Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa

Imagine travelling across the African plains, all of your senses engaged in the open safari vehicle. Suddenly, your guide points to a rocky outcrop – there, absorbing the rays of the sun, lies a leopard. You’ve officially seen all of the Big Five and it’s only been a day. Madikwe Game Reserve is a premier Big Five safari destination in South Africa, perfect for first-time safari-goers looking for luxury in the wild.

Must-Visit Areas in Madikwe Game Reserve

The Dwarsberg mountains serve as the backdrop for the Kalahari thornveld and bushveld that make up Madikwe Game Reserve. The reserve’s water sources are must-visit attractions during safaris:

Marico River: A Hub of Wildlife Activity

Running along the park’s eastern boundary, this river provides a permanent water source for the animals of the area. The lush banks and cascading waters of this region are in contrast with the dry bushland – a welcome reprieve. This is a perfect place to spot a range of wildlife and bird species, from elephants and hippos to the Marico flycatcher. As a malaria-free safari destination, Madikwe is a perfect family-friendly holiday spot.

Tlou and Tshukudu Dams: Sunset Spot

The Tlou and Tshukudu Dams are pumped with fresh borehole water throughout the year, creating a permanent water source for wildlife. Visit as the sun goes down for an intimate look into the lives of the wild animal residants. Watch hyena packs make an appearance as well as graceful giraffes. You can also spot migratory bird species, such as carmine bee-eaters, here.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Madikwe Game Reserve?

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 newborn animals in the reserve.

Wildlife Found in Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe is one of the best places for cheetah and African wild dog sightings. The reserve houses three 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.

How to Get to Madikwe Game Reserve

Close to the hub of Johannesburg, Madikwe is easily accessible from OR Tambo International Airport, with the transfer taking about four to five hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle flight from the airport to one of the reserve’s two airstrips.