Overview
Eight days / Seven nights duration
Big Five game viewing + cheetah and African wild dog
Malaria free area only 4.5hrs from Johannesburg
Dual ecotone for unique and spectacular landscapes
Photographic guidance throughout
Private vehicle and field guide
24 / 7 access to underground photographic hide
Optional editing tuition in between game drives
All local transport from Johannesburg included
Includes
+ O.R. Tambo airport pick up and drop off
+ One night b&b accommodation
in Johannesburg
+ Ground transfers to and from Madikwe
+ Six nights in Madikwe
+ All meals, tea and coffee in Madikwe
+ All game drives
+ 24 / 7 access to underground hide
+ All conservation levies and gate fees
+ Photographic guidance throughout
Excludes
- Any accommodation or travel outside of itinerary
- Drinks and additional meals in Johannesburg
(breakfast included)
- Drinks in Madikwe
(available as extra purchase at bar)
- Laundry
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips for local guides and lodge staff
- Travel insurance
About Madikwe
Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the fifth largest game reserve and is also one of the lesser- known parks in South Africa. This makes it a hidden- gem as it is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers the Big 5 in a 680 km2 park.
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About 90 kilometres north of the town of Zeerust is Madikwe Game Reserve. It is situated against the Botswana border close to the Kalahari Desert. It is roughly 4.5 hours in a car from Johannesburg/ Pretoria. Safari Lodges are mostly located around the eastern and western gate. The land where Madikwe now stands was previously used as farming land. The poor soil meant that farming was mostly unsuccessful and the South African government then decided that it would best be used as a national park to help economically uplift the disadvantaged area.
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In 1991 the area was declared a reserve and 10,000 mammals were relocated from other National Parks. The park is home to approximately 66 large mammals and roughly 300 bird species. You will find an abundance of flora and fauna in an area comprised of vast open plains of grasslands, woodlands, rocky outcrops and single mountains.
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Game drives are conducted throughout the year at optimum viewing times when game activity is generally at its peak i.e early mornings and late afternoon into evening. The morning safari departs around sunrise and the evening drive leaves late enough in the afternoon for guests to enjoy a sundowner in the bush and return to the lodge as it is getting dark.
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Game viewers have canopies fitted irrespective of the time of the year. The African sun is very harsh even in the cooler months and we prefer our guests not to risk the effects of skin cancer, sun burn and the like. Off roading is permitted in the reserve for big five sightings as well as wild dog and cheetah.
Itinerary
Arrive at O.R. Tambo airport, Johannesburg and get picked up and transferred to nearby boutique hotel to recover from your long travels.
Here you'll meet your photographic host alongside the rest of your group. Take the rest of the day to relax and get to know your new travel friends
Day One
Your Host
" I've been a professional wildlife photographer for over a decade, photographing the flora and fauna of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and South Africa - a country I consider as a second home.
I spent four years living in the Limpopo province of South Africa amidst the wildlife and on the doorstep of the famous Kruger National Park, teaching international guests the specifics of wildlife photography and aiding conservation initiatives.
Over the years I've seen my photography and writing published across various platform through the likes of National Geographic, BBC Wildlife Magazine, Travel Africa, Wildcard Magazine, Africa Geographic, Getaway Magazine, Nature TTL, Tracks4Africa and more locally in the Limpopo-based publications of the Klaserie Chronicle and the Hoedspruit Explorer magazines
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I love being creative and photography is a fantastic outlet for showcasing one's artistic sensibilities. However, I truly feel that with nature and wildlife - it should be more about what's in front of the camera and less about the person behind it. As much as I put my own creative stamp on my imagery, it's also important to me that my work truthfully and honestly reflects and the wildlife and scenery that was in front of me. "
Accommodation
Located within the Madikwe Game Reserve, The Bush House is a family run lodge that serves as a perfect home base for our photographic safaris in Madikwe.
The mixture of comfort and wilderness is perfection, allowing you to feel one with nature but with the luxuries and comforts of a holiday. The lodge features a lush garden, terrace and outdoor pool. The lodge’s rooms are decorated in warm and natural colours, they offer air conditioning and a patio with a view. Each room features a private entrance, coffee machine and a safe.
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The restaurant offers a variety of dishes and guests can enjoy breakfast in the garden or dinner under the stars. There is also a bar and special diet menus can be arranged upon request.
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One of the mos exciting features of our accommodation is their underground hide. There is nothing like watching wildlife up close and The Hide offers a whole new dimension in game viewing. Bordering the active watering hole, The Hide is safely accessed from either a garden path, or from the swimming pool. It’s a unique and remarkable activity that is available 24 hours a day.
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