Madikwe Game Reserve

The malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, which borders Botswana at the top of the North West province, is one of South Africa’s hidden safari gems.

No day visitors are allowed, so those who choose to stay in one of the park’s exclusive lodges are treated to uncrowded game sightings and a stunningly diverse landscape.

The reserve is famous for its population of African Wild Dogs. It is South Africa’s most endangered carnivore, with only between 3 000 and 5 000 of these animals estimated to be left in the world. The reserve is also home to the Big Five, or Super Seven, if you count the African Wild Dog and cheetah.

Getting there is about a 3.5-hour drive from Johannesburg/Pretoria. Most visitors fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport, however, hire a car and make the 266km drive. Madikwe is a one-hour-15-minute drive from Pilanesberg International Airport, serviced by South African Airways. It is a destination that’s also easily combined with a trip to Botswana.

The reserve has a combination of tarred and gravel roads. While most of them are in good condition and suitable for normal sedans, vehicles with low ground clearance are not recommended due to unpredictable weather and seasonal changes that affect the roads.

The appeal of staying somewhere like the Madikwe Game Reserve is that you truly get to get away from it all. With only the delights of the African bushveld surrounding you, days are spent (when not on game drives), wallowing in the pool to beat the summer heat, lazing by said poolside with that bestseller you’ve wanted to read for months, afternoon naps and enjoying the usually sumptuous surroundings of your lodge.

Most lodges offer a range of experiences that allow their guests to appreciate the surroundings in different ways, from stargazing and bush walks, to open-air dining under the stars.

On-site experiences, from the game ranger to the chefs whipping up those delicious meals, mean ample opportunity to engage with the area’s locals, who are only too happy to share their love and knowledge of the area with you.

Visitors may be surprised to discover that Madikwe is the country’s fifth-largest game reserve, and it is regarded as one of the best conservation areas throughout Africa. The park is approximately 75 000 hectares in size.

With the aforementioned Super Seven and more than 250 species of birds to be spotted, wildlife lovers will be in their element.