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African Safaris and Tours
Madikwe Self Drive Safaris
Madikwe Self-Drive Safaris – Drive Yourself In, Then Let a Ranger Take the Wheel
A Madikwe self-drive safari is a tailor-made fly-drive holiday: you collect a hire car in Johannesburg, drive to the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve on the Botswana border, and spend your days on guided Big 5 game drives from your lodge. The reserve is 341 kilometres from O.R. Tambo International Airport, about four and a half hours on the road once you allow for stops. Getting to Madikwe covers the route and gates in detail.
One rule shapes every itinerary below. Madikwe does not allow self-drive game viewing, so your car carries you to your lodge and then stays parked until you leave. From there you explore the reserve in open game viewers with qualified rangers who read the bush for a living. With only lodge vehicles on the roads and no day visitors, sightings of lion, elephant, rhino and wild dog stay wonderfully calm and uncrowded.
The open road is the other half of the fun. Pair Madikwe with Welgevonden Game Reserve or Marakele National Park in the Waterberg, or fly up from Cape Town and the Winelands and make a grand South African journey of it. Choose from our Madikwe safari lodges for every budget and travelling party, and see how a safari day unfolds on our Madikwe safaris page.
A Madikwe self-drive suits travellers who like their holiday on their own timetable. You set off when you're ready, stop where you please, and add as many nights in Cape Town or the Waterberg as your trip will hold. It is superb for families too: Madikwe is malaria-free, so nobody needs anti-malaria tablets, and it is our favourite game reserve.
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and the budget you have in mind, and we will build your Madikwe self-drive around you, with the right lodge, the right car and a route that makes sense. We have been planning safaris like this since 1999.
The Most Popular Self-Drive Safaris In Madikwe, South Africa
Cape Town & Malaria Free
This Safari is Tailor-made Rates On request
This spectacular 13-day self-drive safari starts with four nights in Cape Town and the Cape Winelands, then flies you north to two of South Africa's finest malaria-free reserves: the exceptional Madikwe Game Reserve and the truly stunning Marakele National Park in the Waterberg.
Madikwe North & South Safari
This Safari is Tailor-made Rates On request
Embark on a spectacular six-day self-drive safari through the malaria-free, Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve, split between two fantastic lodges on opposite sides of the reserve. Two different stretches of country, two teams of rangers and superb service make for wildlife viewing that is second to none.
Northern Malaria Free Safari
This Safari is Tailor-made Rates On request
A six-day self-drive safari to two malaria-free Big 5 reserves in the north of South Africa: Madikwe Game Reserve on the Botswana border and Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg mountains. Both are guided-only reserves, so every game drive is led by an expert ranger.
Madikwe Self-Drive Safaris: Frequently Asked Questions
How much driving is there on a Madikwe self-drive safari?
Less than most people expect, because the car stays parked on safari days. You only drive on transfer days: about four and a half hours from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Madikwe, and roughly four to five hours onward if you add Welgevonden or Marakele. The days in between belong entirely to your ranger.
What happens to my hire car while I'm on safari in Madikwe?
It stays parked for your whole stay. Depending on the lodge, you either drive the final stretch on reserve roads and park at camp, or leave the car at the gate and are collected in a game viewer. Your lodge confirms which in the directions it sends. There is no fuel inside the reserve, so arrive with a healthy tank.
What is included in a Madikwe self-drive safari?
A Madikwe self-drive safari includes your accommodation, a hire car matched to your budget, and the meals and activities listed in your itinerary. Fuel, car-hire insurance, flights, visas, gratuities, personal items and any extra activities are excluded. Travel insurance is compulsory on all our safaris, and because every trip is tailor-made, rates are quoted on request.
Which reserves can I combine with Madikwe on a self-drive safari?
Welgevonden Game Reserve and Marakele National Park, both malaria-free reserves in the Waterberg, are the natural partners, each roughly four to five hours' drive from Madikwe. Our six-day Northern Malaria Free itinerary pairs Madikwe with Welgevonden, and it is the easiest way to add a second landscape of mountains and rock art without adding malaria tablets.
Can I combine Cape Town with a Madikwe self-drive safari?
Yes, and it is one of our favourite combinations. The 13-day Cape Town & Malaria Free itinerary spends four nights in Cape Town, flies you to Johannesburg to collect a hire car, then gives you four nights in Madikwe and four in Marakele National Park. The domestic flight between Cape Town and Johannesburg is not included in the rate.
