4 Days Madikwe Game Reserve Southern Africa Safari
Our 4 Days Madikwe Game Reserve Southern Africa Safari will take you to South Africa's Madikwe Game Reserve is ideal for those looking for an add-on safari adventure as part of a longer South Africa holiday. Or those who call southern Africa home and are looking for a short luxury getaway featuring amazing game viewing. Madikwe Game Reserve is a conservation area in South Africa’s North West Province, bordering Botswana. It's home to elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos, plus endangered African wild dogs.
Your Southern Africa Safari journey takes you to the remote northwestern corner of South Africa, where the Kalahari Desert meets the Lowveld, creating diverse habitats that support an impressive variety of species, including the famous "Super Seven." During this immersive Southern Africa Safari, experienced guides will lead you through the rugged landscape of Tshwene Tshwene Hills and open savannah to track the reserve's renowned wild dog population and other iconic African wildlife.
The highlight of this Southern Africa Safari is undoubtedly the opportunity to witness Madikwe's successful conservation story firsthand, including the option to participate in rhino monitoring activities. From the comfort of your luxury suite at Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge to the thrill of twice-daily game drives, every aspect of this journey showcases the natural wonders of Southern Africa while supporting crucial conservation efforts in this remarkable ecosystem.
Tour highlights
Twice-daily game drives with expert field guides
Opportunities to spot the "Super Seven" (Big Five plus cheetah and wild dog)
Sundowner drinks at the scenic Madikwe Dam
Optional Rhino Conservation Experience (additional fee)
Excellent photographic opportunities in diverse landscapes
Malaria-free wildlife viewing is ideal for families
Gourmet dining experiences with African flair
Bird watching with over 350 recorded species
Convenient Federal Air shuttle flights from Johannesburg
Price Includes:
- Park fees and conservation levies
- All scheduled activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during game drives and at the lodge
- Full board accommodation at Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
- Professional English-speaking field guides
- Driver allowances and park fees
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- South African Visa (where applicable)
- International and Federal Air shuttle flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional Rhino Conservation Experience
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrive in Johannesburg and Fly to Madikwe Game Reserve
Your Southern Africa Safari adventure begins with a Federal Air shuttle flight from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Madikwe Airstrip, a scenic 55-minute journey covering approximately 360 km of South Africa's northern landscape. This introductory Southern Africa Safari Day includes a warm welcome and transfer to Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge, located in the heart of the reserve in an area known locally as "Tau Dithaba" (Lion Mountains) by the native Tswana people. Your Southern Africa Safari experience continues with an afternoon check-in at your luxury suite, followed by high tea and your first game drive into Madikwe's diverse ecosystem, where you'll have initial opportunities to spot members of the reserve's famous wild dog pack before returning for a gourmet dinner under the stars.
- Day2Morning and Evening Game Drives in Madikwe
Wake before dawn on your Southern Africa Safari to the sounds of the wilderness and depart for an early morning game drive through the eastern sector of the reserve, focusing on the open plains area known as "Tlou Mmiri" (Elephant Waters), approximately 20 km from the lodge. Your Southern Africa Safari continues with expert guides tracking lions, elephants, and the elusive leopard while sharing insights about Madikwe's successful "Operation Phoenix" relocation program that brought 8,000 animals to the reserve. The afternoon Southern Africa Safari activity takes you to Madikwe Dam, where animals gather at sunset, creating perfect photographic opportunities, followed by a traditional "braai" dinner back at the lodge while nocturnal creatures begin their nightly activities.
- Day3Further Tour of Madikwe Game Reserve
Today's Southern Africa Safari explores the western wilderness areas and the dramatic Tshwene Tshwene Hills, beginning with a 3-hour morning game drive to "Molatedi" region, situated 25 km west of the lodge. This exciting Southern Africa Safari Day offers opportunities to spot black and white rhinos in protected areas as well as cheetahs hunting on the grasslands near the Botswana border. Your Southern Africa Safari adventure continues in the afternoon with an optional guided bush walk (approximately 2 hours) where you'll learn about the smaller ecosystems and track wildlife on foot, followed by sundowners at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the vast Madikwe landscape as the African sun sets on another remarkable day.
- Day4Fly to Johannesburg and Departure
The final day of your Southern Africa Safari begins with an optional sunrise game drive offering last opportunities to connect with Madikwe's wildlife, followed by a leisurely breakfast at the lodge. Your transformative Southern Africa Safari experience concludes with check-out around 11:00 AM and transfer to Madikwe Airstrip for your return Federal Air shuttle flight to Johannesburg, departing at approximately 12:30 PM. Reflecting on your incredible Southern Africa Safari adventure during the 55-minute flight, you'll arrive at OR Tambo International Airport by early afternoon, where your journey ends or continues to other destinations.