Overview
Madikwe Game Reserve offers a unique Big 5 experience in a malaria free region. It is an extremely popular alternative to the (somewhat) better-known Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Located an easy 4 hour drive from Johannesburg, it is a great alternative to it's more expensive counterparts. The reserve has a remarkable track record for sustainable tourism and the upliftment of local communities while having an unwavering focus on delivering superb Safari experiences. Madikwe Game Reserve is a truly awe-inspiring destination for viewing the Big 5 (Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Leopard and Lion), while many other notable animals like the highly endangered African Wild Dog can be seen regularly.
Why Go:
- Year-round destination
- Lodges in all comfort levels
- Authentic big 5 safari experience
- Off-road driving permitted
- Malaria-free
- Low vehicle density
Wildlife
Madikwe has an amazing game viewing experience, similar to that of the reserves found close to Kruger National Park. The Big Five are easy to find, however, leopards are harder to spot. It is an excellent place to see Wild Dogs.
More About the WildlifeScenery
Madikwe Game Reserve features a diverse and spectacular landscape where dramatic mountain ranges and rocky outcrops meet vast savanna plains, creating a unique ecological transition zone between the arid Kalahari and the lush Lowveld.
Best Time to Visit
For optimal game viewing (April – August): Winter is generally considered the best time to visit. The weather is warm and sunny during the day, the rains have stopped, and the bushveld is dry and less dense. As water sources become scarce, animals congregate around them, making them easier to spot. For birding and newborns (September – March): Summer is hot and humid, but it is the best time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive. It is also the season for newborns, which attracts predators and provides excellent opportunities for dramatic sightings and photography.
More About the Best Time to VisitWeather & Climate
Madikwe Game Reserve lies in semi-arid region that is malaria-free, largely due to its high altitude and dry climate. The climate is characterized by warm to hot summers and mild, sunny winters with chilly nights.
More About the Weather and ClimateWildlife & Animals
Madikwe Game Reserves offer an excellent game viewing experience for The Big Five and the rare Wild Dog, and offer sightings of both the White and Black Rhinos, out of which the White Rhino is pretty common.-
Elephant
Common -
Giraffe
Common -
Hippo
Common -
Buffalo
Common -
Zebra
Common -
Wildebeest
Common -
White Rhino
Common -
Black Rhino
Occasional -
Lion
Common -
Leopard
Occasional -
Cheetah
Occasional -
Hyena
Occasional -
Wild Dog
Common
Wildlife highlights
Unique features of the Madikwe Game Reserve that can hardly be found in other game reserves includes the uncommon brown Hyena. Another special example here is the Gemsbok. The two highly desirable and uncommon antelope species of Eland and Sable can also be found here.Best time for wildlife viewing
The best times for game viewing at the Madikwe Game Reserve are the dry months of May to September. Animals are easier to spot because of lesser vegetation and the congregation of animals around water sources.Best Time to Visit
- Best Time to GoMay to September
(Dry season) - High SeasonOctober to April
(The park is busier)
-
May to September
Dry season
-
October to April
The park is busier, especially during school holidays
-
May to September
This is the best wildlife viewing time
-
April to May
Mild weather and little rain
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September to October
Mild weather and little rain
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May to August
Chilly mornings and nights
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December to February
Hot and afternoon rain
Weather & Climate
The times of the season are opposite to those of North America and Europe. Summers are wet with frequent rainfall, they last from October to April, while the dry season is winter lasting from May to September. Temperatures can get really high during the summers they have accompanied thunderstorms, however, it is important to note that Madikwe is less humid relative to the coastal region. Winters are clear and the weather is pleasant, however, it does get cold at night, causing warm clothes to be essential for morning and late Afternoon activities.Climate Chart
- 926-1,120m / 3,038-3,675ft© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.
Dry Season
- May to September – WinterThe dry winter season sees almost zero rainfall and it is less humid. Water sources dry up and animals congregate at permanent waterholes and rivers, this, in turn, makes them easier to spot.
- May During this month, the summer ends with highest daily temperature averaging at 24°C/75°F while the lowest it can go is 7°C/45°F
Wet Season
- October to April – SummerSummers can get very hot, but they aren’t as humid as the coast. The daily maximums are around 32°C/90°F and the rains break the heat. It rarely ever rains the entire day but afternoons can see thunderstorms. During the day it might occasionally drizzle.