Should I spend a night in Johannesburg before driving to Madikwe?
Unless your flight lands early in the morning, it is worth it. Madikwe is about four and a half hours from O.R. Tambo International Airport by road, and you want to reach your lodge in time for the first afternoon game drive. An overnight near the airport means you tackle the drive rested, not straight off a long-haul flight.
Map of Madikwe Game Reserve Lodges
Madikwe Game Reserve Travel Topics
Luxury Safari Lodges in the Madikwe Game Reserve
Nestled in the heart of South Africa's vast wilderness, Madikwe Game Reserve stands as a beacon of luxury and exclusivity for those seeking an unparalleled safari experience. As our latest blog post delves into the opulent world of Luxury Safari Lodges within this remarkable reserve, we invite you on a journey to discover the epitome of high-end bush hospitality. In this haven of serenity and wildlife conservation, discerning guests find their expectations surpassed by personal attention, privacy, and unmatched game viewing opportunities. Madikwe’s luxury lodges offer a sanctuary where elegance meets wilderness, catering to those who yearn not just for a holiday but for an encounter with nature that leaves a lasting imprint on their soul.
Best Madikwe Game Reserve Safari Itinerary
Nestled in the heart of South Africa's North West Province, the Madikwe Game Reserve stands as a beacon of wildlife conservation and an unparalleled adventure destination for nature enthusiasts and safari-goers alike. This sprawling sanctuary, home to the Big Five and a plethora of other wildlife species, offers an escape into the wild that is both exhilarating and serene. As you plan your journey to this remarkable reserve, our latest blog post is here to guide you through crafting the ultimate safari itinerary. From the crack of dawn with lions on the hunt to the tranquil sunsets over vast savannahs, we'll take you on a journey through Madikwe's most breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
5 best lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve
Planning a safari to Madikwe Game Reserve and looking for the best lodges to stay at? Here are five lodges that stand out for their exceptional safari experiences and luxury accommodations. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly getaway or a romantic escape, these lodges offer something unique for every traveller. Each of these lodges offers a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and adventure, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience. Whether you're seeking thrilling game drives, relaxing spa treatments, or family-friendly activities, these top lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve cater to every traveller's needs and preferences.
Kids On Safari In The Madikwe, South Africa
Madikwe Game Reserve stands out, without question, as an unparalleled gem in Southern Africa. This truly magnificent reserve consistently delivers some of the most phenomenal "Big 5" sightings imaginable, guaranteeing encounters that are nothing short of unforgettable. It is, in my professional opinion, a destination where wildlife dreams truly become reality. And, as the crowning glory, this spectacular reserve is a completely malaria-free haven. This ensures visitors, especially families, can embark on their adventure with total and absolute peace of mind—a priceless luxury not often found in such pristine wilderness settings.
Impodimo Review
For discerning travellers who demand nothing less than an exceptional safari, Impodimo in The Madikwe is, without a doubt, a true revelation. This lodge is a hidden gem, offering a truly spectacular experience with luxurious amenities and thrilling wildlife encounters that, in my opinion, easily rival properties three times its price. From the very moment you step foot on this magnificent property, every single detail has been meticulously crafted to ensure your utmost comfort and to deliver unforgettable adventures. Impodimo doesn't just offer value; it guarantees an experience so captivating and deeply satisfying, it will linger in your memories long after you've departed. It's truly one of the best!
Jamala Review
Our absolute favourite lodge, not just within Madikwe Game Reserve but quite possibly in all of South Africa, is so exceptional it truly merits a detailed review. From the moment we arrived, we knew this place was different. It's undoubtedly one of the best and most memorable lodges we've ever experienced. In short, expect a truly magnificent wildlife experience, exceptional food, and spectacularly comfortable rooms. Most importantly, however, is the incredibly attentive service from the fantastic staff, which without a doubt, makes every moment unforgettable.
Mateya Review
Mateya Safari Lodge truly exceeded all expectations, completely blowing us away. While we anticipated a special destination, we vastly underestimated just how extraordinary and immersive the entire experience would be. It beautifully captures that cherished old-world wildlife and birdlife experience, feeling distinctly more classic than contemporary in its décor and overall ambience. There’s a timeless elegance to its design, seamlessly blending into the natural surroundings, which truly enhances the sense of being deeply connected to the wild heart of Africa. Every detail contributed to an unforgettable stay, evoking a nostalgic safari romance.