[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”2_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_title margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]
MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
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Bordering Botswana, Madikwe Game Reserve is a malaria-free safari destination in the North West Province of South Africa. Unique topography and diverse vegetation is one of the reasons for the wide variety of bird species and wildlife, including the Big Five.
Discover Madikwe Game Reserve with Pembury Tours.
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Despite being relatively young in game reserve years, it is currently the fifth biggest game reserve in South Africa and offers one of the best safari experiences. Madikwe is situated in the transition region between the semi-arid Kalahari Desert and the subtropical Lowveld. A result of this, it is home to a wide spectrum of habitats, described rather beautifully by Madikwe as a “mosaic of vegetation”, from mountainous areas, plateaus and rocky hills to bushveld, savannahs, wetlands and Kalahari veld. This also make it home to a wonderful diversity of species and flora.
Going on Safari in Madikwe
Madikwe’s biggest claim to fame is the fact that it is malaria-free. This makes it the ideal family safari location and is perfect for guests who wish to go on a Big Five malaria-free safari. It also within a comfortable distance of Johannesburg and Botswana, making it the starting or finishing point for a South African holiday or combination Botswana tour.
When it comes to game viewing, Madikwe’s safari standards are very high. Rangers are in constant contact with one another which means they communicate exciting sightings in real-time. It also ensures a strict code of conduct – animal sightings are generally limited to a maximum of 3 vehicles at a time. This gives you an exclusive safari feel as well as ensures the animals’ wellbeing.
If you’re in search of photographic safari, this is one of the top destinations in South Africa. The diversity of habitats results in different and striking backgrounds for incredible wildlife photography. Jaci’s Lodges, one of the reserve’s luxury accommodation options, has actually fitted all of their safari vehicles with custom-made camera mounts and trained their guides to cater to photographers needs.
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Wildlife & Birdlife
Of course, when you’re planning a safari, the biggest concern is the wildlife – will you see scenes reminiscent of the Lion King? We can’t promise this, but we do know that Madikwe won’t disappoint. Thanks to “Operation Phoenix”, you can sight the Big Five. If you’re really in search of a magical safari, it also especially famous for its packs of endangered African Wild Dogs. Common grazers include giraffe, zebra, greater kudu, springbok, Red hartebeest and tsessebe. Night drives frequently offer good sightings of the shy brown hyena and bizarre aardwolf. If you are going with the little ones, it is always a fun activity for the family to have a checklist of the different species and see who can spot them first.
A few unusual and fun animals to look for include:
- The elephant shrew
- The mongoose
- The hippopotamus
- The warthog
- The porcupine
- The cheetah
- The wildebeest
- The bat-eared fox
Birdwatchers will be delighted to hear that Madikwe is home to 350 bird species. This includes several north-western specials, most conspicuously the Southern pied babbler (dubbed the ‘flying snowball’ for reasons that become obvious when you first encounter one) and the exquisite Crimson-breasted shrike, Shaft-tailed whydah and Violet-eared waxbill.
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Conservation
Madikwe is also one of the best conservation areas in Africa. This is due “Operation Phoenix after its establishment in 1991. “Operation Phoenix” was a government-sponsored game-relocation programme (the biggest ever to occur in Africa) which involved reintroducing and conserving wildlife and flora that had disappeared from the region. Over the period of 6 years, 10 000 animals from 28 major species (including wild dog, cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant) were reintroduced to Madikwe Game Reserve. In fact, a few world-firsts took place – with entire herds of elephants and African Wild Dogs being relocated to the reserve.
The reserve believes in both the conservation of the wildlife as well as the sustaining of the local communities. As result, Madikwe runs a community-based wildlife conservation system. This means the local community is directly involved in the running of the reserve through the ownership and operating of community lodges.
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What You Need to Know
- It is malaria-free so no anti-malarial medication is needed.
- Day visitors are not allowed which means lodge vehicles only, resulting in an exclusive safari experience.
- There is good game viewing year-round.
- The rainy season is during summer (between October and April). Average day temperatures are 30oC (86oF)
- Winter (May to September) is dry and colder with average day temperatures of 23oC (73oF).
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Accommodation
In terms of accommodation, there is something for everyone. Because of its popularity as a family-friendly safari location, there are a number of child-friendly lodges. For those looking for a more private and exclusive safari, there is the exclusive Morukuru Family Lodge. There is no shortage of luxury safari lodges for those wanting a truly special safari experience.
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Travel Tips
- It’s approximately a 4 hours’ drive from Johannesburg to Madikwe, and since all lodges here offer all-inclusive packages and self-drive exploration is forbidden, the best option is to fly or book a guided road transfer to your lodge.
- However, if you like the idea of a road trip, you can rent a vehicle and drive to your lodge. Driving times (without traffic):
- Gaberone Airport, Botswana- 1 to 2 hours
- Zeerust, South Africa – 1 hour
- Johannesburg Airport – 4 to 6 hours
- Pretoria – 4 to 5 hours
- Have cash on hand for toll gates en route.
- You may be required to drive 10 to 30km on gravel road before you enter the park, depending on which gates you enter through.
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READY FOR YOUR TAILOR-MADE MADIKWE SAFARI?
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