THE ICONIC BUT LITTLE-KNOWN MADIKWE GAME RESERVE IN THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE COMBINES THE BEST OF MANY WORLDS. AS ONE OF THE LARGEST GAME RESERVES IN AFRICA, IT IS VAST, YET EASY TO REACH AND PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANTLY: IT IS MALARIA-FREE. MADIKWE HAS A UNIQUE LOCATION AT THE EDGE OF THE KALAHARI WHERE IT BRUSHES THE BORDER OF BOTSWANA IN THE NORTH AND THE DWARSBERG MOUNTAINS IN THE SOUTH. THE REGION IS RICH IN HISTORY FEATURING EXPLORERS, MISSIONARIES, TRADERS AND A FAMED WARRIOR. A FIERCE PROPONENT OF COMMUNITY UPLIFTMENT INITIATIVES FURTHER DIFFERENTIATES THE RESERVE.
The rewarding mix of savannah animals will not disappoint. Thousands of mammals and hundreds of bird species were relocated to the rehabilitated lands, now a flourishing conservation area run as a joint venture between the North West Parks Board, the private sector and local communities. This seven-year project dubbed Operation Phoenix was the world’s largest game translocation exercise.
The Super Seven are residents at Madikwe. That is the Big Five plus cheetah and the endangered African wild dog. In fact, with three packs traversing the plains, it is one of the best places in South Africa to see wild dog. Birders will care to know that several of the 350-bird species are endemic to the Kalahari. Hyena, giraffe, zebra and antelope occupying bushveld and grasslands dotted with rocky outcrops complement the collection. Photographers and safari-goers are bound to enjoy close encounters during guided game drives that take passengers off road where lions may be resting in the shade of acacias. Guides from the various lodges keep in radio contact and are generous when it comes to sharing sightings in this reserve that is free of day-tripper crowds.
Secluded luxury lodges are bound to appeal to romantics while amazing family lodges have tailored experiences for younger guests.
A mere 90 minutes away is Sun City boasting championship golf courses, water parks and world-class hotels.
THE ICONIC BUT LITTLE-KNOWN MADIKWE GAME RESERVE IN THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE COMBINES THE BEST OF MANY WORLDS. AS ONE OF THE LARGEST GAME RESERVES IN AFRICA, IT IS VAST, YET EASY TO REACH AND PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANTLY: IT IS MALARIA-FREE. MADIKWE HAS A UNIQUE LOCATION AT THE EDGE OF THE KALAHARI WHERE IT BRUSHES THE BORDER OF BOTSWANA IN THE NORTH AND THE DWARSBERG MOUNTAINS IN THE SOUTH. THE REGION IS RICH IN HISTORY FEATURING EXPLORERS, MISSIONARIES, TRADERS AND A FAMED WARRIOR. A FIERCE PROPONENT OF COMMUNITY UPLIFTMENT INITIATIVES FURTHER DIFFERENTIATES THE RESERVE.
The rewarding mix of savannah animals will not disappoint. Thousands of mammals and hundreds of bird species were relocated to the rehabilitated lands, now a flourishing conservation area run as a joint venture between the North West Parks Board, the private sector and local communities. This seven-year project dubbed Operation Phoenix was the world’s largest game translocation exercise.
The Super Seven are residents at Madikwe. That is the Big Five plus cheetah and the endangered African wild dog. In fact, with three packs traversing the plains, it is one of the best places in South Africa to see wild dog. Birders will care to know that several of the 350-bird species are endemic to the Kalahari. Hyena, giraffe, zebra and antelope occupying bushveld and grasslands dotted with rocky outcrops complement the collection. Photographers and safari-goers are bound to enjoy close encounters during guided game drives that take passengers off road where lions may be resting in the shade of acacias. Guides from the various lodges keep in radio contact and are generous when it comes to sharing sightings in this reserve that is free of day-tripper crowds.
Secluded luxury lodges are bound to appeal to romantics while amazing family lodges have tailored experiences for younger guests.
A mere 90 minutes away is Sun City boasting championship golf courses, water parks and world-class hotels.
