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 spotted. Leopards are more elusive and rare in this area.Why Go:
- Off-road game drives permitted
- Free from malaria
- Wide array of good quality lodges to choose from
- Accommodations available with self-catering
- Amazing game viewing experience, which includes the Big Five
- Cheaper than Sabi Sands and offers pretty much the same unique experience.
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
In the region where Madikwe is located, a shift from the Kalahari thornveld and bushveld occurs. Rocky outcrops are abundant and towards the south lies the view of the Dwarsberg Mountains.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time for visiting Madikwe Game Reserve is during the winter season from May to September, the experience is even better during the pleasant early and late winter months.It can get quite cold so it is recommended that you pack some warm clothes for evening and early morning game drives. This is also the time when Madikwe is less busy compared to the rest of the year.
More About the Best Time to VisitWeather & Climate
During the summers, Madikwe tends to get hot and rain is common. Summers are also Madikwe’s wet season with frequent spectacular thundershowers to cool down the air, lasting from October to April.Precipitation and Temperatures both climb in the earlier months, the highest of which are recorded in January with frequent afternoon rains when the temperature on average gets to 32°C/90°F.The temperature starts to go down in March into a drier, usually clear winter season (May to September)
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
CommonGiraffe
CommonHippo
CommonBuffalo
CommonZebra
CommonWildebeest
CommonWhite Rhino
CommonBlack Rhino
OccasionalLion
CommonLeopard
OccasionalCheetah
OccasionalHyena
OccasionalWild 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
September to October
Mild weather and little rain
May to August
Chilly mornings and nights
December to February
Hot and afternoon rain
May to September
- Dry Season – Winter- It is the ideal season for game viewing
October to April
- Wet Season – Summer- Clear weather and it rarely ever rains
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.