The Madikwe Game Reserve, situated along the Botswana border, 90 km north of Zeerust, just three hours' drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, is now one of South Africa's prime safari destinations. Madikwe is a Big Five game reserve covering some 75,000 hectares. It is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and the topography offers ideal game viewing opportunities.
Madikwe is home to 66 mammal species including the Big Five and approximately 300 resident and migrant bird species.
With many lodges in the reserve we stayed at two, Madikwee Hills and Morukuru Lodge. Fantastic venues and well catered for families as well.
Madikwee Hills offers ten luxury air-conditioned suites, one four sleeper family unit complete with private plunge pool, mini-bar, fire place, outdoor shower and double indoor shower. I have to say the outdoor shower overlooking the game reserve is definitely a serene experience.
Morukuru Lodge is an exclusive-use bush villa and will provide you with top class personal service, a warm and hospitable African ambience and outstanding cuisine from a personal chef who will cater to your specific culinary requests. It also is completely fenced off, so perfect for families who want more safety for their children.
The personalised service from the staff and having your own personal chef is superb. Morukuru Lodge is available for the exclusive use of 6 adults, 4 children and is perfect for families, friends and small groups.
The game drives that both of these lodges offer range from morning, lunch and night drives. I did them all and couldn't get enough. As you head off in the dark first thing in the morning, in the open air vehicles, you feel at one with the surroundings. Morning stop as the sun arose included hot chocolate with a touch of amarillo to warm your belly, or as you watched the exquisite sunsets as you enjoyed a hot coffee or a glass of champagne.
Obviously the animals were the highlight and I could sit and watch the lions for hours - on a night drive we found 2 brothers just laying in the middle of the road. We were so close and they looked so peaceful that you wanted to jump out and pat them. Through the day watching lions hide in grass in the shade watching for their opportunity for prey with their cubs was amazing. We had an elephant scratching herself up against a tree and we were right next to her. It was a bit scary as she came right up to our vehicle and put her trunk in to see who we were.
The amazing animals and wildlife is in abundance here and it is truly hard to describe the experience and emotions you feel and definitely something I would recommend that everyone has to experience for themselves.
To find out more about African game reserves or to book your perfect trip, please contact me.