5 Days Southern Africa Safari to Madikwe Game Reserve
This 5 Days Southern Africa Safari to Madikwe Game Reserve offers the perfect blend of luxury and wilderness, allowing you to encounter the renowned "Super Seven" that includes the Big Five plus cheetah and wild dog, all within a malaria-free environment ideal for families and first-time safari enthusiasts.
Your Southern Africa Safari adventure unfolds in one of the continent's largest private game reserves, spanning over 75,000 hectares of diverse ecosystems from the Kalahari thornveld to riverine forests. During your five-day Southern Africa Safari journey, experienced rangers will guide you through Madikwe's varied landscapes, introducing you to the reserve's remarkable conservation success story and its rich biodiversity.
At your luxury lodge, the Southern Africa Safari experience extends beyond game drives to include gourmet dining under star-filled skies, spa treatments with bushveld views, and evenings around the boma fire listening to the sounds of the African night. This carefully crafted itinerary balances thrilling wildlife encounters with moments of tranquility, embodying the essence of an authentic Southern Africa Safari experience.
Tour highlights
Explore the 75,000-hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve
Opportunity to see the "Super Seven" including rare African wild dogs
Luxury accommodation in a private safari lodge
Expert-guided game drives in custom 4x4 vehicles
Bush sundowners with spectacular sunset views
Night drives to spot nocturnal wildlife
Optional spa treatments with wilderness views
Traditional boma dinners under the African stars
Price Includes:
- Madikwe Game Reserve Park fees and conservation levies
- All scheduled safari activities as per itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during game drives
- Full board accommodation at a luxury safari lodge
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide and rangers
- Driver allowances and park fees
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional spa treatments)
Price Excludes:
- South African Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities and spa treatments
- Laundry services
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Pick up from Johannesburg and drive to Safari Lodge
Your Southern Africa Safari begins with a private transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Madikwe Game Reserve, a scenic 4-hour drive covering approximately 360km through the North West Province. The Southern Africa Safari experience continues as you arrive at your luxury lodge nestled in the heart of Madikwe, known locally as "Kgaswane" in the Tswana language. Your afternoon Southern Africa Safari includes your first game drive into the wilderness, followed by a delightful sundowner stop at one of Madikwe's signature viewpoints overlooking the vast Marico thornveld.
- Day2Full-day safari in Madikwe Game Reserve
Begin your Southern Africa Safari Day with a dawn game drive departing at 5:30 AM to witness the reserve coming alive with predator activity. This immersive Southern Africa Safari morning includes tracking the famous Madikwe lion pride and potentially the reserve's renowned wild dog packs across the central plains. Your evening Southern Africa Safari drive explores the Tweedeput waterhole area, approximately 30 minutes from the lodge, where elephants and buffalos gather as the African sun sets dramatically over the Dwarsberg mountains.
- Day3Full day at Madikwe Game Reserve
Your Southern Africa Safari adventure continues with an early morning nature walk led by an armed ranger, offering a unique perspective of the smaller wonders of the ecosystem. The Southern Africa Safari experience deepens with a midday visit to the Madikwe Ecology Project, located in the central region of the reserve just 45 minutes from your lodge. The afternoon Southern Africa Safari activity includes a specialized photography-focused game drive to the wildlife-rich Molatedi Dam area on the reserve's eastern boundary, where crocodiles and hippos are frequently spotted.
- Day4Full-day Madikwe Game Reserve Safari
Today's Southern Africa Safari focuses on tracking the elusive black and white rhinos that roam the reserve's western sector, a one-hour drive from the main lodge. Your dedicated Southern Africa Safari guide will share insights about Madikwe's groundbreaking rhino conservation efforts while navigating the diverse habitat zones. The evening Southern Africa Safari concludes with a special bush dinner under the stars at Tlou Watering Hole, featuring traditional South African cuisine and entertainment by local Tswana performers.
- Day5Transfer from the Safari Lodge to Johannesburg
The final morning of your Southern Africa Safari starts with a sunrise game drive focusing on areas you haven't yet explored, such as the Derdepoort region in the north. Your Southern Africa Safari memories are cemented with a farewell breakfast on the lodge's viewing deck overlooking the Marico River. The Southern Africa Safari experience concludes with your private transfer back to Johannesburg, a journey of approximately 4 hours that gives you time to reflect on the wilderness wonders you've witnessed.