Madikwe Game Reserve
A malaria-free game reserve in the northwest of South Africa on the border with Botswana, Madikwe is a close rival to the Kruger in the game viewing stakes.
Spread over 75,000 hectares, Madikwe Game Reserve is a vast area of protected land and a real conservation success story. The reserve was established in 1991 and quickly became the focus of a massive animal translocation programme called Operation Phoenix, which was launched as a measure to transform an otherwise remote and desolate area. Since then, the fortunes of Madikwe have been transformed, and it has gone from being one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets to an increasingly popular safari destination. Despite having an off-the-beaten-track feel, Madikwe is just a four-hour drive (or one-hour flight) from Johannesburg, so it is easily accessible and combined with a beach stay in Mozambique, Mauritius, or the Seychelles.
A big positive of going on safari in Madikwe is that it is malaria-free. With the Kruger often held as the benchmark for a South African safari, having to look elsewhere in order to avoid malarial areas is sometimes seen as a compromise. However, we believe that Madikwe holds its own against the Kruger, not only with excellent Big Five sightings but also for offering frequent sightings of rare wild dogs and majestic cheetahs (guides often use the term ‘Super Seven’ so as not to omit these two equally important species). With over 250 bird species recorded in the park too, you won’t be short of creatures to look out for. The landscape is one of the most scenic in South Africa, with the red Kalahari earth blending with high veld landscapes. Expect stunning rocky outcrops punctuated by small dams and rivers, giving a mosaic of habitats to explore.
Molori Safari Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Molori Safari Lodge is the ultra exclusive safari lodge located in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The lodge has five stunning suites and two breathtaking Presidential Suites offering an almost unsurpassed level of luxury in the bush.
Madikwe Safari Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa
Discover the wilds of South Africa at Madikwe Safari Lodge, where luxury and exclusivity mix for a safari journey none will forget. Whether it be family fun or an intimate honeymoon that’s out of the ordinary, you will find it here.
Impodimo Game Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa
Escape from the every day at Impodimo Game Lodge. Perched along a ridge in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve, experience the magic of the African Bush at this intimate lodge where the Big 5 roam and each suite commands epic views.
Little Madikwe Hills
Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa
Separate from Madikwe Hills main lodge is Little Madikwe which is a totally private and luxurious retreat able to sleep up to four people in its two bedroom suite, located in the Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa.
Morukuru Farm House
Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa
Despite being the youngest of the Morukuru Family, the Farm House has stood in its secluded location in the centre of Madikwe for many years. Completely remodelled, the Farm House is the new jewel in the Morukuru crown.
Morukuru Owner's House
Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa
Morukuru is a collection of exclusive-use properties in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The Owner's House is one of the villas situated along the bank of the Marico River.