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Activities

An Exceptional Safari Experience in the Madikwe Game Reserve

Traversing over 75 000 hectares, Madikwe Game Reserve is where the plains still team with game and the acacia savannah symbolizes a paragon of beauty. Madikwe Hills is in the middle of the Reserve, giving you a huge advantage on game drives.

The malaria-free Madikwe Reserve is home not only to the ‘Big 5’ of Africa, but also to a wealth of other fascinating creatures, including the rare Wild Dog. Our team at Madikwe Hills looks forward to showing you Africa’s wonderful wildlife, and to fulfilling your every wish. Wildlife can be viewed on game drives, walking safaris, and from the privacy of your suite deck.

GAME DRIVES & BUSH WALKS

Explore the wonders of the African bush in state-of-the-art open game vehicles with bucket seats ensuring your optimum safety and comfort. Knowledgeable and professional field guides conduct early morning and late afternoon, or evening game drives in search of Africa’s big game and smaller wildlife. On morning game drives, should you be feeling energetic, you may choose to experience an up-close-and-personal glimpse of the African bush on foot with a gentle bush walk* through the bush back to the Lodge. This experience provides exceptional close encounters with the smaller inhabitants of this wilderness. Due to the heat in summer, winter is the best time for walking safaris.

* The code of conduct issued by the North West Parks Board requires all guests over 60 years of age, who wish to participate in a bush walk, need to furnish a medical certificate from their medical practitioner.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Those with a passion for wildlife photography will be able to get various tips from their ranger on taking the perfect safari picture, while on their game drive. Our rangers are avid fans of photography, many of them having entered renowned international and local competitions with great results. Our rangers will be happy to assist in any way they can.

PRIVATE SAFARI VEHICLES & RANGERS

Make your safari experience exclusively yours by booking Little Madikwe where the experience is yours with no mixed groups, no competing for views with other guests, and no conflicting interests. You have maximum flexibility, comfort and wildlife viewing. Your safari time is yours and you decide the length of your drive, what animals you would like to see and where you would like to traverse (within the allocated traversing rights). Your ranger will be completely devoted to you and your party – answering all your questions and tailoring each experience to maximize your interests. This is fabulous for photography enthusiasts where the time is yours and the vehicle can be manoeuvred for you to get your perfect shot.

Should you wish to book a private vehicle as a Main Lodge guest, this can only be confirmed a few days prior to your safari as it is dependent on Lodge occupancy. If three suites are booked in Main Lodge you automatically qualify for a private vehicle. Contact the Lodge or reservations for rates on private vehicles.

Remember, Little Madikwe comes with its own private vehicle and game ranger!

DAILY SCHEDULES

SUMMER SCHEDULE

Middle October – End February

04h30 – 05h00:  Wake up call
04h45 – 05h15:  Tea/coffee served in the Main Lodge
05h00 – 05h30:  Your morning game drive departs
08h00 – 08h30:  Return from your game drive and enjoy a hearty breakfast
13h00:  Lunch is served
16h00:  Tea and coffee is served at the Main Lodge
16h30:  Your afternoon game drive departs
20h00:  Pre-dinner drinks in the bar followed by a delicious dinner in the boma or restaurant (weather dependent)

AUTUMN SCHEDULE

Beginning March – Middle May

05h00 – 05h30:  Wake up call
05h15 – 05h45:  Tea/coffee served in the Main Lodge
05h30 – 06h00:  Your morning game drive departs
08h30 – 09h00:  Return from your game drive and enjoy a hearty breakfast
13h00:  Lunch is served
15h30:  Tea and coffee is served at the Main Lodge
16h00:  Your afternoon game drive departs
19h30:  Pre-dinner drinks in the bar followed by a delicious dinner in the boma or restaurant (weather dependent)

WINTER SCHEDULE

Middle May – End August

06h00:  Wake up call
06h15:  Tea/coffee served in the Main Lodge
06h30:  Your morning game drive departs
09h30:  Return from your game drive and enjoy a hearty breakfast
13h00:  Lunch is served
15h00:  Tea and coffee is served at the Main Lodge
15h30:  Your afternoon game drive departs
19h00:  Pre-dinner drinks in the bar followed by a delicious dinner in the boma or restaurant (weather dependent)

SPRING SCHEDULE

September – Middle October

05h00 – 05h30: Wake up call
05h15 – 05h45: Tea/coffee served in the Main Lodge
05h30 – 06h00: Your morning game drive departs
08h30 – 09h00: Return from your game drive and enjoy a hearty breakfast
13h00: Lunch is served
15h30: Tea and coffee is served at the Main Lodge
16h00: Your afternoon game drive departs
19h30: Pre-dinner drinks in the bar followed by a delicious dinner in the boma or restaurant (weather dependent)

* The indicated times are just a guideline. Times may vary and are dependant on weather and seasonal changes.

Download Safari Schedule

REVIEW

Beautiful location and accommodation

Wow — what a spectacularly beautiful location and accommodation. Being able to view herds of animals coming to the watering hole during meals and from my room and patio was such a treat. The food was delicious and the staff was able to easily accommodate my gluten-free dietary restriction. I also appreciated the quality and variety of selection at the store on-site. Plus, my massage was great! Our guides were excellent during our game drives. They were fun, knowledgeable, and friendly. It was clear they both know the area and its wildlife super well. I was shocked at how close we could get to so many types of animals while still respecting their space. I’d highly recommend a stay here to anyone planning a safari and trip to South Africa.

LAReese, (June 2023)

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