Nature ReserveMadikwe Game Reserve
Malaria-free wildlife haven, home to the Big 5 and countless bird species
Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa and a local hidden gem. Located in the North West Province against the Botswana border, the reserve is only about 3.5 hour's drive from Johannesburg. It is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa, offering hair-raising experiences of the Big 5 in a 680 km2 park. This malaria-free park is perfect for families looking for a unique safari experience that caters to children and adults. With early morning and afternoon game drives, bush breakfasts, and an organic health spa, Madikwe Game Reserve has just the right combination of an adventure-filled safari and a wilderness retreat.
Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa and a ...
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Best time to go
FAQs
Best time to go to
The winter months of May to September is also the dry season at Madikwe. This is when the best wildlife viewing happens. During this season, vegetation thins out, meaning animals will congregate around the waterholes, providing spectacular game viewing during an afternoon safari drive. With the arrival of summer, from October to April, new life is breathed into the game reserve. Travellers can look forward to lush green landscapes, migrating bird species, and the exciting arrival of newborn young.
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Featured Stays
Discover the extraordinary
South Africa- •
Dithaba Lodge
A nature-inspired heaven secluded in Madikwe: luxury and unique landscapes
From $1,056 /person
- South Africa
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Kopano Lodge
Personal, off-the-beaten-path retreat blending exclusivity, nature's beauty, and rejuvenating authenticity. Your exclusive wilderness escape.
From $885 /person
- South Africa
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Lelapa Lodge
Family-centric retreat in Madikwe Game Reserve, blending sociability, tranquility, and genuine hospitality.
From $771 /person
- South Africa
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Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
Explore Madikwe Game Reserve and experience the African bush up-close-and-personal
- South Africa
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Molori Safari Lodge
A luxurious and malaria-free Big 5 safari lodge with unique open-air suites
From $1,330 /person
- South Africa
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Morukuru Family Madikwe
A bespoke safari experience in an exclusive-use house on Madikwe Game Reserve
From $1,028 /person
- South Africa
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Rockfig Lodge Madikwe
An Eco-friendly retreat offering intimate wildlife experiences in stunning South African surroundings
From $425 /person
- South Africa
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Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Lodge
A luxurious, malaria-free eco-lodge boasting Big 5 safari, stargazing and cultural experiences
From $1,028 /person
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What our travellers are saying
Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified Traveller
With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified Traveller
What can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified Traveller
Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified Traveller
We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified Traveller
Our South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified Traveller
I spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified Traveller
We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified Traveller
We had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified Traveller
I had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified TravellerBecause of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified TravellerWith super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified TravellerWhat can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified TravellerOur Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified TravellerWe had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified TravellerOur South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified TravellerI spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified TravellerWe booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified TravellerWe had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified TravellerI had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified Traveller