Conservation Plan
Madikwe is testimony to a truly enlightened conservation plan which has created this exceptional wildlife reservation for the preservation of a unique wilderness area of Kalahari thornveld in one of the more remote regions of South Africa.
To enter Madikwe is to stand at the very threshold of wilderness Africa. This is a near-perfect ecological environment where every plant, animal and insect forms an essential part of an intricate web of survival. Here, life and death are complementary for the continued existence of the natural system where man is reminded that his very existence through the ages has been rooted in such an intricate design.
Another drawing card of the area is its cultural appeal. Madikwe is an area steeped in legend and has a fascinating history that dates back to the Stone Age.
Wildlife Species
Madikwe is host to almost every game species including lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. About 250 species of birds have been recorded at Madikwe, which is a transition zone between the Kalahari thornveld and bushveld ecological regions of Southern Africa.
Guest Experience
Madikwe has been developed to provide a highly personal experience for the visitor. The park is open to guests who have a wide choice of accommodation options at the many safari camps located throughout the park. Day and night drives in open safari vehicles form an essential part of any visit to the park, and these are guided by experienced rangers whose knowledge will greatly enhance the overall wildlife experience.
This experience created in Madikwe for guests is what drives the popularity of the Game Reserve, resulting in more guests which are essential to funding the conservation efforts at the reserve
Social Upliftment
The development of Madikwe is all about stimulating local economic development. We need to attract investment and provide jobs and that's our aim in this part of the world. What the Madikwe model says is that conservation is about people. You need to place people at the centre, that's the only way conservation can work.
Madikwe is seen as one of the country's success stories in the area of social upliftment and poverty eradication.This has resulted in the local communities surrounding the reserve to become invested in the success in the park, filling many roles requirement for conservation.
Heritage Park
Another development on the cards for the North West Province is the development of the 'Heritage Park' conservation corridor that will join Madikwe and Pilanesberg.
This proposed conservation estate will allow a bigger migration space for animals, creating a prime eco-tourism destination. The initiative is a 20-year project culminating in linking up with Limpopo Province and Botswana.
