Madikwe Information
The Madikwe Game Reserve, which is situated in the North West Province of South Africa, is home to 66 mammal species including the Big Five and approximately 300 resident and migrant bird species. This game rich park is one of South Africa's largest game reserves.
The reserve consists of vast plains of open woodlands and grasslands and has been enclosed in a 150km perimeter fence which has been electrified to prevent the escape of elephants and the larger predators.
Guests who are accommodated at one of the game lodges in the Madikwe Game Reserve are taken on conducted day and night game drives or bush walks. Excellent accommodation is available at various private lodges in the reserve.
Home to the Big Five
Madikwe is home to 66 mammal species including the Big Five and approximately 300 resident and migrant bird species. It is one of South Africa's largest game reserves.
Madikwe boasts the second largest number of Elephants in South Africa after Kruger Park
Madikwe has the distinction of being one of the few game reserves in the world to be proclaimed purely on the grounds of being the most appropriate and sustainable land use for an area.
Madikwe represents an extension to this philosophy in that it is run as a joint venture between the State, the private sector and local communities. The success of this approach has made Madikwe the role model for similar ventures being started up elsewhere in South Africa.
Birds of Madikwe
The summer months are generally considered the best for birding in southern Africa as this is the time when all the yearly migrants have arrived and although also true for Madikwe it must be noted that the dry winter months can be just as rewarding for birders. With more than 350 species Madikwe is a true birding destination.
When it comes to wildlife tours a South African safari should be one of the first choices when planning a holiday, with Madikwe Game Reserve providing the ideal destination for everyone.
About Madikwe
Just 3 hours' drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Madikwe Game Reserve lies north of the town of Groot Marico, tucked against the Botswana border.
Madikwe is regarded as one of the finest conservation areas in Africa and its 75 000 hectares are home not only to the Big 5 but other major species as well, such as the leopard, buffalo and white and black rhino.
Madikwe lies in a malaria-free transition zone on the edges of the Kalahari - a totally unique location - where a number of rare species of animal occur naturally, like the endangered wild dog and elephant. Madikwe is home to the 2nd largest elephant population in the country. The reserve is also home to over 300 resident and migrant bird species.
Madikwe Game Reserve, the 4th largest reserve in the country, is the land of open vehicle game drives, guided bush walks, traditional lapa dinners and exciting night drives. Madikwe is for the exclusive use of its lodges' residents and no allowance is made for day visitors.