Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Game Reserve is currently 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 (750 km2 including newly incorporated privately owned land). The park offers a number of luxurious lodges as well as community lodges in a malaria- free zone.
The land where Madikwe now stands was previously used as farming land. The poor soil meant that farming was mostly unsuccessful and the South African government then decided that it would best be used as a national park to help economically uplift the disadvantaged area.
About 90 kilometres north of the town of Zeerust is Madikwe Game Reserve. It is situated against the Botswana border close to the Kalahari Desert. It is roughly 3.5 hours in a car from Johannesburg/ Pretoria. Safari Lodges are mostly located around the eastern and western gate.
In 1991 the area was declared a reserve and 10 000 mammals were relocated from other National Parks. The park is home to approximately 66 large mammals and roughly 300 bird species. You will find all this flora and fauna in an area comprised of vast open plains of grasslands, woodlands, rocky outcrops and single mountains. The area is bordered in the south by the Dwarsberg Mountains.
Safari Lodge
Madikwe Dithaba Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
With only 4 suites (each with private plunge pool), this lodge is well suited to a group of friends or family members making it their own while on safari. Or for those who simply prefer the sound of nature and little else.
Each suite has a double bed, private plunge pool, air-conditioning, fireplace, ceiling fan, bathroom en-suite, outdoor shower, safe, mini bar, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer and a range of deluxe amenities.
Safari Lodge
Madikwe Kopano Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Kopano directly translated means ‘small gathering’. The lodge comprises just 4 suites (each with private plunge pool) which share a magnificent common area. Fine dining to the hoot of an owl, the roar of a lion or the crazed whoop of a hyena is the stuff that dreams are made of. Note, children of 16 and older are welcome.
Each suite has a double bed, air-conditioning, private plunge pool, fireplace, ceiling fan, bathroom en-suite, outdoor shower, safe, mini bar, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer and a range of deluxe amenities.
Safari Lodge
Madikwe Lelapa Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
This family friendly lodge has 12 suites that are spacious, comfortable and ever respectful of the natural environment beyond. Indoor and outdoor showers, private plunge pool and wood-burning fireplace are just some of the added creature comforts to enhance Mother Nature’s subtle signature.
Each suite has a double bed, air-conditioning, en-suite, safe, mini bar, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer and a range of deluxe amenities. Two rooms are family suites, and have a second bedroom with children’s bunk beds, and sleeper couch. The lodge also has an excellent children's activity program.
Safari Lodge
Makanyane Safari Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Luxurious accommodation, exceptional cuisine, welcoming service and thrilling game viewing combine to create an unforgettable luxury safari experience at the malaria free Makanyane in the Madikwe Game Reserve.
Situated on private ground within the malaria free, “Big 5” Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province, the lodge caters for just sixteen guests, ensuring personal attention and exclusivity.
Safari Lodge
Jamala Madikwe
Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Jamala Madikwe is a luxury boutique safari lodge that gently embraces the lay of the land with just five freestanding luxurious villas.
Each slice of paradise is fully air-conditioned and offers superlative luxury and intimate privacy combined with extravagant outdoor facilities which include individual rim-flow pools and salas, expansive wooden decks and private outdoor showers. The Jamala Madikwe villas exude colonial charm perfectly suited to a luxury safari experience.
Safari Villa-Exclusive use
Morukuru Farm House
Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
The five suite Farm House is an oasis, surrounded by luscious green lawns, and set within a 100-hectare fenced-in safe area which is home to general game, so kids can play and roam at will, and guests have the freedom to walk and explore.
The Farm House is bright and stylish, with bespoke items produced by local artists and craftsmen in a neutral palette. Following the owners’ brief to create spaces where families with children of all ages can completely relax, the overall sense is kick-off-shoes and curl-up-on-the-couch comfort. The five huge en-suite bedrooms – linked to the main area by a covered walkway – are all equally luxurious.