Tucked into backcountry on the border with Botswana less than an hour northwest of Johannesburg by charter flight, Madikwe Game Reserve isn’t South Africa’s best-known protected space. But this hidden gem of a game reserve is often cited as being one of the finest conservation centers on the continent, while offering the big game and Big Five safaris visitors to South Africa would expect.
Located within a malaria-free region of South Africa, its diversity of landscapes makes visiting Madikwe Game Reserve ideal for both first-time safari goers and those looking to broaden their scope from better-known reserves such as Kruger National Park.
Exclusively for the use of those staying at one of Madikwe’s lodges (since no day visitors are permitted), visitors experience a much more personal safari, without the need to jostle for position to catch a view of the latest lion kill or newborn elephant calf.
The reserve’s range of animals extends to 66 large mammal species and no less than 300 bird species. In addition to the Big Five, those on safari in Madikwe Game Reserve are also able to encounter highly endangered Cape wild dogs after they were introduced to the reserve following its foundation in 1991.
Over 30 years on, Madikwe also provides habitat for spotted hyenas, cheetahs, leopard, pangolin, and almost all of South Africa’s antelope species. Now’s your chance to discover Madikwe before everyone else does!
South Africa Travel Guide
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Top South Africa Travel Destinations
Cape Town / Johannesburg / Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park / Kruger National Park / KwaZulu-Natal / Sabi Sand Game Reserve / The Garden Route
The Big Five
African Elephant / Cape Buffalo / Leopard / Lion / Rhino
