Madikwe Game Reserve

The Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa's largest game reserves and best-kept secrets. The reserve consists of vast plains of open grasslands and woodlands, bordered by rugged mountain ranges and rocky hills. It's a great place for a South Africa safari and only an hour and a half from the funfest at Sun City or three hours from Johannesburg.

Accommodation is no problem; there are a number of fine lodges but Royal Madikwe and Madikwe Hills are particularly good.

Madikwe is a relatively dry area and is thankfully malaria-free. When rain falls it is during the summer months - mainly between November and March. The summers in this area are very hot during the day with mild evenings, whereas the winters are dry and mild with cold nights.

For all these reasons it's understandably a particular favourite with families: there are some great Madikwe family holidays that'll inspire and entertain the whole family.

Proclaimed in August 1991, the establishment of Madikwe Game Reserve was a joint project between the local communities, the private sector, North West Province Parks Board and the Tourism Board to set aside this large piece of land as a conservation area. The aim of Madikwe Game Reserve is to return the area and its wildlife population to the way it would have been naturally.

The re-stocking of Madikwe with animals indigenous to the area began in mid-1991 with a project code-named Operation Phoenix. Since then, more than 8,000 animals of 28 species have been introduced in the largest game translocation exercise in the world at that time.

Species introduced to date include the 'Big Five' plus cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena, giraffe, hippo, zebra and many species of antelope and other herbivores. There are also more than 300 recorded bird species in the Madikwe area.

One of Madikwe's finest lodges, this family friendly lodge is the ultimate in Madikwe luxury. Expect huge suites with private pools and stunning scenery.

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