Safari: Madikwe

Safari: Madikwe

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Experience a Wild and Luxurious African Safari

Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth largest malaria-free reserve in South Africa and is considered by many to be a hidden gem, stretching north from the small town of Groot-Marico up to the Botswana border. The reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five - lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and the elusive leopard. It is also home to a healthy population of the endangered wild dog, or the ‘painted dog’ as it is known locally.

This reserve was once farmland that has been re-populated with animals that once roamed freely in this part of the world. Conservation is synonymous with Madikwe Game Reserve and many of the lodges in the area are committed to sustainable travel for both wildlife as well as the upliftment of the local community. All working in perfect harmony with one another, the reserve offers a premier safari journey that ensures your travel matters.

Madikwe Game Reserve has a range of luxury safari lodges that are award-winning, where every whim is catered for in this wild landscape. When you are out during the day, you will be in the company of exceptional field rangers that cover a broad range of habitats on game drives or bush walks. Back at the lodge, you can take advantage of decadent spa treatments and revel in authentic cuisine and world-class wines under African stars.

Incentive Highlights

Luxurious, family-friendly safari lodges
Ideal choice for a malaria-free sustainable, conservation-focused safari experience
Effortless accessibility from Johannesburg and Pretoria

Best time to go

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What to Do

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Celebrate with Boma, Bush or Airstrip gala dinners (Madikwe)

Luxury safari lodges offer a choice of inspiring venues to host outstanding and creative gala dinner events. These celebrations may be held at the Lodge’s boma, at a boma in the bush or even on Reserve’s airstrip. Surrounded by African wilderness and overhung by a legion of stars, a gala dinner while on safari will never be forgotten.

Dine under the dazzling African night-sky (Madikwe)

Dining out under the starry African sky is a fantastic part of the safari experience. Dinners in traditional-style African boma’s are characterized by roaring fires and delicious meats, including game, cooked over the blazing coals and accompanied by the finest South Africa wines. These occasions are often enhanced by traditional song, dance and story-telling.

Encounter the Wild on morning and afternoon game drives (Madikwe)

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the finest game-viewing opportunities. While on safari your guests will be encouraged to rise at dawn and head out with their rangers, full of anticipation for what wonders they may encounter. Knowledgeable and experienced rangers and trackers ensure the safety of guests and also enhance their game and bird-watching experiences by enthusiastically sharing their wealth of expertise about the magnificent and unforgettable fauna and flora of Southern Africa.

Enjoy sumptuous breakfasts, lunches & afternoon ‘High Teas’ (Madikwe)

Day time meals, including elegant colonial era ‘high teas’ are seamlessly blended into the game-viewing schedule. Your guests can expect outstanding, freshly prepared cuisine served in picturesque settings, whether that is breakfast on a game deck overlooking a waterhole or a champagne lunch set out in the bush in a dry riverbed.

Revel in the finest Luxury Safari Lodge accommodation (Madikwe)

We offer you world-class safari lodges set in outstanding Big 5 private game reserves that also provide stylish African-inspired décor, breath-taking views; and spacious, private indoor and outdoor accommodations. With fine attention to detail and a warm smile, Southern Africa’s top safari lodges cater for your guests’ every need.

Set out on intrepid guided bush walks and game-tracking activities (Madikwe)

Many of safari lodges offer guests guided bush walks that enable them to get up close and personal with Africa’s big and small game. Under the close guidance of experienced rangers and trackers they set out on foot to immerse themselves in the detailed beauty of the wilderness. At some lodges, game-tracking activities that serve as exciting team-building experiences can be added to your program.

Take a private charter flight direct to the lodge airstrip (Madikwe)

We will arrange exclusive charter flights from South Africa’s international airports to the airstrips of a range of private game reserves in Southern Africa. Guests enjoy the adventure and the privilege of setting down in the heart of the African wilderness with all the logistics, such as allowable luggage for lightweight aircrafts, seamlessly taken care of.

Where to Stay

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Impodimo Game Lodge

This luxurious bush lodge is located in the Madikwe Game Reserve. A typical day at the lodge includes rising at dawn for an early morning game drive or walking safari with an experienced ranger. Search for the Big Five as you enjoy the indigenous trees, birds and spectacular scenery before returning to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and relaxing afternoon by the pool or game-watching above the local waterhole. As dusk approaches, head out again on a sundowner safari for an unforgettable African sunset and opportunity to see the nocturnal creatures of the bush.

Jaci’s Safari Lodge

Jaci’s Safari Lodge is an oasis of tranquillity and comfort in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Jaci’s offers spectacular safari experiences for both families who want a peaceful escape and couples looking for a romantic honeymoon. The accommodation at the lodge has a wonderful inside-outside flow, enabling guests to connect with nature and see wildlife from their balconies – or even their beds. Expansive stone baths and attention to every detail make this an incredibly relaxing, truly memorable destination.

Jaci’s Tree Lodge

Jaci’s Tree Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve is an authentic and friendly safari experience that’s ideal for honeymoons, weddings and families. This unique lodge comprises eight spacious and comfortable tree houses perched high up in the trees on the edge of the Marico River. From this peaceful and scenic bolthole, guests can experience the true sounds and smells of the bush while watching various species of birds and wildlife playing in the tree canopy. Jaci’s is renowned for personal, attentive service and delicious fire-cooked, starlit meals.

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge is set in the heart of the 75 000 hectare, malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Its prime location at the centre of the park makes for optimal game viewing, with a vast array of game passing through the area including the Big Five, the rare African Wild Dog, cheetah, giraffe and around 60 other mammal species. The spacious glass-fronted suites offer guests unbelievable views over the African bushveld. The suites are well spaced out, offering guests total privacy.

Royal Madikwe

The Royal Madikwe lodge is integrated with ancient Leadwood and Marula trees to create a beautiful luxury space for families, friends or couples who wish to experience the beauty of the African bush. Guests can relax in the Royal Clubhouse, where a stylish lounge, dining room and library lead to elevated decks with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Your stay at the Royal Madikwe will have a positive social impact as twenty percent of all profits generated by the lodge are re-invested into local community projects.

Makanyane Safari Lodge

Hidden in a lush riverine forest, this deluxe safari lodge is located on 1,800 hectares of private land within the spectacular Madikwe Game Reserve. Thoughtfully designed by a team of award-winning architects, the buildings blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings to offer an idyllic African bush experience. Accommodation is luxurious and offers unforgettable views over the Marico River. With a maximum capacity for only sixteen guests, the expert Makanyane team is able to provide every guest with personal attention – making for a truly memorable stay.

Without the professional, timeous and effortless support from Zelda and her team this historical event would have been impossible and probably sub-standard. I can highly recommend them for your next event – be it big or small.

~ Thea Eiselen, World Federation of Nuclear Medicine And Biology Congress 2010