Madikwe Game Reserve

DESCRIPTION

Madikwe Game Reserve lies in the extreme northwest corner of the North West Province up to the Botswana border close to the Kalahari Desert. It is a 3.5 hour drive from Johannesburg, or a short flight by air.

Populating Madikwe with animals over a six-year period became one of the largest wildlife translocation projects in the world. Nicknamed 'Operation Phoenix', the task involved capturing and transporting 8,000 animals representing 28 species from reserves elsewhere in the country to the North West Province.

From 1991 to 1997, animals introduced to the region included elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, spotted hyena, lion, giraffe, antelope, and the highly endangered Cape hunting dog (wild dog). Today there are three hunting packs of wild dog in the Madikwe reserve.

Madikwe now boasts more than 60 mammal species including the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) and well over 300 resident and migrant bird species.

ACCOMMODATION

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Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is situated on a prime site in the west of the Madikwe Game Reserve, straddling the Tweedepoort Ridge with expansive views across the northern plains and Inselbergs...

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Jaci's Safari Lodge

Jaci's Safari Lodge is set on the edge of a small stream in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve. Accommodation consists of eight luxurious rooms with large mosaic bath, outdoor shower and...

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Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge is set on a hill within 75,000 hectares of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Madikwe Hills consists of a main safari lodge with ten suites, and a private...

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Makanyane Safari Lodge

Makanyane Safari Lodge is located on 1,800 hectares of private ground in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Accommodation is in eight luxurious double suites, each with its own lounge, en suite bathroom...

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Thakadu River Camp

Thakadu River Camp is a tented safari lodge within the Madikwe Game Reserve located between the Marico River and a small tributary of the Marico River. The camp is set within the riverine...

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Tuningi Safari Lodge

Tuningi Safari Lodge is an elegant, five star lodge set in a tranquil valley in the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve. Accommodation consists of 4 free-standing rooms that all have spacious...

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Mateya Safari Lodge

Nestled in the rocky outcrop of the Gabbro hills, Mateya Safari Lodge, comprising dining, lounge, and relaxation areas, provides a high elevation and an uninterrupted view of the Madikwe Game Reserve....

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Impodimo Game Lodge

Impodimo Game Lodge is set along a rocky ridge commanding stunning vistas of the Madikwe Game Reserve. It is also located at the source of a natural spring, which provides the lodge with elevated view...

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Morukuru Owner's House (private safari house)

Exclusive use safari house

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Morukuru River House (private safari house)

Exclusive use safari house in malaria free Big 5 Game Reserve

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Morukuru Farm House (private safari house)

Exclusive use safari house in malaria free Big 5 Game Reserve

ITINERARY IDEA

Day 1 - 3: Madikwe Game Reserve

Meal Basis: Full Board plus Activities

The Madikwe Game Reserve is the newest of South Africa's prime safari destinations. A public-private partnership resulted in the creation of this Big Five game reserve on almost worthless cattle farms and today it is home to 66 mammal species. Madikwe is a haven of amazing diversities. The landscape has mountainous areas, plateaux, rocky hills, a perennial river, seasonal wetlands, a variety of sandy and clay areas, bushveld, Kalahari veld and savanna areas. The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and the topography offers ideal game viewing opportunities in a malaria-free environment.

There is a good chance of seeing the Magnificent Seven which comprises the Big Five as well as the rare and endangered wild dog and cheetah. The reserve is home to the largest elephant population outside the Kruger National Park, black and white rhino, and the biggest disease free herd of buffalo in the country. In addition to these, one may see brown and spotted hyena and all other South African predators. A multitude of plains game includes giraffe, zebra, springbok and sable. There are also large populations of wildebeest, impala and warthogs. For bird watchers Madikwe is an unmissable destination with the latest official bird list boasting an incredible 340 species.

Day 4 - 6: Madikwe Game Reserve

Meal Basis: Full Board plus Activities

Timbavati Private Game Reserve shares a common, unfenced border with Kruger Park and encompasses many exclusive private lodges. The region is best known for the ‘white lions of Timbavati’, two unusually pale lion cubs discovered here in the 1970s, their colour due to a rare recessive gene.

The Timbavati is a “Big Five” Game Reserve: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo roam freely as do many more species of predators and antelopes. Over 40 mammal species and 350 bird species have been identified within the area. This, together with the abundant variety of flora, the tranquillity and the natural beauty of the land, ensures an adventure to be remembered. It said to have the densest giraffe population in the world.

This itinerary is a guideline, Africa & Beyond tailor every trip to your individual specifications including all accommodation, flights, transfers & activities, please contact us to discuss your ideas.

 

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