- June to August These months see the weather getting colder, the afternoon is pleasant with no cloud cover and temperatures averaging 22°C/72°F, by nightfall it gets colder with temperatures falling to 4°C/40°F
Getting There
Most visitors come in at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), located in Johannesburg. There are two ways to get to Madikwe from there. One way is to rent a car and drive to the reserve, this route is about 360km/223mi long. The easiest way, however, is to take a local flight from Johannesburg, the flight is about an hour long.Airlines & Ticket Prices
To book your International and local flights, it is best to discuss options with our agents. They will be able to secure best tariffs and match it with your safari dates.
Click on Enquire Now for a free consultation.
Getting to the Madikwe Game Reserve by road
From Johannesburg:
• Head north on the N1 towards the N4 Toll road.
• Take the N4 Toll road north west towards Rustenburg, Swartruggens, Groot Marico and Zeerust.
• Once in Zeerust turn right at the second stop street into President Street. There is a signpost on the left. That says “Madikwe Game Reserve/Gaborone” and a First National Bank on the corner to the right.
• Follow the R49 towards the reserve for approximately 97km.
• The first entrance to the reserve is Abjaterskop Gate.
• The second gate to the reserve is the Wonderboom Gate exactly 7km from the first gate.
Accommodation
Your Budget
Madikwe Kopano Lodge From $1071
Madikwe Dithaba Lodge From $1190
Madikwe Lelapa Lodge From $952
Molori Safari Lodge From $1574
Morukuru Family Lodge From $3152
Mateya Safari Lodge From $1282
Etali Safari Lodge From $1100
Makanyane Safari Lodge From $916
Mosetlha Bush Camp From $311
Rhulani Safari Lodge From $782
Impodimo Game Lodge From $709
Tau Game Lodge From $443
Tuningi Safari Lodge From $815
Madikwe River Lodge From $563
Madikwe Safari Lodge From $952
Tours & Packages
6 Night Luxury Bush Duo (Tuningi & Leopard Hills)
7 DaysDestinations visit: Madikwe Game Reserve and Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Treat yourself to the ultimate 6 Night South African. Luxury Safari Duo at two of our sensational 5-star Lodges situated in the renowned Madikwe Game Reserve and Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
6 Night Luxury Bush Duo (Tuningi & Kings Camp)
7 DaysDestinations visit: Madikwe Game Reserve and Timbavati Private Nature ReserveTreat yourself to the ultimate 6 Night South African. Luxury Safari Duo at two of our sensational 5-star Lodges situated in the renowned Madikwe Game Reserve and Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
6 Night Luxury Bush Duo (Madikwe Hills & Leopard Hills)
7 DaysDestinations visit: Madikwe Game Reserve and Sabi Sands Game ReserveTreat yourself to the ultimate 6 Night South African Luxury Safari Duo at two of our sensational 5-star Lodges situated in the renowned Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and Madikwe Game Reserve,
6 Night Luxury Bush Duo (Madikwe Hills & Kings Camp)
7 DaysDestinations visit: Madikwe Game Reserve and Timbavati Private Nature ReserveTreat yourself to the ultimate 6 Night South African. Luxury Safari Duo at two of our sensational 5-star Lodges situated in the renowned Madikwe Game Reserve and Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
Treat yourself to the ultimate 8 Night South African Luxury Safari at three of our sensational 5-star Lodges situated in the renowned Madikwe Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Plus enjoy a picnic surrounded by elephants en-route to Kings Camp. Revel in the warmth of gracious hospitality, relax and soak up the tranquillity of the African bush and indulge in pampering treatments, delight in exceptional cuisine and savour spectacular sunsets. Explore the endless fascination of Africa’s wildlife in open, state-of-the-art game viewing vehicles. Whether it is a leopard on the hunt, lions roaring at twilight, hippo wallowing in the river, or a crocodile basking on a sandy beach; each viewing will enthral.
Treat yourself to the ultimate 8 Night South African Luxury Safari at three of our sensational 5-star Lodges situated in the renowned Madikwe Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Plus enjoy a picnic surrounded by elephants en-route to Kings Camp. Revel in the warmth of gracious hospitality, relax and soak up the tranquillity of the African bush and indulge in pampering treatments, delight in exceptional cuisine and savour spectacular sunsets. Explore the endless fascination of Africa’s wildlife in open, state-of-the-art game viewing vehicles. Whether it is a leopard on the hunt, lions roaring at twilight, hippo wallowing in the river, or a crocodile basking on a sandy beach; each viewing will enthral.
This is the almost “door-to-door” service that is operated by Federal Air to Madikwe Game Reserve, a journey made even more attractive by the 4 - night fly-in safari package being offered.
