Botswana
Nxabega Camp
Sandibe Lodge
Namibia
Sossusvlei Lodge
South Africa
Kwandwe Reserve
Madikwe Lodge
Ngala Reserve
Phinda Reserve
Zimbabwe
Matetsi Lodge
AFRO VENTURES
Tailormade Safaris
&BEYOND Africa
South Africa
MADIKWE Safari Lodge
North West Province, South Africa
Set in a malaria-free area in the historic North West province, near the border with Botswana, the 76 000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve supports a diverse combination of bushveld and the semi-arid Kalahari. Madikwe is famed for Operation Phoenix, the world’s largest game translocation exercise. Established almost 20 years ago, the reserve successfully reintroduced more than 8 000 animals of 28 species, including lion, elephant and buffalo, as well as black and white rhino. This area now boasts the Super Seven, adding cheetah and the endangered African wild dog to the already famous Big Five, as well as 350 bird species.
Apart from wildlife, the region also boasts a rich history, ranging from Stone Age relics to the passage of Mzilikazi and a range of European explorers and missionaries. Madikwe is well known for the Mafikeng Road (the main road running through the Reserve), the artery that once linked the trading route from Cape Town to Bulawayo in the early 1800s. The likes of William Cornwallis Harris, David Livingstone and Cecil John Rhodes travelled through here, battling and forming everlasting friendships with the local people, the Tswana-Sotho. The renowned South African author Herman Charles Bosman also spent several months living in what is the present reserve and many of his books celebrate the unique characters and atmosphere of the region.
Madikwe Safari Lodge
With its earthy plastered walls, dry packed stone work and rough wooden beams, Madikwe Safari Lodge appears to grow out of the rust-red African setting like a gigantic termite mound. Offering a commanding view of the game-rich plains, each room overlooks the majestic panorama of the Dwarsberg Hills, as well as the Marico River, a green ribbon cutting through the landscape. Both splendid and serene, yet as warm and approachable as an African sunset, Madikwe offers an intimate bush experience with a humorous twist.
Why stay at the Madikwe Safari Lodge
- Situated in the malaria-free Madikwe Private Game Reserve
- Guests can track the Super Seven - adding cheetah and the African wild dog to the famous Big Five
- Spectacular views over the Dwarsberg Hills and the Marico River
- Romantic circular fireplaces and private plunge pools
 | Nestled on a gentle slope of the rolling hills above the flat plains of Madikwe, the conical roofs and chimneys of the Lodge blend imperceptibly into the surrounding bushveld. Seemingly part of this wild landscape, Madikwe Safari Lodge reflects the legendary but whimsical hospitality of the often tough inhabitants of this untamed corner of South Africa. Sweet as a midnight treat of hot chocolate with marshmallows, yet sharp as the tang of a traditional shot of mampoer liquor, Madikwe will enchant and entertain you. |
| With only 20 suites split into three camps, Madikwe offers a personal touch that leaves you feeling pampered. Groups gather around large fireplaces and compare wildlife encounters, whether in the snug sitting areas with their board games and books or over the full flavours of meals in the dining rooms. Colours bursting with warmth and easygoing layouts, like the casual covered living room filled with beanbags, swinging chairs and cushions scattered directly on the floor, reflect a carefree and comfortable lifestyle. |  |
 | Take sanctuary among natural textures and rich materials in spacious suites with circular fireplaces. Glass doors blur boundaries between inside and out, and your private sitting area is the perfect vantage point for an afternoon spent gazing at the bush. Watch elephant, giraffe and warthog from the depths of your deep, copper-plated bathtub, which opens out onto a private deck, or indulge in a cool splash in the strategically placed plunge pool. Take your shower indoors or out, with only the whisper of the wind and maybe a curious yellow hornbill for company. |
Exciting safari activities at Madikwe: At Madikwe, it is our passion to share our knowledge and understanding of the bush and its inhabitants with our guests. Read more...
| MADIKWE Safari Lodge South Africa |
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| Rates on request |
Rates include: Accommodation • Three meals daily • Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers • Teas and coffees • Scheduled safari activities • Refreshments on game drives • Emergency medical evacuation insurance • Laundry • VAT.
Rates exclude: Telephone calls • Safari Shop purchases • Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits, cigars • Transfers to and from the lodge • Gratuities • Government levy/bed levy • Conservancy or park entrance fees (where applicable) • Landing fees (where applicable).
Activities included at Madikwe Safari Lodge
Twice daily game drives - explore a network of tracks that leads through the reserve's various habitats on early morning and late afternoon / evening game drives accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker. The rangers and trackers have a deep knowledge of the local wildlife and their habits, and will do their best to cater for guests' specific interests. Track the endangered wild dog or the rarely seen brown hyena. Some of these secretive animals have become accustomed to game drive vehicles and provide regular sightings. Late afternoon game drives often encounter wildlife around the many dams on the reserve. The acacia savanna of Madikwe attracts bushbabies, which can often be spotted leaping from branch to branch on night drives.
Interpretive bush walks - explore the surroundings of Madikwe Safari Lodge on a leisurely bush walk accompanied by an armed ranger. Marvel at the intimate details of the bush, from the intricate design of a spider's web to the bright red plumage of a crimson-breasted shrike.
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