Exclusivity Meets Wildlife Wonder in Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe is renowned for being a great South African conservation success story. From a hodge-podge of farms and even an old Catholic mission station has arisen a strong Big 5 destination with a special emphasis on thriving packs of wild dog. Since the 1990s, buildings and fences have been removed, and depleted fields slowly replenished. Then came the slow and careful reintroduction of game and the erection of a collection of high-end lodges, each with their own special character.
Unlike Greater Kruger, which lies to the wetter east of South Africa, Madikwe almost borders Botswana and is more arid with more open terrain around the Marico River. Because it is private and no self-driving is allowed, sightings are carefully managed so as not to stress the wildlife, especially big cats. Madikwe is about a four-hour drive from Johannesburg while two airstrips can handle light-aircraft flights.
Winter in Madikwe means sunny days and crisp nights with no rainfall. Wildlife cluster around water sources and, as the dry season wears on, ambushes at waterholes become more frequent: grazers don’t want to venture far from drinking points but lions, hyenas and leopards then know exactly where to find them, increasing your chance of seeing a kill!
By about October, clouds swell on the horizon and the unmistakable scent of rain can be detected in the air. Downpours are generally dramatic but short-lived. Occasional thunder showers make for incredible photos and the emerald green landscape allows well-fed game to really stand out. Summer is all about babies, birds, blossoms, butterflies and bugs as nature resurges after a challenging winter.
Want more detailed information or advice about visiting Madikwe?
Start Planning NowHere are our favourite Madikwe Game Reserve safaris to inspire you. All of our itineraries can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.
Here are our favourite Madikwe Lodges & Camps to inspire you. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Camps and lodges that surpass the bar when it comes to unusual activities, extra-special amenities and stand-out design.
PREMIUM
The ultra-luxurious Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge hosts up to 24 guests in private and spacious thatched suites
PREMIUM
Three individual homesteads, each accompanied by a private butler, hostess, chef, game drive vehicle, tracker and guide
PREMIUM
Accommodating only 10 guests, Mateya Safari Lodge ensures the highest standard of personal care and attention to detail
PREMIUM
Situated deep within Madikwe Game Reserve is Molori Safari, a secluded luxury lodge offering absolute privacy
PREMIUM
The elegant Madikwe Safari Lodge consists of three separate, private lodges with a total of 20 luxurious suites
PREMIUM
The owner-managed-and-run Jamala Madikwe offers one of the finest Madikwe experiences offering an ultra-luxury stay in the bushveld
PREMIUM
Etali Safari Lodge goes beyond expectations with five-star luxury and caters for all religious and health-based dietary requirements
Exemplary accommodation that offers welcome touches that are a step up and provide an extra level of indulgence.
LUXURY
Stunning glass-fronted suites overlooking the Marico river
LUXURY
Last Word Bush House provides a blend of history, luxury, and authentic African safari in Madikwe
LUXURY
From romantic safaris for two to getaways for the whole family, Jaci’s Lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve have it all
LUXURY
This luxurious lodge can accommodate up to 60 people and overlooks a large waterhole where animals great and small pass by
LUXURY
Rock Fig Lodge strives to provide guests with an outstanding African safari experience in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere
LUXURY
Experience the pinnacle of luxury and unparalleled service while embracing the surrounding wilderness at Rhulani Lodge
LUXURY
Tuningi Safari Lodge merges superior accommodation with an excellent Big 5 safari experience
LUXURY
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is the first community-owned lodge of its kind and is an ongoing success story
LUXURY
Set within the canopy of a riverine forest, this community- based lodge blends perfectly into the surroundings
LUXURY
Offering each of their guests a personal, intimate bush experience, Motswiri is five-star graded and one of a kind
LUXURY
At the source of a natural spring and set against a rocky ridge, lies the 5- star Impodimo Game Lodge
Very congenial surroundings with everything you need for an enjoyable safari grounded in tried-and-tested camps and lodges.
Want more detailed information or advice about visiting Madikwe?
Start Planning Now
We Sell What We Love: We are genuinely passionate about African travel and safaris. Every itinerary we design is shaped by first-hand knowledge, personal experience and a deep respect for the destinations we represent. It is company policy that our consultants experience the destinations and lodges they sell, giving them practical insight into the areas, logistics and overall journey.
Your Financial Security Comes First: We mitigate financial risk by being accredited members of ASATA, SATSA and ATTA, ensuring your funds are handled responsibly and in line with industry best practice. You book with confidence, knowing your investment is protected. For more detail, please visit our Why Book With Us page.
Transparent, Independent Reviews: Our reputation is verified through open, independent reviews on Trustpilot, Google and TripAdvisor — real feedback from real travellers, with nothing hidden. Please visit our Reviews page for more information.
Tailor-Made – Not Template – Trips: No two travellers are the same. Every journey we create is fully personalised and customised, designed around your interests, pace and expectations. This may take longer to organise but it means our clients get an unforgettable experience.
Established, Stable & Experienced: Founded in 2014, we are proud that we still have our first consultants working with us today. This continuity reflects the strength of our team culture, depth of experience and the long-term relationships we build with our staff, clients and safari partners.
Responsible Travel & Carbon Offsetting: We believe in protecting Africa’s wild places for generations to come. As part of our commitment to responsible travel, we offset our travellers’ carbon footprint through bed-night calculations, and fully offset all kilometres driven by our vehicles through verified carbon credits. Every journey therefore contributes to conservation, climate responsibility and the long-term sustainability of the destinations we love. Visit our Sustainable Travel page for more information.
