Madikwe Game Reserve Safaris

Malaria-free wilderness, thriving wildlife, and luxury safaris on South Africa’s northern frontier.

High Season

uly to October (peak safari months)

Size

Approx 750 square kilometres

Altitude

750–1,350 metres

above sea level

Madikwe Game Reserve Holidays

Big Five encounters in malaria-free bushveld

Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s hidden gems — a malaria-free haven where Big Five safaris meet unspoilt wilderness. Bordering Botswana in the North West Province, it’s celebrated for its conservation success, luxury lodges, and welcoming atmosphere for families and first-time safari-goers.

Exclusive, uncrowded, and richly rewarding, Madikwe is the perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity.

Why Visit Madikwe Game Reserve?

Madikwe is located along South Africa’s border with Botswana, just a short flight or scenic drive from Johannesburg. Despite its accessibility, it remains blissfully uncrowded, offering travellers an intimate safari experience in pristine bushveld.

The landscapes are strikingly varied — from rugged hills and open grasslands to riverine woodlands and volcanic ridges. This diversity creates a range of habitats that support more than 60 mammal species and 350 birds, making it one of the richest reserves in the region.

Originally farmland, Madikwe has become a conservation triumph. Through a pioneering rewilding project known as Operation Phoenix, thousands of animals were reintroduced, including elephant, buffalo, lion, black and white rhino, and even the elusive African wild dog. Today, it stands as a shining example of how conservation and tourism can work hand-in-hand.



Unlike larger and busier parks, Madikwe has a deliberately low visitor density. Vehicles are limited on sightings, creating calm and respectful encounters. Combined with its malaria-free status, it’s especially appealing for families and those who want the magic of safari without the risk or crowds.

Wildlife and Nature

Madikwe’s wilderness hums with life, from the calls of fish eagles at dawn to the deep, resonant roars of lions at dusk. The park’s mosaic of habitats — grassy plains, rocky outcrops, and acacia thickets — means that every game drive brings a new stage set for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

The Big Five are all present, but Madikwe is especially renowned for its thriving populations of African wild dog, one of the continent’s most endangered predators. Watching a pack on the hunt, working as a team with extraordinary speed and coordination, is one of Africa’s rarest and most thrilling experiences.

Elephants are ever-present, their herds frequenting the reserve’s waterholes, particularly during the dry season when wildlife congregates in great numbers. Rhinos, both black and white, are a conservation success here, while cheetahs scan the open plains for prey. Antelope species range from elegant kudu to the desert-adapted gemsbok, adding variety to sightings.

Birdwatchers will delight in more than 350 recorded species. Summer rains bring flocks of migrants, from dazzling bee-eaters to steppe buzzards, while vultures, martial eagles, and secretary birds are year-round highlights.

Seasonality shapes the experience: in winter (May–September), dry conditions concentrate game around scarce water sources, ensuring dramatic sightings. In summer (October–March), the bush comes alive with colour, newborn wildlife, and birding spectacles, though animals may be more dispersed.

What makes Madikwe unique is the sense of exclusivity. With no day visitors allowed and limited vehicle numbers, you’ll often feel like you have the reserve to yourself — perfect for photographers and those who want close, unhurried encounters with wildlife.

Best Time to Visit Madikwe

Madikwe is a year-round safari destination, but the experience changes beautifully with the seasons.

Dry Season (May–September): The winter months are prime time for game viewing. With little rainfall, vegetation thins out and animals gather at waterholes, making sightings more frequent and predictable. Days are sunny and mild (20–25°C), though mornings and evenings can be chilly, requiring warm layers.

Green/Wet Season (October–March): Summer rains transform the reserve into a lush paradise. The scenery turns vibrant green, rivers flow more strongly, and the birdlife is extraordinary as migratory species arrive. This is also calving season for antelope, which in turn draws predators.

Temperatures rise (25–35°C), and brief afternoon storms add drama to the skies.

Special Highlights: African wild dogs are active year-round, but sightings of pups are best from late winter into spring. Summer is superb for birding, while winter delivers intense predator action around shrinking water sources.

Photography Tips: Winter offers clear air, golden sunsets, and unobstructed wildlife photography. In summer, dramatic skies and lush backdrops create stunning wide-angle compositions. Early mornings and late afternoons always provide the best light.

Practical Insights: Road conditions are good year-round, and because Madikwe is malaria-free, it’s especially attractive for families.

Lodges limit the number of vehicles at sightings, ensuring peaceful game-viewing even during high season.

Safari Experiences in Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe is about more than just seeing wildlife — it’s about experiencing the bush in ways that feel intimate, authentic, and deeply personal. Whether it’s a thrilling predator chase or the quiet joy of watching elephants bathe, the reserve offers a safari for every kind of traveller.

