Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth largest game reserve and is also one of the lesser-known parks in South Africa. This makes it a hidden-gem as it is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers the Big 5 in a 680 km2 park. The park offers a number of luxurious lodges as well as community lodges in a malaria-free zone. The national park is also a champion of social investment and responsible tourism in helping to economically uplift the communities of the area.
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Excellent Wildlife
Excellent game viewing opportunities of the Big Five, other wildlife and offers an array of birdlife for bird lovers.
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Game Drives
Open vehicle game drives are the best way to get close to these majestic animals. Experienced rangers deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments.
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Night Game Drives
At night the bush comes alive once more as the nocturnal animals emerge. Vehicles are fitted with spotlights for optimal game viewing.
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Highly Rated Lodges
Well-known and highly rated private lodges in the reserve delivers the ultimate in luxury in a safari setting.
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All-inclusive Packages
For complete convenience, most travel packages are all-inclusive and offers meals, drinks, activities and more as part of the price.
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Top 10% Worldwide
- Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge
- Etali Safari Lodge
- Impodimo Game Lodge
- Tau Game Lodge
- Jaci’s Private Lodge
- Jaci's Tree Lodge
- Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge
- Madikwe Dithaba Lodge
- Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
- Madikwe Kopano Lodge
- Madikwe Lelapa Lodge
- Madikwe River Lodge
- Madikwe Safari Lodge
- Makanyane Safari Lodge
- Mateya Safari Lodge
- Molori Safari Lodge
- Morukuru Family Lodge
- Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
- Rhulani Safari Lodge
- Rockfig Lodge Madikwe
- Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Lodge
- Thakadu River Camp
- Tuningi Safari Lodge
Activities Spotlight
Wildlife of Madikwe
Madikwe Game Reserve is an excellent destination for a Big Five experience. Both black and white rhino are present, with white rhino very common. In general, wildlife viewing might be slightly less easy than in the Greater Kruger private reserves, including Sabi Sands, but there are fewer vehicles around resulting in high-quality wildlife experiences. The dry country habitat is home to the rare and interesting brown hyena, not often seen in other parts of the country. Another dry country special is the gemsbok, while eland and sable are two further uncommon antelope species you might encounter here. For wildlife viewing, the months of June to September are the best. Animals gather around permanent water sources as the vegetation thins, making wildlife easier to spot.
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![Elephant]()
Elephant
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![Giraffe]()
Giraffe
Common -
![Hippo]()
Hippo
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![Buffalo]()
Buffalo
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![Zebra]()
Zebra
Common -
![Wildebeest]()
Wildebeest
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![White Rhino]()
White Rhino
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![Black Rhino]()
Black Rhino
Occasional -
![Lion]()
Lion
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![Leopard]()
Leopard
Occasional -
![Cheetah]()
Cheetah
Occasional -
![Hyena]()
Hyena
Occasional -
![Wild Dog]()
Wild Dog
Common












