Madikwe Game Reserve

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Madikwe Game Reserve Overview

Reasons to Visit Madikwe Game Reserve

* Malaria-free & less busy than Sabi Sands * Many upmarket safari lodges to choose from * African wild dogs are regular visitors * Day and night drives and walking safaris are available * Excellent wildlife viewing with all of the Big 5 present * Exclusive experience, but more affordable compared to Sabi

Madikwe Game Reserve Wildlife

Madikwe is an excellent Big Five reserve. Lions are plentiful, but sightings of cheetah and leopard are more hit-and-miss. This is compensated, however, by good sightings of wild dogs. In general, wildlife viewing might be slightly less easy than in the Greater Kruger private reserves, including Sabi Sands, but there are fewer vehicles around resulting in high-quality wildlife experiences.

Black Rhino
Rare
Buffalo
Common
Cheetah
Occasional
Elephant
Abundant
Giraffe
Common
Hippo
Occasional
Hyena
Occasional
Leopard
Occasional
Lion
Common
Rhino
Common
Wild Dog
Occasional
Wildebeest
Common
Zebra
Common

Wildlife Highlights

Madikwe Game Reserves offer an excellent game viewing experience for The Big Five and the rare Wild Dog, and offer sightings of both the White and Black Rhinos, out of which the White Rhino is pretty common. Unique features of the Madikwe Game Reserve that can hardly be found in other game reserves include the uncommon brown Hyena. Another special example here is the Gemsbok. The two highly desirable and uncommon antelope species of Eland and Sable can also be found here.

Best Time to Visit Madikwe Game Reserve

Best Time to Visit

Best Weather

Worst Weather

The best times for game viewing at the Madikwe Game Reserve are the dry months of May to September. Animals are easier to spot because of lesser vegetation and the congregation of animals around water sources.

Low Season

May to September (This is the best wildlife viewing time)

High Season

October to April (The park is busier, especially during school holidays)

Madikwe Game Reserve Weather and Climate

The seasons in Madikwe Game Reserve are opposite to those of North America and Europe. Summers are wet with frequent rainfall, they last from October to April, while the dry season is winter lasting from May to September. Temperatures can get really high during the summers they have accompanied thunderstorms, however, it is important to note that Madikwe is less humid relative to the coastal region. Winters are clear and the weather is pleasant, however, it does get cold at night, causing warm clothes to be essential for morning and late Afternoon activities.

How to get to Madikwe Game Reserve

Most visitors come in at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), located in Johannesburg. There are two ways to get to Madikwe from there. One way is to rent a car and drive to the reserve, this route is about 360km/223 mi long. The easiest way, however, is to take a local flight from Johannesburg, the flight is about an hour long.

By Air

There are domestic flights to the Sabi Sands regions and people can also choose self-drive options.

By Road

Rent a vehicle in Johannesburg and head north on the N1 towards the N4 Toll road. Then take the N4 Toll road northwest towards Rustenburg, Swartruggens, Groot Marico, and Zeerust. Once in Zeerust turn right at the second stop street into President Street. There is a signpost on the left. That says “Madikwe Game Reserve/Gaborone” and a First National Bank on the corner to the right. Follow the R49 towards the reserve for approximately 97km. The first entrance to the reserve is Abjaterskop Gate. The second gate to the reserve is the Wonderboom Gate exactly 7km from the first gate.

Where to stay in Madikwe Game Reserve

Thakadu River Camp

Thakadu River Camp: A Riverside Haven in the Wild Amidst the lush plains of Madikwe Game Reserve, Thakadu River Camp emerges as a luxurious oasis, cradled by the Marico River’s gentle curves. Indeed, as you step into this eco-friendly haven, the connection with nature is immediate and enchanting. At Thakadu River Camp, every morning greets […]

Tuningi Safari Lodge

Unwind in the Wild: Your Exclusive Escape at Tuningi Safari Lodge Immerse yourself in the heart of wilderness luxury at Tuningi Safari Lodge, the crown jewel of Madikwe Game Reserve. Here, you’ll embark on a journey where refined comfort and the wild beauty of Africa coexist. At dawn, Tuningi beckons you to explore. Furthermore, our […]

Tau Game Lodge

Discover Serenity at Tau Game Lodge: An Unforgettable Safari Retreat Step into Tau Game Lodge, where the pulse of the African bush beats in harmony with the spirit of adventure. Nestled in Madikwe Game Reserve, this lodge invites you to a remarkable wildlife encounter, free from malaria worries. Your safari adventure starts with the first […]

Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Lodge

Experience Regal Elegance at Royal Madikwe – Where Luxury Meets the Wild Welcome to Royal Madikwe, an oasis of luxury in the untamed African wilderness. Here, the enchanting Madikwe Game Reserve becomes your backyard. This is where adventure greets you each morning. As dawn breaks, your safari begins. Led by seasoned guides, encounter Africa’s famed […]

Rockfig Lodge Madikwe

Rockfig Lodge Madikwe: Safari Sophistication Unveiled Prepare to be enchanted at Rockfig Lodge, a haven of luxury nestled in the Madikwe Game Reserve. As dawn breaks, your safari adventure begins, guided by the first golden rays of sunlight. Indeed, our seasoned rangers will lead you through the bush, where every turn reveals another marvel of […]

Morukuru Owners House

Experience the Magic of a Private Safari at Morukuru Owners House Step into a world where luxury embraces the untamed beauty of the African bush at Morukuru Owners House. Nestled in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, this sanctuary delivers a unique, custom-fit travel experience. As you enter Morukuru Owners House, a sense of unrivalled […]

Morukuru River House

Morukuru River House: Your Exclusive Safari Haven Perched on the banks of the Marico River in Madikwe Game Reserve, Morukuru River House is an exclusive safari escape for families and friends. This luxurious three-bedroom private bush house offers guests the chance to immerse themselves in the African wilderness while enjoying world-class accommodations, exceptional service, and […]

Morukuru Farm House

Morukuru Farm House: Your Exclusive Safari Escape for Families and Friends Experience the magic of a South African safari in the ultimate comfort and privacy of Morukuru Farm House, a luxurious five-bedroom villa in Madikwe Game Reserve. This oasis, designed for families and friends, offers guests a chance to immerse themselves in the wilderness while […]

Molori Safari Lodge

Molori Safari Lodge: Your Gateway to an Unforgettable African Adventure Escape to the heart of the African bush and experience the magic of a safari at Molori Safari Lodge. This luxurious oasis, nestled in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, offers guests the chance to immerse themselves in the natural world, while enjoying world-class accommodations, exceptional […]

Mateya Safari Lodge

Mateya Safari Lodge: Where Luxury Meets the Wild Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Mateya Safari Lodge offers guests an unforgettable safari experience. With its luxurious accommodations, exceptional wildlife viewing, and world-class service, Mateya is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a truly unforgettable escape. Upon arrival at Mateya, you’ll […]

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