Madikwe Game Reserve safaris
The pride of Africa’s malaria free game viewing
Overview
Madikwe Game Reserve safaris
In the search for a South Africa luxury safari, Madikwe Game Reserve safaris have long played second fiddle to those in the better-known Kruger National Park.
However, a South Africa family holiday to Madikwe reliably offers Africa’s finest non-malarial, Big Five game viewing experience from the unbridled comfort of some its most exquisite lodges.
Ease of access combined with a feeling of true African wilderness, thanks to its situation on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, are just two of the reasons why you should consider Madikwe Game Reserve for your next family safari holiday.
Overview
Madikwe Game Reserve safaris
Where is Madikwe Game Reserve?
Madikwe nestles unassumingly alongside a stretch of the Botswanan border in South Africa’s North West Province.
It is this transitional location between South Africa’s lightly-wooded Bushveld and the fringes of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert that sets it apart from other South African reserves. The two biomes support differing fauna, making Madikwe safari holidays among South Africa’s most varied.
Although comfortably accessible by road from Johannesburg, the most memorable Madikwe Game Reserve experiences typically begin with the exhilarating light aircraft transfer direct to your lodge’s nearest airstrip.
Madikwe is also within easy reach of the equally malaria-free Waterberg region where private reserves allow you to saddle up aboard four-legged or two wheeled steeds and experience the wilderness from a different viewpoint.
What to do in Madikwe?
The focus of Madikwe safari holidays is very much centred around the reserve’s exceptional wildlife viewing.
You’ll have the chance to find lion, leopard, elephant and rhino rubbing shoulders with healthy populations of wild dog as well as desert specialists such as aardvark, porcupine, and the critically endangered pangolin.
For adults and older children, early morning and late afternoon game drives bookend specially tailored activities for younger children which will introduce your budding rangers to the wilderness in a secure, engaging and interactive environment. They will identify spoor and scat (tracks and droppings to you and me) alongside treasure hunts, baking and maybe even a movie night under a blanket of African stars.
Some lodges offer shortened game drives, known as ‘bumbles’, for younger guests to ignite that spark of curiosity in the natural world and hopefully induct a new generation of conservationists. Some lodges even encourage guests to get directly involved with Madikwe’s notable conservation efforts.
Best time to visit?
Madikwe is a year-round destination but the most comfortable temperatures and best wildlife viewing are typically during the drier months between May and September.
November to March is hotter and sees the greatest chance of rainfall but is also the time when food is plentiful, animals raise their young and bird numbers swell with the colourful arrival of returning summer migrants.
Who should visit?
Madikwe safari holidays are for everyone, from first time visitors to Africa to seasoned safari goers.
However, the appeal to families is undeniable being malaria-free and offering luxurious, family focussed lodges.
For this reason, Madikwe is amongst our top recommendations for a kids safari.
Places to stay
Recommended Madikwe Game Reserve accommodation
Places to stay
Recommended Madikwe Game Reserve accommodation
Itinerary ideas
Suggested itineraries for Madikwe safaris
Why travel with Coral Tree?
- 1. Sabi Sands Game Reserve
- 2. The Waterberg
- 3. Madikwe Game Reserve
- 4. Shamwari Game Reserve
- 5. Kwandwe Game Reserve
- 6. Timbavati Game Reserve
- 7. Phinda Private Game Reserve
- 8. Johannesburg
- 9. Kruger National Park
- 10. KwaZulu-Natal Coast
- 11. South Africa Battlefields
- 12. Drakensberg Mountains
- 13. Western and Northern Cape
- 14. Eastern Cape Game Reserves
- 15. Garden Route
- 16. Cape Town
- 17. Cape Winelands
- 1. Sabi Sands Game Reserve
- 2. The Waterberg
- 3. Madikwe Game Reserve
- 4. Shamwari Game Reserve
- 5. Kwandwe Game Reserve
- 6. Timbavati Game Reserve
- 7. Phinda Private Game Reserve
- 8. Johannesburg
- 9. Kruger National Park
- 10. KwaZulu-Natal Coast
- 11. South Africa Battlefields
- 12. Drakensberg Mountains
- 13. Western and Northern Cape
- 14. Eastern Cape Game Reserves
- 15. Garden Route
- 16. Cape Town
- 17. Cape Winelands