Madikwe Accommodation / Madikwe Safari Lodge Madikwe Accommodation / Game Lodge Accommodation in Madikwe

Madikwe Game Reserve, in the North West province, is one of South Africa's largest Big Five game reserves and features a variety of lodges and camps, ranging from comfortable to luxurious.

Set in a malaria-free area in the historic North West province, near the border with Botswana, the 76 000 hectare (187 800 acre) Madikwe Game Reserve supports a diverse combination of bushveld and the semi-arid Kalahari. Madikwe is famed for Operation Phoenix, the world’s largest game translocation exercise. Established almost 20 years ago, the reserve successfully reintroduced more than 8 000 animals of 28 species, including lion, elephant and buffalo, as well as black and white rhino. This area is now home to the famous Big Five, as well as the endangered African wild dog and 350 bird species.

Accommodation

The rich red timbres of the African earth are reflected in the warm tones of Madikwe Safari Lodge. Cradled between rolling hills, overlooking game-filled plains intersected by the Marico River and framed by the Dwarsberg Hills, just 20 suites are clustered in three intimate camps.

Each suite, strikingly organic in design, features a comfortable sitting area, romantic circular fireplace in the bedroom, and spacious dressing area with personal bar. The beautiful ensuite bathroom boasts a large bathtub, and indoor and outdoor showers. French doors open onto a wooden deck leading to an inviting private plunge pool.

Guest areas feature a series of intimate sitting areas and shaded outdoor seating on the expansive covered decks. There are fireplaces both inside and out for fun dining. A covered outdoor living room offers beanbags and cushions for casual bonhomie. The boma is the setting for evocative dinners around a blazing fire. Living areas are designed to be cool in summer and warm in winter.

History

Apart from wildlife, the region also boasts a rich history, ranging from Stone Age relics to the passage of Mzilikazi and a range of European explorers and missionaries. Madikwe is well known for the Mafikeng Road (the main road running through the Reserve), the artery that once linked the trading route from Cape Town to Bulawayo in the early 1800s. The likes of William Cornwallis Harris, David Livingstone and Cecil John Rhodes travelled through here, battling and forming everlasting friendships with the local people, the Tswana-Sotho. The renowned South African author Herman Charles Bosman also spent several months living in what is the present reserve and many of his books celebrate the unique characters and atmosphere of the region.

An easy 4 hour drive from Johannesburg, Madikwe is great for families and those seeking an accessible, malaria-free wilderness experience.

Game drives showcasing Africa's most impressive wildlife, led by expert rangers in 4x4 safari vehicles, as well as excellent bird watching with over 350 recorded species. Or simply choose to relax and enjoy this beautiful, historically rich area.

ACCREDITATIONS (as claimed by the establishment)