Are you looking for a Big 5 game viewing experience that offers something different from the well-known private lodges in the Greater Kruger area, yet still offers all the luxury for families? Malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve is the answer.
This vast expanse of wilderness spans 750 square kilometers of prime game viewing territory between the Dwarsberg Mountains and the Botswana border of the North West province. It is the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa and competes favorably with the world-famous Kruger National Park on several levels.
A little known gem, Madikwe Game reserve is a groundbreaking and successful partnership between the private sector, the state and the local communities.
Madikwe boasts the full range of Big 5 animals native to Kruger. Leopard, buffalo, lion, elephant and white rhino are abundant and spotted regularly on game drives.
Day visitors are not permitted in Madikwe Game Reserve with access to the reserve only available to those who have booked accommodation within. There are several excellent lodges that cater to the needs of all travelers, from eco-friendly to family friendly, exclusive use lodges to ultra-luxury lodges and community lodges scattered throughout this malaria-free park.
Morukuru Lodge
Morukuru is an exclusive-use lodge with an impressive riverside location and is available for occupation by just 6 guests on an exclusive use basis. This makes it ideal for families and small groups looking for a luxury Big Five experience.
Tau Game Lodge
You can go big at Tau game lodge, where children are actively catered for and larger groups will find all their needs are exceeded. Tau Lodge blends in beautifully with its natural surroundings and overlooks a busy waterhole, serenely set and picture perfect for around-the-clock game viewing.
Superb Luxury
The safari options in the Madikwe Game Reserve include exquisite lodge-style accommodation, luxury tents, and treehouse-style rooms as well as private houses.
Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge, Mateya Lodge and Jamala Madikwe offer high-end luxury that is comparable with that offered in Greater Kruger’s well-known elite lodges like Sabi Sabi, Dulini, and Tinga.
All the lodges provide opportunities for daily guided game drives in open vehicles, exquisite stargazing, bush dining and birding. Many of them have the added indulgence of an onsite spa, waterhole-viewing decks, private plunge pools, outdoor showers, spas and a gym. The most luxurious camps have private spa pools and 4x4 game vehicles.
Photographic safaris, game walks and fishing excursions can be arranged at the more exclusive camps.
Madikwe Game Reserve is a scenic 4-hours’ drive from Johannesburg and can be reached within an hour’s flight time on a charter aircraft from OR Tambo Airport or Gaborone.
With all these options to choose from, Madikwe offers the kind of wilderness experiences that your dreams are made of. Get in touch today and let’s discuss your ultimate exclusive southern African safari.
