Madikwe Safaris

Despite being one of the largest game reserves in South Africa, Madikwe Private Game Reserve remains relatively lesser-known. This creates a wonderfully tranquil and exclusive-feeling ‘Big 5’ safari experience, throughout the reserve’s 750 square kilometres. It is also one of the best places in Africa to see wild dog.

Situated on the border with Botswana, the reserve encompasses vast open plains, punctuated by the rugged Rant van Tweedepoort hills and Dwarsberg Mountains.

As it’s a malaria-free reserve, around 4.5 hours’ drive from Pretoria or Johannesburg, it is a very accessible destination for a first safari or a family trip, but it also offers excellent game viewing for returning safari-goers.

Safaris at Madikwe Game Reserve

This stunning and tranquil private safari reserve stretches north from the small town of Groot-Marico up to the Botswana border. Madikwe’s 680 square kilometres encompasses open grasslands, bushveld plains, rocky outcrops and winding waterways, so you can spot wildlife with an incredible backdrop.

What is the safari experience like at Madikwe Game Reserve?

The safari experience at Madikwe Private Game Reserve feels adventurous but luxurious. Although you are permitted to self drive to your lodge within the reserve, game drives are led by experienced rangers who will ensure you get the best possible sightings and they’ll teach you about the incredible landscapes and the animals that inhabit it. There are no day visitors allowed in the reserve, and it is relatively off-the-beaten track, so safaris feel exclusive and immersive.

Madikwe Game Reserve sits on the basin of the Marico River, with the waterholes offering a fantastic place to spot wildlife, especially in the dry season.

As well as game drives, many lodges offer guided bush walks so you can enjoy extraordinary sightings and take in the reserve’s stunning scenery. You can also enjoy bespoke safaris at many of Madikwe’s lodges, with experiences tailored towards photography, birdwatching or younger families, for example.

What wildlife can you see at Madikwe Game Reserve?

Madikwe Private Game Reserve is known for its rich biodiversity. All of the ‘Big 5’ safari animals can be found within the reserve: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. There is also a thriving population of 86 mammals and 350 bird species.

How do you get to Madikwe Game Reserve?

There are several ways to get to the Madikwe Reserve. It is one of the closest safari reserves to Johannesburg, or it is also close to Botswana’s capital, Gaborone.

You can opt to self drive to the reserve, which takes around four hours from Johannesburg Airport. The roads are relatively easy to drive, so you don’t need a 4×4, but when you arrive at the reserve the roads become gravel. Alternatively, opt for a private road transfer.

Flights directly into the reserve are also available, taking about an hour from Johannesburg in a 12 seater plane.

Is Madikwe Game Reserve malaria-free?

Yes, Madikwe Game Reserve is malaria-free.