Welcome to Madikwe

A Tranquil Safari Haven

First-time visitors to the Madikwe Game Reserve are often struck by the exceptional quality of the safaris at Madikwe, nestled deep within the untamed South African bush.

A calm atmosphere envelops the safari lodges, which is hard to quantify for those accustomed to the busy world of modern life. In the heart of the bush the clamor of the outside world fades, replaced by a profound tranquility that soothes the mind.

Beneath this calm exterior lies a remarkable efficiency. The staff, ever-present with warm smiles, perform their duties with a quiet grace that rivals the service of many five-star establishments worldwide.

Lodge managers possess an almost uncanny ability to anticipate guests’ needs, appearing when needed to resolve any hiccups with finesse. This harmonious blend of tranquility and keen attention defines the magic of a safari lodge in Madikwe, leaving visitors enchanted by an unforgettable experience.

The Daily Madikwe Safari Rhythm

In the mornings you get up before the sun rises, you are greeted with hot coffee, tea or maybe even hot chocolate and some sort of morning snack. Soon you will get onto your game vehicles and set out on your first South African Safari of the day.

Dive into a Madikwe Game Reserve safari with a seamless daily flow, perfect for first-timers and seasoned explorers.

Rise at dawn for a guided morning game drive in Madikwe, tracking wildlife in dawn’s golden light. Afterwards enjoy a hearty breakfast, then unwind with leisure time, ideal for couples’ relaxation or family bonding or bush walks where available.

Afternoons offer lunch and rest, followed by a sunset game drive with sundowners. Cap off your day with a starlit dinner at your Madikwe lodge.

Your Chances of Spotting the Madikwe Big 5

Madikwe Game Reserve shines as a premier game-viewing haven, offering realistic Big 5 encounters.

Over a 3-night Madikwe safari, expect to spot 3 to 4 of the Big 5, with a strong chance of seeing all five. Elephants and buffalo roam freely, rhinos are often sighted, and lions often grace your journey, though they can be allusive from time to time.

The leopard, Madikwe’s stealthy jewel, challenges even the keenest eyes, sparking anticipation for your next return.

Button: Plan Your Madikwe Safari

Wild dog & Cheetah

Currently, Madikwe has 2 packs of wild dog. This critically endangered species is not common in most game reserves and Madikwe is fortunate to have 2 healthy packs.

Due to their incredible stamina, wild dog have a very large range, so viewing them can be spotty at times. Madikwe Game Reserve is however one of the best chances you will have at viewing these beautiful animals in South Africa.

Cheetah can be just as evasive as the leopard. With so few individuals in Madikwe, you can go for quite a while without seeing them. But unlike leopard, they are diurnal, meaning they operate mostly during the day, so finding them is a bit easier than the leopard.

The More Common Ones

Herbivores are the most common animal in the Madikwe Reserve. You will see the beautiful Zebra in their herds walking across the grasslands, usually with some impala not far away. Warthogs are always a pleasure to see, with their relatively long rigid tails sticking up into the air as they move about.

Giraffe are plentiful and their elegant long limbs are quite magnificent. What is strange is how elegant they look when they are walking, but the moment that they start to run, it is quite comical.

There are far too many animals you will see to mention here. In the end, Madikwe provides a holistic African bush experience, each unique to each guest.