The malaria-free Madikwe is one of the prime game reserves of South Africa and is particularly known for its wild dog sightings & family safaris.
Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the best malaria-free wildlife reserves in South Africa. It lies north-west of Johannesburg in the wide open plains of bushveld, close to the Botswana border. If you are looking for a malaria-free safari in South Africa, then Madikwe should be top of your list. It offers quality game-viewing, excellent safari lodges, as well as a true African ambience.
The malaria free Madikwe Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa at 75,000ha. Plus it boasts a healthy wildlife population with plenty of the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo). You may also be lucky enough to see packs of wild dog on a Madikwe safari, a rare and privileged sighting. Given its open savanna terrain, Madikwe offers plenty of elephant, lions and plains game including sable, gemsbok, springbok and giraffe, even cheetah. Plus over 360 recorded bird species.
Whether you are a honeymoon couple, or a family, there are plenty of lodges to suit all tastes. Some Madikwe lodges are offered as ‘Safari Houses’ on an exclusive use basis. This is ideal for a group of friends or a larger family party.
Madikwe is not the most accessible of game reserves. As it is a 4+ hour drive from Johannesburg. But you can opt to fly-in and out instead. Or why not combine a Madikwe safari with the Marakele National Park in the same broad area. There are also (pricey) seat-in charter flights combining Madikwe with the Greater Kruger Park.
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Impodimo was probably my favorite of all the safari lodge I visited in Madikwe. With its wild, true bush feel and spectacular views over Madikwe.
It has a brand new hide at their waterhole with an abundance of game. We enjoyed lots of animal activity in and around camp which I loved.
It is very family-friendly with a great kids programme. But I would say that it is not ideal for small kids as it’s unfenced. There are eight suites plus a two bedroomed family suite & a deluxe safari suite.
They had a great management team with a very enthusiastic manager, Jacques. They really went the extra mile with brunch, lunch and dinner at an old fig tree near lthe odge; specialized gin stops; bush spa and so on.
Pros: Great kids programme for older kids, Bush Spa, Spectacular views over reserve, Arm chair safari & lots of wildlife activity in camp. Plus attractive but not over the top rooms
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