Madikwe Game Reserve

Although Madikwe Game Reserve is much lesser-known than other national parks in South Africa – like the Kruger and the Greater Kruger area – there is a lot to be said and enjoyed about it. Located in the northwest province of South Africa and, at a size of approximately 680 km2, it is one of the country’s largest Big Five reserves.

The ownership and management of Madikwe Game Reserve is shared between private owners and local communities. The reserve became known for the success of a conservation program, where over 8,000 animals were reintroduced into the park. Today, with the contribution of tourism and park fees going back into the community, the game reserve has thrived, and today offers an incredible safari, with elephant, buffalo, antelope, lion, hippo, and giraffe aplenty.

Although bordering Botswana, the closest city to Madikwe Game Reserve is Johannesburg. Many international flights arrive into Johannesburg, so connecting onto a flight up to Madikwe makes it really straightforward and enjoyable. Like the Eastern Cape game reserves, Madikwe also offers a malaria-free safari, so its attraction to families, in particular, is strong. There are also plenty of luxury safari lodges to accommodate families – whether it’s families with younger children, or larger, multi-generational families celebrating a special occasion.

Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the best places in South Africa to see African wild dogs, also known as the painted dogs. The dogs stay in packs and can cover anywhere between 40 and 70 kilometers a day. Because of their huge distances, it makes seeing the African wild dog hard to see, but this large reserve is home to several large packs. The dogs are incredibly special to see, and watching their behavior and interaction with one another in the pack hierarchy is very interesting. As well as the wild dog, Madikwe Game Reserve also houses all of the other major predators of Africa, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.