at aha Thakadu River Camp is located between the Marico River and a small tributary of the Marico.

The Bush House

Located within the Madikwe Game Reserve, The Bush House features a lush garden, terrace and outdoor pool. The malaria free reserve boasts the Big 5, a variety of wildlife and birds. The lodge’s rooms are decorated in warm and natural colours, they offer air conditioning and a patio with a view. Each room features a private entrance, coffee machine and a safe. At Bush House the restaurant offers a variety of dishes and guests can enjoy breakfast in the garden or dinner under the stars. There is also a bar and special diet menus can be arranged upon request.

Five Star Hotels

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge

Set within 75,000 hectares of safari park, Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge is situated on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa. Ingeniously set amongst boulders and age-old Tamboti trees, the private game lodge is situated in the middle of Madikwe, giving visitors a huge game drive advantage over other lodges situated on the borders of the reserve and offers visitors the most amazing South African safari adventure. Madikwe Game Reserve is home not only to the Big Five of Africa, but also to a wealth of over 66 mammal species and a range of more than 300 resident and migratory species of birds.

Tuningi Safari Lodge

When you stay at Tuningi Safari Lodge in Madikwe, you'll be within the vicinity of Tshukudu Dam. This 5-star lodge is within the region of Wonderboom Gate and Derdepoort Gate. Treat yourself to a stay in one of the 30 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring fireplaces. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks. You can experience a safari, and enjoy an outdoor pool. Additional amenities at this lodge include complimentary wireless Internet access, supervised childcare/activities, and wedding services.

Molori Safari Lodge

Molori Safari is situated deep within the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province, bordering Botswana. The secluded lodge offers absolute privacy, while taking in breathtaking views of the Dwarsberg Mountains and the expansive Madikwe valley. At 75 000 hectares, Madikwe Game Reserve is South Africa’s fifth largest Big Five game reserve, but offers so much more than the Big Five. Madikwe is home to the Super Seven, which includes all Big Five species as well as cheetah and wild dog. There are an estimated 400 wild dogs still surviving in South Africa and a large concentration of these are thriving in the Madikwe habitat.

Lelapa Lodge

Lelapa’s design is rough-hewn, with just the right amount of high-end touch to create a vibe that is luxuriously laid back, enhanced by attentive hospitality. Lelapa, with its friendly staff and open guest areas, has an atmosphere of easy sociability. The main lodge invites enlivened gatherings, while the individual accommodations provide the perfect retreat for tranquil privacy. You’ll have your own lounge leading onto a deck, with an outdoor shower and plunge pool, from where to drink in the view. Up for some company? Lelapa’s guest pool is the ideal place to wallow and watch the animals do the same at the waterhole just across the lawn.

Kopano Lodge

Kopano integrates into the scrubby savannah and feels very much off the beaten track – looking out from your Suite’s deck, it’s as if you have this wilderness all to your own. Those who prefer their own space will appreciate the small, intimate environment of Kopano Lodge. With just four Suites, you are promised a very personal experience. Book an individual Suite or the whole lodge out exclusively. Your Suite has a private lounge, viewing deck, open-air shower and plunge pool – ideal positions from where to spot the wildlife out on the plain.

Dithaba Lodge

What sets Dithaba Lodge apart is its private hillside position above the reserve, ideal for those looking for a getaway in the truest sense. With just four luxury Suites, Dithaba Lodge strikes a balance between the exclusivity of your own retreat and warm, attentive hospitality – ideal if you’re after me time or quality time with your nearest and dearest. You’ll find the main lodge’s shared guest areas great for gatherings, with sundowners on the Star Deck and festive bush dinners around the boma fire. It’s a casually luxurious lodge, where reed-thatch Suites – each featuring a comfortable lounge, elevated deck, private plunge pool, and outdoor shower – come with panoramic views across the savannah.