Madikwe Travel Guide

Madikwe Game Reserve

The Ultimate Madikwe Travel Guide For "Big 5" And Malaria-Free Safaris In South Africa

If you're looking for a fantastic safari destination in South Africa that offers the "Big 5", excellent wildlife and birdlife, stunning scenery and some of the best safari lodges in the country, then the Madikwe Game Reserve in the northwest of the country is definitely worth considering!

Our Madikwe travel guide on Uyaphi.com is all about featuring what, in our humble opinion, is one of the best safari experiences in Southern Africa. As a team, we have visited the game reserve on numerous occasions and have yet to depart disappointed. All lodges in our portfolio are fantastic and cover most budget ranges. Wildlife sightings are always good. In our opinion, the wildlife sightings can match any other national park or private game reserve in South Africa. The Madikwe will always be a firm favourite of ours.

The Reserve is the fourth largest in South Africa and is home to 66 large mammal species, including the "Big 5" as well as cheetah and wild dog. There are approximately 300 resident and migrant bird species on display for birders.

The Madikwe Game Reserve, situated close to the Botswana border, just under four hours' drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria, is now one of South Africa's prime safari destinations. The drive to the reserve is one of the more scenic that South Africa has to offer, passing bushveld, koppies and villages along the way. There is, of course, fly-in options should driving not be your thing; there are two airstrips in the Madikwe, and both are serviced by light aircraft out of Johannesburg; flight time is around 45 minutes.

Some of the safari activities you can enjoy while in Madikwe are morning and afternoon game drives, bush walks, birding safaris, photographic safaris (in customised vehicles) and sundowners. The highlight activity is those morning and afternoon game drives guided by highly qualified rangers; on these drives, one gets to witness the fantastic wildlife that the game reserve is known for.

The Madikwe is located in an area of South Africa that is 100% free from malaria making this one of the top safari destinations for families or those concerned about possibly contracting the disease.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Madikwe safari today!

A Guide To Travelling In South Africa's Famed Madikwe Game Reserve

  • Madikwe Lodges

    The Madikwe Game Reserve offers some of the finest safari lodges in South Africa; this is our portfolio of four- and five-star luxury lodges suitable for single travellers, honeymooners, and children in tow. Accommodation options range from absolute luxury to small intimate tented safari camps. If you are looking for a pure wildlife experience, a photographic safari, something romantic, or a family-friendly safari option, look no further.

  • Madikwe Safaris

    When planning a safari to South Africa, we often find that the Madikwe Game Reserve is more often than not even on the list of "to visit" destinations. This is something that we would like to change, we have a catchphrase here at Uyaphi.com, and it is "Madikwe is awesome."

  • Madikwe Photo Galleries

    Over the past years, we have had the absolute pleasure and privilege of visiting the Madikwe many many times. While staying at most of the safaris lodges within the reserve and taking part in numerous game drives, we have had the pleasure of witnessing spectacular wildlife.

  • Madikwe Lodges Visited

    Madikwe lodges and camps visited by the team at Uyaphi.com showcasing our photographs and thoughts (reviews) on each establishment from our perspective. More of a personal Madikwe travel guide with our artistic flair shining through with cameras in hand.

  • Madikwe Mammal List

    The Madikwe hosts 66 mammal species including the "Big 7" (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, cheetah and wild dog). The reserve offers the rare opportunity to spot both Spotted and Brown Hyenas within the same habitat as well as 23 carnivore species and an amazing 26 species of snake.

  • Madikwe Bird List

    The Madikwe is an ornithologists dream, with over 350 species of birds recorded. What makes this area different in terms of birding is that the reserve is located in a transition zone on the edge of the Kalahari basin, one gets a mash-up of Highveld, Bushveld and Desert species.

  • Madikwe Information

    Madikwe Information

    Size & Location: 750km² ,360 km from Johannesburg, in the North West Province
    When to visit the park: Drier months (May - September) are best for game-viewing
    Climate: Hot, humid (31°C) during summer rainy season and cold, freezing winters
    Rainfall: approx. 500mm per annum
    Altitude: 950m - 1328m above sea level

  • Madikwe is Malaria Free

    Madikwe is Malaria Free

    Yes, it is official, those pesky Malaria mosquitoes are not found anywhere near the Madikwe Reserve. Making this the perfect "Big 7" safari experience for those who have children of any age, those who are pregnant as well as those who just do not want to take the chance. The Madikwe is Malaria free but not mosquito free; all lodges offer repellent though.

  • Best Time to Visit

    Best Time to Visit Madikwe

    The Madikwe Reserve offers excellent year-round safari experiences with summer days being hot and winter evenings being cold. The dry winter months are generally best for birders and wildlife sightings, but on saying that you will not be disappointed by a summer safari here. No matter what season you choose to visit, the Madikwe will surprise you with her beauty.

  • Madikwe Transfer Options

    Madikwe Transfer Options

    Daily air and road transfers operate between Johannesburg and the reserve, depending on your budget or interests we will advise on the best options. The fly-in option is the most popular as it adds 3 hours to your safari, the flight itself is in the region of 60 minutes and lands at the main Madikwe tarred runway where a transfer to your private lodge is waiting.

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Popular Madikwe Blogs
South Africa Travel Guide
South Africa Showcase
Travel To The Madikwe Now
Madikwe Lodges Map
Popular Madikwe Lodges
  • Jaci's Tree Lodge
    Jaci's Tree Lodge is the more intimate one of the two Jaci offerings, hidden perfectly in a natural forest whilst offer up luxury and the end of each raised wooden walkway. Eight stunningly appointed suites await all that visit Tree Lodge.
  • Motswiri Safari Lodge
    Motswiri Safari Lodge offers guests some of the most exceptional views and service levels in the Madikwe Game Reserve. The bush villas are large and luxurious with views out onto a small watering hole and the surrounding bushveld. This small and intimate 5-star safari lodge deep in the Madikwe bush is a must.
  • Jamala Madikwe
    Owner run as well as managed, Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge provides a personal bush encounter, in which personalized service along with attention to fine detail are definitely the cornerstones of each and every waking moment.
  • Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge
    Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is the first wholly owned, community-based Safari Lodge in South Africa, the concept is unique as the community owns the development, with substantial benefits going back to the community. All in the Madikwe Game Reserve.
  • Madikwe Safari Lodge
    With its earthy plastered walls, Madikwe Safari Lodge appears to grow out of the rust-red African setting like a gigantic termite mound, offering Southern African cuisine is complimented and world-class local South African wines. Stunning luxury awaits all that visit.
  • Mateya Safari Lodge
    Mateya Safari Lodge, perfectly located in the breathtaking Malaria free Madikwe, guarantees to possibly be amongst the best game lodges available today and without question one of the most outstanding lodges in Southern Africa.