About

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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.Vehicles are equipped with sunblock, and mosquito repellent for the body. In the rooms is a mosquito lotion that can be used on the face and there is additional sunblock at the bar.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. 

Why this photo safari is for you
 

• Malaria free area, home to the Big Five plus cheetah, wild dog and a huge array of general game and bird species.
   

• Unique ecotone, as Kalahari sands meet bushveld, offering great opportunities for landscape photography.
   

• 24 / 7 access to ground-level photographic hide overlooking popular water-hole.
   

• Two game drives per day in the morning and afternoon, with free time and tuition in between.
   

• Potential for off-road driving and partial night drives, to ensure best game viewing.
   

• Private vehicle and field guide for entire duration.
   

• Small and intimate group size for maximum comfort and space.
   

• Photographic guidance and tuition throughout from your private photographic host, Samuel Cox.