• Exclusive Big Five Game Drives: Twice-daily drives with expert guides bring you close to lion prides, leopard sightings, and elephant herds. Vehicles are permitted to go off-road for special sightings, adding to the sense of immediacy and adventure.
• Tracking African Wild Dogs: Madikwe is one of the best places in southern Africa to see these endangered predators. Watching a pack hunt at dawn, with dust rising behind them as they close in on their prey, is a spectacle found in few other places.
• Walking Safaris on the Plains: Led by armed rangers, bush walks reveal the finer details of Madikwe — medicinal plants, animal tracks, bird calls, and the thrill of standing on the same ground as the Big Five.
• Family-Friendly Safaris: Many lodges offer child-friendly activities such as junior ranger programmes, bush bumbles for younger kids, and interactive conservation experiences, making Madikwe an excellent choice for families.
• Starlit Bush Dinners and Sundowners: End the day with a gin and tonic as the sun sinks over the rolling hills, followed by lantern-lit dinners under the stars. The reserve’s remoteness ensures some of the darkest skies in South Africa.
• Cultural Encounters with Local Communities: Madikwe’s lodges often support nearby villages through community projects. Guests may be able to engage with local culture, gaining insight into traditions and the reserve’s role in creating sustainable livelihoods.

Where to Stay in Madikwe

Madikwe Game Reserve offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets, all set within or just outside the park boundaries. These typically include:

• Eco-Luxury Lodges: Elegant lodges with spacious suites, plunge pools, and gourmet dining, all designed with sustainability in mind. Many overlook waterholes where elephants and buffalo gather daily.
• Tented Camps: Stylish tented retreats that bring you close to nature without compromising on comfort. Think ensuite bathrooms, wooden decks, and the thrill of hearing lions roar outside your canvas walls.
• Boutique Bush Retreats: Small, characterful lodges focused on intimacy and personal service. These are ideal for couples or travellers who want a tranquil, immersive stay.

At Awake in the Wild, we work only with lodges and camps that meet our ethical and sustainability standards. Whether you’re looking for solar-powered luxury or a simple campfire safari experience, we’ll match you to the perfect base. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we’re able to arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

A Selection of our Madikwe Safari Accommodation

We have access to a wide range of handpicked accommodation options — from rustic eco-camps and authentic bush lodges to stylish tented retreats with breathtaking views. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we can arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

Average Weather and Climate in Madikwe

Madikwe enjoys a warm, semi-arid climate with distinct seasonal variations that shape the safari experience.

Dry Winter (May–September): Days are mild and sunny, averaging 20–25°C, while nights can drop to 5–8°C. This is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around waterholes and visibility improves with sparse vegetation.

Wet Summer (October–March): Afternoon thunderstorms refresh the reserve, bringing vibrant greenery and temperatures between 25–35°C. The rains create lush backdrops, attract migratory birds, and coincide with the birth of antelope calves, making this an exciting time for predator activity.

Unique Climate Features: At higher altitudes, evenings can be cooler year-round, and occasional rain showers in summer make for dramatic skies. The park’s diverse topography ensures microclimates across different areas.



Safari Atmosphere: Winter safaris deliver concentrated game-viewing with crisp golden light, while summer offers vitality, colour, and incredible birding. Both seasons provide unique rewards, making Madikwe a true year-round destination.

Combine with Other Destinations

Madikwe combines beautifully with other South African highlights. Many travellers add a few days in Johannesburg or the Cradle of Humankind before or after their safari, making the journey a cultural as well as a wildlife experience.

It’s also close to the border with Botswana, making it a natural pairing with the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park. The contrast between Madikwe’s malaria-free bushveld and Botswana’s floodplains creates a diverse and unforgettable safari.

For a classic South African itinerary, combine Madikwe with Cape Town and the Winelands. The blend of wild safari, cosmopolitan energy, and fine dining makes for the perfect holiday.

Talk to us about creating a custom itinerary tailored to your dreams.

Travelling from the UK to Madikwe

Getting to Madikwe is simple with Awake in the Wild’s seamless planning. Direct flights connect London to Johannesburg (approx. 11 hours).

From Johannesburg, you can take a 1-hour charter flight into the reserve or enjoy a scenic 4–5 hour road transfer, passing through rural landscapes and dramatic mountain scenery along the way.

UK passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for six months beyond travel with two blank pages. As Madikwe is malaria-free, no precautions are needed, though routine travel vaccinations are recommended. Awake in the Wild will provide all the latest health and travel guidance ahead of your trip.



With all arrangements handled — flights, transfers, and lodges — your only task is to relax and prepare for one of South Africa’s most exclusive safari experiences.

Discover the Wild, Your Way: Tailor Your Madikwe Safari with Us

Madikwe is a reserve like no other: a place where wild dogs hunt across open plains, elephants gather at waterholes against fiery sunsets, and star-filled skies crown your evenings. Malaria-free and wonderfully exclusive, it’s the safari destination that combines accessibility with authenticity.



Talk to us about the experiences you’ve always dreamed of. We’ll match you with handpicked lodges, expert local guides, and authentic adventures that bring Madikwe Game Reserve to life.

Speak to one of our safari specialists today — call us or fill out our quick enquiry form, and let’s start planning your tailor-made adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions