Highlight: Viewing Deck G&Ts at Sunset

Located in South Africa’s North West province, bordering the Kalahari Desert, Madikwe Game Reserve is a one-of-a-kind wildlife destination home to some of the finest luxury safaris in Africa. At the centre of the reserve is Madikwe Hills, an exquisite lodge set atop a rocky outcrop, welcoming visitors from around the globe.

With over 75 000 hectares of wilderness to traverse, our experienced guides and talented hospitality team have a few tricks up their sleeves to show you Madikwe at its finest. Along with traditional game drives and walking safaris, the unique charm of the bushveld is best experienced from above with a cold drink in hand as the sun sinks below the horizon.

Take a look at what is sure to be a highlight of your stay – G&Ts on our viewing deck. Details below.

Step onto the elevated viewing deck at Madikwe Hills Private Game Reserve and you are greeted by sweeping vistas of rolling savannas, acacia-studded plains, and the distant silhouettes of the Dwarsberg Mountains. The deck, strategically positioned to offer panoramic views, becomes a front-row seat to the theater of nature.

Madikwe is home to the iconic Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceroses. But the magic extends beyond these celebrated giants to herds of zebras and impalas, giraffes and over 300 bird species recorded in the reserve. The diverse habitats within Madikwe support a variety of ecosystems, ensuring that every glance offers a new discovery.

Sunset on the viewing deck offers a moment of reflection and connection. With a refreshing gin and tonic in hand, you can unwind and absorb the serene beauty of the reserve. The ritual of enjoying a sundowner is deeply ingrained in the safari experience, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and anticipation for the adventures that await in the night.

In this magical hour, the viewing deck at Madikwe Hills becomes more than just a vantage point; it transforms into a sanctuary where guests can immerse themselves in the splendor of the African wilderness, creating memories that linger long after the sun has dipped below the horizon.

The gin and tonic holds a storied place in Africa’s colonial history, dating back to the 19th century when British officers stationed in malaria-prone regions needed a palatable way to consume quinine, a key malaria preventative. Quinine, derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, was bitter, so it was mixed with soda and sugar to create tonic water. To improve the taste further, British officers added gin, a popular spirit of the time.

Over the years, this pragmatic concoction evolved into a symbol of colonial life and leisure, becoming ingrained in African safari culture. Today, enjoying a gin and tonic at sunset is a cherished tradition, evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection to the continent’s rich and complex history.

There is an art to crafting the perfect G&T and our expert barmen will be on hand to pour a classic Gordon’s, or you might want to try our selection of locally produced gins infused with interesting botanicals inspired by South Africa. Ask our barmen for a signature G&T served in true Madikwe Hills flair.

As the sun sinks below the horizon, the bush undergoes a profound transformation. Sunset is a magical hour that marks the transition from the heat of the day to the cool embrace of night. The sky becomes a canvas painted with hues of orange, pink, and purple, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Nocturnal creatures start to stir, and the sounds of the day give way to the symphony of the night.

From the elevated viewing deck, you witness this shift in real-time. The fading light bathes the savanna in a warm, soft glow, creating silhouettes of trees and animals against the horizon. It’s a time when the predators become more active, and the likelihood of spotting elusive species like leopards and hyenas increases. The cool evening air carries the calls of distant birds and the rustling of leaves, enhancing the sensory experience.

As the sun sets over the sprawling landscapes of Madikwe Game Reserve, there’s no better place to be than on the elevated viewing deck at Madikwe Hills Private Game Reserve, savoring a perfectly crafted gin and tonic. The stunning vistas, the diverse wildlife, and the serene atmosphere create a magical experience that embodies the essence of African safaris.

We invite you to visit Madikwe Hills and witness this enchanting spectacle for yourself. Book online or contact our reservation team to plan your dream safari getaway today.

Your adventure at Madikwe Hills awaits!