One of Africa’s great Conservation Efforts

The Madikwe Game Reserve is yet another one of Africa’s great conservation efforts to preserve and safeguard wildlife. Compared to many other game reserves in Africa, Madikwe is special because it owes its success to the cooperative efforts of government, private sectors and more importantly, the local communities.

With the inception of Operation Phoenix in 1991, the reserve boasts the largest resettlement program in the world with more than 8000 animals roaming the vast open grass plains and woodlands. Rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, cheetah and hyena are dispersed throughout the landscape, from huge rocky hills to open plains cut through by rivulets; bordered by the green blue hues of the Dwarsberg Mountains.

Ideally situated just outside of the luxurious entertainment and holiday destination of Sun City Resort, Madikwe Game Reserve provides travellers the opportunity to combine the glamour of lavish living with the natural setting of an African wildlife safari.

Type of Experience at Madikwe

With the joint efforts of government, private sectors and local communities, you can rest assured that all profits go towards community upliftment. This offers all visitors a highly personal experience in that your contribution aids locals with development programs and poverty alleviation. Enjoy the day and night game drives with a knowledge guide as you pass lazy lions or view the startled springbok sprint in defense. In Madikwe, you are almost guaranteed sighting of Wild Dog.

The best season to visit Madikwe

The rainy season is between October and April with the highest rainfall from November to February. Daytime climate is hot and humid with an average temperature of 31°C (88°F).

The dry season is during the winter months of May to September. Days are dry and cold with evening temperatures dropping as low as 2°C (35.5°F) and maximums of 22°C (72°F).

Suggested Stay for Madikwe

The Madikwe experience is ideal as a weekend safari or self drive safari when visiting the regions surrounding Johannesburg. To fully appreciate the Madikwe Game Reserve, we suggest a minimum of 3 nights at one of their luxury lodges.

Advice from Safari Russ:

“One of the most amazing efforts to naturalize old cattle farming areas and to consolidate them into this wonderful conservation area, Madikwe has become a highly rated safari destination. Don’t underestimate how wild this place has become. We highly recommend Madikwe Game Reserve as the best malaria free big 5 experience. It is a fabulous place to see least encountered animals like wild dog and black rhino ”