Game ReserveFeatured DestinationBig Five
Madikwe Game Reserve
South Africa 750 km² (290 mi²) Est. 1991
About Madikwe Game Reserve
One of South Africa's largest game reserves and a remarkable conservation success story, Madikwe was created in 1991 through Operation Phoenix, one of the biggest wildlife translocation programmes ever undertaken. Located on the Botswana border in the North West Province, it is entirely malaria-free.
Madikwe offers a genuine Big Five experience with excellent wild dog sightings and a strong community conservation model. The reserve is exclusively accessed through its luxury lodges, ensuring an uncrowded, premium safari experience.
0
Safari Tours
3.8
Avg Rating
5/5
Big Five
35
Years Protected
Highlights
- Completely malaria-free Big Five destination
- Excellent wild dog sighting success rate
- Uncrowded with limited lodge numbers
- Strong community conservation partnership
- Good variety of lodge price points
Considerations
- Long drive from Johannesburg (4-5 hours)
- No self-drive allowed within the reserve
- Landscape can feel flat and dry in winter
- Limited activities outside game drives and walks
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
common
🐆
Leopard
occasional
🐘
Elephant
common
🦬
Buffalo
common
🦏
Rhino
rare
Notable Species
Lion
Common
Leopard
Occasional
Elephant
Common
Cape Buffalo
Common
Black Rhino
Rare
White Rhino
Common
Cheetah
Occasional
Giraffe
Common
Zebra
Common
Kudu
Common
Impala
Common
Warthog
Common
Wild Dog
Common
Hyena
Common
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Drive 4-5 hours from Johannesburg via the N4 to Zeerust, or fly to Madikwe Airstrip by charter. Some lodges arrange road transfers.
Nearest Airport
Madikwe Airstrip
Nearest City
Gaborone
Drive Time
4.5 hours