Search hotels in Madikwe Game Reserve

Difficult and bumpy road to get there when you cannot locate the proper route to Madikwe River lodge but the magic unravels as soon as you get close : the animals, the vegetation and one lonely but warm lady at the post who welcomes you to adventure! Blissfully peaceful, Matildah gazing at you while the other impalas peer from the bushes, one cheeky monkey sitting on the roof while the invisible chirping and singing lull you to quietude, right next to the river. The lady at the reception readily informed the Chef about my meal preferences and I was served fish, veggies and rice for dinner. The morning safari was conducted by a guide who read the tracks in Nature and drove us to a cheetah, a napping lion, a rising rhino, munching wildebeests and 3 black rhinos not happy at visitors for disturbing their early morn routine ;), and another napping lion! We looked fondly at the baby elephant and had to be careful when a big male elephant "in mas" came our way. It was one beautiful experience.

This reserve only allows visitors that stay in one of the lodges so their are no day tours. The guides all work together so they give eachother locations of animals they’ve spotted but than they go in turns to the animal so they don’t get overwhelmed by a traffic jam of tourists.

Everything about Madikwe was excellent from the food, to the wonderful staff and the amazing Game rides where we saw everything possible from zebras, to elephants, to cheetah and lions and smaller creatures in abundance. The Ranger and Tracker were very knowledgeable and made our drives very interesting-we learned so much, It was truly a very special experience

Madikwe is reclaimed farmland, so there are not the very large herds you may see in Kruger. Some of them are sizable - for example, they have a herd of African buffalo of nearly 500 head. One of the main draws is that it is Malaria free. The reserve is a good 5-hour drive from Johannesburg, at least. So it is a long way, and the roads in South Africa are not always safe, so consider this - it is worthwhile checking about a flight. The landscapes in the reserve are varied and very beautiful, there are incredible sightings to be had and there is a good variety of animals and birds too.

The two game drives via Tau Game Lodge were exceptional. Israel, the ranger, was very knowledgeable and friendly and was able to track down 4 out 5 of the "big 5" game. It was surreal being so close to some of the animals. Photo ops are aplenty. I have nothing bad to say about Madikwe.