Madikwe Game Reserve
Why visit Madikwe Game Reserve?
This 75,000 hectare reserve is the result of a fascinating project: economists ”“ not conservationists - chose the location because they felt it would most benefit the local community. Over a six-year period, more than 8,000 individual animals were brought in and they have thrived.
Reasons to visit Madikwe Game Reserve include:
- It is one of South Africa’s foremost Big Five malaria-free reserves, with vast plains of woodlands and grasslands providing habitats for a diverse range of animals.
- Fantastic game viewing, including the Big Five, hyena, giraffe, wild dog, cheetah, zebra and many antelope species.
- Excellent birding, with over 300 species including ostrich, secretary birds, bateleur and martial eagles, crimson-breasted shrikes, and the Kori bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird.
- It’s very close to the border with Botswana, so a great place for a stopover.
- Watch birds, wild dogs, elephants and rhino come to drink at the Madikwe Dam at sunset.
When to visit Madikwe Game Reserve?
Summers are very hot, and the temperatures are more comfortable between March and November.
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Madikwe Game Reserve accommodation
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facts and information
Time: GMT +2 hours
Flight time:
There are daily flights from Europe to Johannesburg (about 10 ½ hours direct) and Cape Town (about 11 hours). There is also a good network of domestic flights connecting all main towns.
Language: English is South Africa's main administrative language and is widely spoken. There are also 11 official tribal languages.
Visas:
Visas are not required for British passport holders.
Health:
No vaccinations are compulsory. Malaria is found in certain areas (mainly Kruger and the east coast towards Mozambique), but not throughout the country.