ON SAFARI IN THE MAGNIFICENT MADIKWE OF THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE

Dining in the wild - this page is slow to download - due to high resolution photos - but it will be worth your wait!


The North West Province is reclaiming its reputation as one of the top wildlife areas in South Africa with large tracts of farmland being returned to the natural abundance of its past.

Experience the success of Operation Phoenix, the largest translocation of wildlife in the world, at Madikwe Game Reserve or combine the delights of Africa’s gaming capital, Sun City, with big game at Pilanesberg National Park.

The North West game reserves are malaria free and within easy reach of the major centers of Johannesburg and Pretoria allowing for complete peace of mind during your safari holiday.

The game reserves offer a selection of safari lodges ranging from rustic comfort to unadulterated luxury. The wide range caters for all budgets and needs providing families and couples with the ideal safari holiday.


MADIKWE GAME RESERVE - A BIG FIVE MALARIA FREE RESERVE

The history of man is rooted in the Madikwe landscape. As you open your heart to the beauty of Madikwe you will bear witness to the ancient pulse of mankind. It is here where histories and beauty are entwined and fed by tales of romance. It is here that the famous explorer, Sir David Livingstone, fell in love and married Mary Moffat.

The Parks Board decided to create the Madikwe Game Reserve, situated in a malaria free area, not only to conserve the fauna and flora, but also to provide a sanctuary to visitors from afar, as well as a more favourable environment to the local people.

The 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve is South Africa’s fourth largest game reserve, and one of the few reserves in Southern Africa which is malaria free. Located along the Botswana border and 20 km from Gaberone, the reserve is a transition region between lowveld bushveld and Kalahari thornveld. As a result the region is host to an incredible diversity of species from both regions.

Madikwe Game Reserve is home to plenty of African big game with many Elephant, both Black and White Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Giraffe and lots of different antelope, including South Africa’s rugby mascot – Springbok. Day and evening game drives and walking safaris through Madikwe, allow you to get close to these animals and provide great photo opportunities.

Geographically the region has enormous volcanic intrusions known as Inselbergs, which are prominent throughout the reserve and are a spectacular backdrop to the reserve.

Madikwe is a 3 hour 30 minute drive from Johannesburg, 1 hour 30 minutes from Sun City and 1 hour from Gaborone.

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge

The Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is situated at a prime site in the west of the Madikwe Game Reserve.

The lodge is the first community-based safari lodge developed in South Africa. It is a pure eco tourism partnership between North West Parks, the Balete Ba Lekgophung Community and operator, the Nature Workshop.

The community has a 45-year lease to operate a commercial lodge with traversing rights across the reserve.

The concept is unique in South Africa in that the communities own the developments, with substantial benefit accruing to the communities.
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Madikwe River Lodge

Madikwe River Lodge

Madikwe River Lodge offers luxurious riverside safari chalets and an airy central lodge. Thatch and wood dominate the lodge and the split-level lounge and dining area opens onto a wooden viewing deck overlooking the Marico River.

Bright and cosy colours invite you inside the lodge and similarly into the charming riverside.

For cool nights the lounge and bar has a wonderful log fire and for hot days there is a very inviting swimming pool right outside the terrace of Madikwe River Lodge.

A reed-enclosed boma for outside dining around an open fire is to be found on its own little island.
www.madikweriverlodge.com

 

Etali Safari Lodge

Etali Safari Lodge

Attentive, unobtrusive and happy to oblige, the staff at Etali Safari Lodge are dedicated to giving guests personalised service at all times.

Etali’s field guides have undergone intensive training and have an in depth knowledge of African flora, fauna, natural history and ecology. They are sensitive towards the bush and its inhabitants, ensuring that guests receive an ecologically sound and informative experience.

We also offer modern conference facilities for up to 20 delegates, seated U-Shape. With inclusions such as full projector presentations, it is the ideal environment for a corporate hideaway.
www.etalisafari.co.za

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge

 
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge

This private lodge will enchant you with a world of luxury, tranquillity and spectacular beauty.

At the edge of the Marico River and under a grove of Tamboti and Marula trees, you will find yourself enchanted by a world of intrigue.

Madikwe Hills is where the plains still teem with game and the acacia savannah symbolizes a paragon of beauty. Black rhino, giraffe and zebra roam freely among the Big 5.

Set in untamed Africa in magnificent koppies, Madikwe Hills gently ebbs to the pulse of Africa’s drumbeat – the luxurious suites are ingenuously placed amongst the boulders. The decor integrates natural elements highlighting the ambiance of Africa.

www.madikwehills.com

Madikwe Safari Lodge

 
Madikwe Safari Lodge

This luxurious lodge offers intimate accommodation with sweeping views over the game-filled plains with the Dwarsberg range as backdrop.

Madikwe Safari Lodge has plentiful fireplaces both inside and outdoors with pizza ovens for fun dining. There is also a boma for starlit dinners.

