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These reserves are perfect for multi-generational safaris and first-time safari-goers, offering exceptional game viewing and luxury lodges close to the hub of Johannesburg. Madikwe and Pilanesberg are ideal locations for a South African safari, as both are Big Five safari destinations. While Madikwe is well-known for its wild dog packs, Pilanesberg is known for its populations of both black and white rhinos.
Must-Visit Areas in Madikwe and Pilanesberg
Imagine getting close-up views of animals in their natural habitats; with your camera at the ready, you capture breathtaking images:
Madikwe Game Reserve: Known for Wild Dogs
Madikwe is one of the best places for cheetah and African wild dog sightings. The reserve houses two wild dog packs, so you have a good chance of seeing these endangered animals.
Also a Big Five destination, lions, white rhinos, and elephants are common to see, while leopards and buffaloes are a bit rarer.
With over 350 bird species, including migratory birds from November to April, Madikwe is also a fantastic spot for birding safaris. Sightings here include the crimson-breasted shrike, eastern chanting goshawk, and southern pied babbler.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve: Photographic Safari Destination
Set within a crater of a volcano that erupted millions of years ago, Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a unique destination for safari-goers.
The wildlife is plentiful with possible sightings of the Big Five, including both black and white rhinos, as well as leopards, wild dogs, various rare antelopes, and more than 354 bird species.
Photographic hides dot the reserve, making it a fantastic destination for photographic safaris, including one by the Mankwe Dam for birdwatchers to spot fish eagles, kingfishers, and cormorants.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Madikwe and Pilanesberg?
For the best game viewing, plan your safari holiday between May and September to take advantage of the dry season.
This brings excellent game viewing opportunities, as the lack of rain makes wildlife congregate around the few remaining waterholes.
The wet season, from October to April, brings more rain as well as migratory bird species, so it’s an ideal time for birdwatching. This time of year also sees new baby animals in the reserves.
Wildlife Found in Madikwe and Pilanesberg
As both are Big Five safari destinations, you’ll have the chance to see lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and rhinos. Madikwe is also a hotspot for wild dogs, and Pilanesberg stands out for rhinos. Other species to keep an eye out for include giraffes, hippos, cheetahs, and hyenas, as well as diverse bird species.
How to Get to Madikwe and Pilanesberg
From OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, the lodge transfer drive to Madikwe takes around four hours. Alternatively, you can take a one-hour shuttle flight from the airport to the reserve. The lodge transfer drive from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg takes approximately three and a half hours.
