This 4-day South African Safari Tour in 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.
Our South African Safari Tour will take you to the pristine wilderness of Madikwe Game Reserve, where luxury meets untamed nature. This malaria-free sanctuary spans 75,000 hectares of diverse terrain, from acacia savannas to the dramatic Dwarsberg Mountains, creating a haven for Africa's most iconic wildlife species. The reserve's unique location in South Africa's North West Province, just 3.5 hours by road or 45 minutes by air from Johannesburg, makes it an accessible yet exclusive safari destination.
Your South African Safari Tour experience is enhanced by stays at the prestigious Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge, where contemporary luxury blends seamlessly with the natural environment. The reserve's commitment to conservation, particularly its successful wild dog breeding program and rhino protection initiatives, offers guests unique opportunities to witness and participate in meaningful wildlife conservation efforts.
This carefully crafted journey combines twice-daily game drives, expert guiding, and exclusive wildlife encounters with the comfort of five-star accommodations. Whether you're photographing a pride of lions at the iconic Madikwe Dam or tracking endangered rhinos with conservation experts, each moment of your South African Safari Tour promises authentic African wilderness experiences.
Exclusive game drives in a private conservancy
Luxury accommodation at Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
Opportunities to spot the Big Five and endangered African Wild Dogs
Sunset game drives with sundowners at Madikwe Dam
Optional Rhino Conservation Experience
Professional wildlife photography opportunities
Gourmet dining under African skies
Bird watching with over 350 recorded species
Your South African Safari Tour begins with a Federal Air Shuttle flight from OR Tambo International Airport to Madikwe Airstrip, a scenic 45-minute journey over the bushveld. Upon landing at Madikwe, your South African Safari Tour adventure takes flight as you're transferred to the luxurious Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge, just 20 minutes away. As you settle into your luxury suite, the essence of your South African Safari Tour comes alive during an evening game drive through the reserve's western sector, where the rare African wild dogs are frequently spotted near the Molatedi Gate area.
Your South African Safari Tour continues with an early morning game drive through the reserve's central region, where the iconic Tshwene Tshwene Hills create a dramatic backdrop. Throughout your South African Safari Tour Day, expert guides navigate the diverse landscapes, from the dense riverine areas near the Groot Marico River to the open plains of the eastern sector. The afternoon South African Safari Tour experience culminates at Madikwe Dam, where you'll witness the spectacular congregation of wildlife during golden hour, followed by a memorable sundowner experience.
Dawn breaks over your South African Safari Tour with a specialized game drive focusing on the reserve's northern section, known locally as Wonderboom Plains. Your South African Safari Tour guide leads you through the morning hours, tracking predators and witnessing the bush come alive. The afternoon South African Safari Tour activity offers the unique opportunity to join the reserve's Rhino Conservation Experience, where you can participate in vital conservation work while exploring the southern sectors near the Derdepoort Gate.
The final morning of your South African Safari Tour begins with a sunrise game drive, offering last glimpses of Madikwe's wildlife. Your South African Safari Tour experience draws to a close as you enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing Madikwe Hills. The South African Safari Tour concludes with your Federal Air Shuttle flight back to OR Tambo International Airport, departing Madikwe Airstrip at 11:30 AM and arriving in Johannesburg at 12:15 PM.