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Madikwe Game Reserve is arguably South Africa’s most rewarding malaria-free safari destination. It is home to good numbers of all the Big Five, as well as cheetah and African wild dog, and wildlife viewing is exceptional throughout the year. Despite being state-owned, Madikwe operates much like a private reserve. It is serviced by a scattering of small lodges and camps that offer guests an exclusive experience.
Best Time to Visit
The winter months from May to September are the best time for wildlife viewing in Madikwe Game Reserve. During this dry period, the vegetation thins out and animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.
May to September –Dry Season – Winter
October to April –Wet Season – Summer
Scenery
Madikwe lies in a transitional zone between the Kalahari thornveld and bushveld. Although much of the terrain is flat and featureless, the park is dotted with big rocky outcrops and is bordered in the south by the Dwarsberg Mountains. The permanent Marico River runs along the park’s eastern boundary. Tlou and Tshukudu Dams are pumped with fresh borehole water throughout the year and are great places to watch animals coming to drink at sunset.
Activities
Lodges and camps typically include two daily guided game drives in their package rates. Morning drives leave shortly before sunrise to maximize the odds of coming across lions and other carnivores on the prowl. Afternoon drives include a break for sundowner drinks and lead into night drives, which offer a chance to spot nocturnal predators such as brown hyena, aardwolf, and serval. Most lodges and camps offer optional guided bush walks, which focus on birds, insects, and other smaller creatures.
From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day
From: May to September (Dry season)
From: October to April (The park is busier, especially during school holidays)
From: 750km² / 290mi²
Madikwe Game Reserve is an excellent Big Five destination. White rhinos and elephants are commonly too abundant and very relaxed. Black rhinos and buffalo, though more timid, might be seen drinking at waterholes after dark. As for carnivores, you’re almost certain to see lions, black-backed jackals, and spotted hyenas. You also stand a fair chance of spotting cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, and brown hyenas. Also common are giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, impala, greater kudu, and warthog.
Wildlife Highlights
Madikwe’s dry-country habitat is home to three species of hyena. These are the widespread spotted hyena and more localized brown hyena, both of which are seen with some regularity, as well as the daintier insect-eating aardwolf. Dry-country antelope you might encounter includes gemsbok, springbok, red hartebeest, and eland. On night drives you might spot aardvark, African wild cat, serval, and caracal.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is reliably good throughout the year but best over the dry winter months of May to September (the Dry season). At this time animals gather around permanent water sources and the vegetation thins out, making wildlife easier to spot. Winter mornings and evenings can be cold, so do bring warm clothes.
In South Africa, summer and winter occur at opposite times to those seasons in Europe, North America, and Asia. Madikwe Game Reserve experiences summer rainfall. Therefore, summer in Madikwe corresponds with the Wet season (October to April) and winter with the Dry season (May to September). High temperatures and occasional thunderstorms are to be expected in the summertime. Winters are mild and sunny, but cool at night.
Dry Season –May to September – Winter
Winters have little to no rainfall and the humidity is low. Water becomes hard to find, so animals are forced to gather at reliable water sources. This, combined with thinning vegetation, makes wildlife easier to spot.
Wet Season –October to April – Summer
It can be quite hot in summer, but the humidity isn’t as uncomfortable as it is at the coast. Daytime temperatures average 32°C/90°F, and occasional rain breaks the heat. It seldom rains all day, but afternoon storms are quite regular.
Most visitors to South Africa fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg.
It is possible to arrange a road transfer, or rent a car and drive to Madikwe Game Reserve, which borders Botswana, about 320km/200mi from Johannesburg. The trip takes 4 to 5 hours*. Note that while it is permitted to self-drive to your lodge or camp, you will need to park your car there for the duration of your stay, as all game drives in Madikwe are guided.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
The easiest way to get to Madikwe Game Reserve is to fly from Johannesburg. The flight takes about 1 hour. In most cases, your tour operator will book domestic flights as part of your tour package. Federal Airlines offers a shuttle service to Madikwe.
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – South Africa page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.
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