Madikwe Game Reserve

Quick Facts

  • Country: South Africa
  • Size: ±750 km²
  • Established: 1991
  • Provinces: North West (Borders Botswana)
  • Wildlife: Big Five + "Top Ten" (including Brown Hyena and Aardwolf)
  • Malaria Zone: Malaria-Free
  • GPS Coordinates: ~24°46′S 26°12′E
  • Fence Status: Fully fenced (to maintain the transition-zone ecosystem).
  • Habitat: Transition zone between Lowveld bushveld and Kalahari thornveld; red sand and rocky hills.
  • Best Time to Visit: Year-round; May–September offers cooler temperatures and concentrated game; October–April brings dramatic skies, baby animals, and excellent birding.

Overview

Madikwe is unique because it sits in a transition zone between the Kalahari desert and the lush bushveld. It was created from reclaimed farmland in the 1990s and is now a world-class model for community-based conservation.

Location & Access

  • Main Gates: Abjaterskop, Molatedi, Wonderboom Gates
  • Air Travel:
  • Madikwe Airstrips – Daily "shuttle" flights from Johannesburg (JNB) take ~50 minutes
  • Gaborone (GBE) – Located just across the border in Botswana for regional access
  • Road Access: ~4.5 hours from Johannesburg/Pretoria on a mix of tar and gravel
  • Internal Roads: Managed gravel network; no self-drive permitted for game viewing

Habitats & Landscapes

  • Kalahari Transition: Red sand dunes and scrubland in the west.
  • Bushveld: Thicker vegetation and rocky ridges (Inselbergs) in the east.
  • Dwarsberg Mountains: A dramatic mountain range forming the southern boundary.

Wildlife Highlights

  • Wild Dogs: Madikwe is one of the best places in Africa to see "Painted Wolves."
  • The Rare Duo: Both Brown Hyena and Spotted Hyena are present.
  • Desert Specialists: Species like Gemsbok (Oryx) and Springbok that are not found in Kruger.

Best Time to Visit

Season
Months
Weather
Game Viewing
Dry / Winter
May–August
Very dry, cold nights, clear sky
Excellent. Sparse vegetation makes wildlife easy to spot at waterholes.
Wet / Summer
November–March
Very hot, dramatic storms
The "green season" brings incredible birding and many baby animals.
Summary: Winter offers the most reliable Big Five sightings, while the hot summer months bring dramatic thunderstorms and lush scenery.

Safari Styles

  • Family-Oriented: Many lodges have specialized "Kiddie Safaris" and child-friendly programs.
  • Community-Owned Lodges: Several lodges directly benefit the local Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela community.
  • Guided Only: Focus on professional-led drives to protect the environment and guest safety.

Key Takeaways

Madikwe is the gold standard for a malaria-free, family-friendly safari. It offers a unique desert-edge landscape and incredible predator sightings without the need for anti-malarial medication.