Professional and experienced guides are more than willing to take you out on morning and afternoon/ evening game drives, or you could browse the stocked libraries or cool down in the inviting plunge pools.

www.madikwesafaris.co.za

   

Makanyane Safari Lodge

 
Makanyane Safari Lodge

Hidden in lush riverside forest, the lodge offers outstanding personal service, exquisite accommodation and cuisine.

The lodge, effortlessly blending with the bush, was designed by a team of award winning architects.

Located on the edge of a ravine, the main lodge overlooks a stream-filled waterhole shaded by a dense canopy of trees. The lounge area has 2 rock fireplaces and opens out onto a wide wooden deck hanging over the ravine and waterhole below.

Upstairs is viewing deck, providing panoramic views of the sweeping plains and a breathtaking skyline.

We offer air-conditioned conference facilities for 16 people. A computer with Internet access, fax services, television and video are provided.
www.makanyane.com

   

Jaci's Lodges

 
Jaci’s Lodges

Jaci's Lodges comprise of Jaci’s Safari Lodge and Jaci's Tree Lodge.

Jaci’s Safari Lodge overlooks an established waterhole that is well used by many of the game and birds species found here.

The lodge is open plan, curved around a huge termite mound. It is decorated with flair, incorporating colour and African artifacts in a novel way. The charming bedrooms are a mixture of stone and canvas with huge tented windows and a cool thatched roof. The en-suite bathrooms contain a twosome 'rock bath' and outdoor 'safari shower'.

Luxurious accommodation, attention to detail and excellent service... Children welcome.
www.madikwe.com

   

Mateya Safari Lodge

 
Mateya Safari Lodge

Unsurpassed safari experience that offers refined luxury within the breathtaking awe of the untamed wild.

Mateya Lodge draws inspiration from ancient ruins that closely resemble those found in Zimbabwe. The ruins are witness to a journey made by the great Queen Mateya who, threatened by drought in Zimbabwe, embarked on a journey in search of Modjadji, the Rain Queen.

It is at Mateya that the unique fusion of African heritage is drawn together with finesse and style.

Guests with a thirst for unsurpassed beauty, discerning taste and cultural delights can relax and indulge in inspiration drawn the continent.

The lodge prides itself on its superb service, its dedication to the satisfaction of every guest’s refined needs, and sophisticated standards.
www.mateyasafari.com

   

Mosetlha Bush Camp

 
Mosetlha Bush Camp

Mosetlha is family owned and run, a rustic and intimate, unfenced bush camp situated at the very heart of Madikwe.

The simplicity of open fire cooking, no electricity, safari showers (with hot water!) and raised wooden cabins let you escape real life just for a while and appreciate a genuine bushveld experience.

Bush walks and game drives twice a day through the reserve in open 4x4s with professional guides give you the opportunity to enjoy the fascination of the wilderness and a true safari adventure.

www.thebushcamp.com

   

Tau Game Lodge

 
Tau Game Lodge

Tau Game Lodge, 'The place of the Lion', is set on the far northern border of South Africa, adjacent to Botswana, in the heart of Madikwe.

The lodge comprises of 30 luxurious air-conditioned chalets complete with African decor and furnishings.

The chalets overlook a waterhole and the African bushveld where the Big 5 roam free, as in ancient times.

Enjoy the spectacular sunsets from the privacy of your own deck or outdoor shower as you take a break from a thrilling game viewing trip.

Let the refreshing smell of the African bush entice you, as you treat your taste buds to the savory taste of exquisite meals served in the 'Boma' or dining room.

The lodge offers accommodation and full conference facilities for up to 60 delegates, making it a perfect venue for corporate getaways.
www.taugamelodge.co.za

Tuningi Safari Lodge

 
Tuningi Safari Lodge

The splendour of this South African safari lodge promises to overwhelm you with some of the best views.

In the heart of Madikwe, there is a place where two valleys meet. An ancient fig tree and a tranquil waterhole mark this safari lodge.

Tuningi comprises of a main lodge that includes indoor and outdoor lounges, a dining-room, bar, wine room, wrap-around viewing deck and a rim-flow pool overlooking the waterhole. Five luxury double bedrooms are available, as well as a family villa consisting of two bedrooms and an adjoining sitting-room, kitchenette and dining area attached to the villa.

Little Tuningi is a six-bedded camp, providing equitable levels of service, sophistication and decor. www.tuningi.co.za

   

Rhulani Safari Camp

 
Rhulani Safari Camp

Meaning 'relax' in the local language, Rhulani Safari Lodge is a place of adventure and tranquillity.

Rhulani is a modern day refuge, an oasis of calm! Water cascades gently into a meandering rock pool, surrounded by beautiful old Marula trees, an ideal spot for quiet relaxation. Indoors and outdoors merge effortlessly, ensuring you magnificent views of the bush.

Experience day and night game drives or experience the peace of the wilderness on a guided walk.
www.madikwegamereserve.com