Madikwe Game Reserve is a malaria-free Big Five reserve in the North West Province, about four hours from Johannesburg, on the border with Botswana. It was created in the 1990s through an ambitious restocking programme called Operation Phoenix, which turned farmland into a wildlife sanctuary.
The reserve covers about 750 square kilometres of savannah, hills and woodland, and is known for its African wild dog, lion, elephant, rhino and cheetah. Only a limited number of lodges operate here, so it feels quiet, and night drives and bush walks are allowed. It suits families, first-time visitors and those who prefer to avoid malaria tablets.
Madikwe has the Big Five and is known for African wild dog, which are often seen at dens. Lion, elephant, buffalo, white rhino and black rhino are present, along with cheetah, brown hyena, spotted hyena, giraffe, zebra, kudu, eland and many other antelope.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Gentle plains, granite hills, thornveld and acacia woodland stretch to the Botswana border. The Dwarsberg hills rise in the south, and the sunsets across the bush are warm and golden.
Activities here
Madikwe has hot summers, with days up to 35°C and afternoon storms, and mild, dry winters, with cold nights close to freezing. The rains fall from October to March.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 19 | 90 |
| Feb | 31 | 18 | 90 |
| Mar | 30 | 16 | 80 |
| Apr | 28 | 12 | 40 |
| May | 25 | 7 | 15 |
| Jun | 23 | 4 | 5 |
| Jul | 23 | 3 | 3 |
| Aug | 26 | 6 | 5 |
| Sep | 29 | 10 | 15 |
| Oct | 31 | 14 | 40 |
| Nov | 31 | 16 | 70 |
| Dec | 32 | 18 | 80 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to September is dry and clear. Animals gather at waterholes, and the days are pleasant, with cold mornings.
November to March is hot with thunderstorms and a green landscape. The bush is thick, but babies and migrants add interest.
May to September is the best time, especially for wild dog and big cats. The reserve is open all year, and it is a good choice at any time because there is no malaria.
Best time to visit May to Sep
Madikwe is about 300 kilometres from Johannesburg, a drive of four to five hours, or a 45-minute flight to the reserve’s airstrip. It is easy to combine with Sun City or Botswana.
Reserve fees are included in our safaris. Many nationalities, including most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Please check the rules for your passport.
Madikwe is malaria-free, which makes it a popular choice for families. The sun is strong and winter mornings are cold, so bring sunscreen and warm layers.
National ParkKruger National ParkSouth Africa's great wilderness
City & TownCape TownMountain, ocean and a city full of flavour
RegionCape WinelandsVineyards beneath the mountains
City & TownJohannesburgGateway city
Private ConservancySabi Sand Game ReserveThe leopard capital of AfricaSafaris from
US$2,444 per person
Plan your time in Madikwe Game Reserve
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
Start planningCookies
Essential cookies keep this site working. With your permission we also remember the safaris and places you have viewed. You can change your mind any time from Cookie settings in the footer.
