MADIKWE SAFARI LODGE Exclusive safari lodge with three intimate camps Pristine Madikwe Game Reserve Exceptional Big Five game viewing Excellent birdwatching – over 350 species Interpretive game-drives Unique regional cuisine Easy access from Johannesburg

Madikwe Safari Lodge is situated in the heart of the richly diverse and malaria-free 76 000-hectare (187 800-acre) Madikwe Game Reserve – one of South Africa’s biggest wildlife sanctuaries. Famed for Operation Phoenix, the world’s largest game translocation exercise with the introduction of more than 8 000 animals, Madikwe’s diverse geology and broad mix of habitats allows a wide range of African wildlife to flourish – including the Big Five, cheetah and a thriving population of wild dog.

Set on a gentle slope nestled between two rolling hills, Madikwe Safari Lodge overlooks game-filled plains with the Dwarsberg Hills in the distance and the Marico River nearby. The region is also imbued in history and has seen the passage of Mzilikazi and a range of explorers, traders, hunters and missionaries, including Dr David Livingstone, Sir Cornwallis Harris and the famous South African author, Herman Charles Bosman. In line with Conservation Corporation Africa’s (CC Africa) vision, Madikwe Game Reserve is run as a joint venture between the North West Parks Board, the private sector and the local communities.

GAME VIEWING:
Reborn wilderness: Set in South Africa's North West Province, Madikwe was established in 1991 when a number of mismanaged farms were bought by the government to be amalgamated into a vast protected area. Following habitat restoration work, a massive reintroduction programme dubbed 'Operation Phoenix' returned all of the large mammal species known to occur in the region historically. Madikwe Safari Lodge is set in game-rich savanna, where Africa's great predators again roam free. Positioned at the ecological junction between the bushveld and the Kalahari, Madikwe comprises five distinct habitats which are home to a rich diversity of plants, birds and other wildlife.

* Ecological cross-road of bushveld and Kalahari
* Excellent night viewing including brown hyena and springhare
* 'Big Five', including both black and white rhinoceros
* Resident packs of endangered wild dog
* Over 350 bird species, including several Kalahari specials

Madikwe Habitats:
The wooded plains of Madikwe are punctuated with rocky inselbergs of balancing boulders, and a low range of quartzite hills. Productive acacia savanna dominates the Reserve, with Scented-pod Thorn, Umbrella Thorn, Red Thorn and Black Monkey Thorn, and swathes of sweet pasture grasses attracting substantial numbers of herbivores, as well as their predators. Broad-leaved woodlands occur on the Dwarsberg Hills, while open grasslands occur on former agricultural lands. The Marico River, with its narrow ribbon of tall trees, forms the eastern boundary of the Reserve. The rocky hills are sprinkled with hardy Ficus, Croton and Pappea trees.

Mammals at Madikwe:
In addition to the characteristic large mammals of the African savanna, Madikwe is also home to several species typical of the dry Kalahari (and at the eastern fringe of their natural distribution). Large numbers of elephant, giraffe and impala occur alongside oryx, springbok and red hartebeest. Several prides of lion share the Reserve with leopard, cheetah and wild dog. Both spotted and brown hyena are resident and may sometimes be seen together. Over 20 black rhinoceros occur in Madikwe's wooded thickets. Night drives often reveal lesser bushbaby, springhare, black-backed jackal and other nocturnal mammals. Because of the region's low rainfall, larger mammals are attracted to waterholes throughout the year.

Birds at Madikwe:
Madikwe lies at the ecological junction of the dry Kalahari bushveld and the moister eastern bushveld, and this has led to a rich diversity of birds. Over 350 species have been recorded. Close relatives ('species pairs') which are not usually found together include Namaqua and double-banded sandgrouse, Kalahari and white-browed scrub-robins, red-eyed and dark-capped bulbuls, and arrow-marked and southern pied babblers. The glorious crimson-breasted shrike is common, and there are numerous records of the rare yellow morph of this species. Good numbers of ducks, herons and other waterfowl visit larger waterholes, where thirsty doves, finches, waxbills and other seedeaters are vulnerable to hunting falcons and goshawks. After dark, African and white-faced scops-owls join various nightjars in their nocturnal chorus.

Other Madikwe Wildlife:
A variety of interesting reptiles occur at Madikwe, with large African rock-python favouring the rocky inselbergs, and flap-necked chameleon common in savanna woodland. Leopard tortoise may be encountered crossing sand tracks. There is an abundance of beautiful butterflies throughout the Reserve, and brightly-coloured dragonflies at waterholes. After rain showers, swarms of flying termites attract a host of predators, from eagles and rollers to bats and toads. The giant bullfrog emerges after heavy downpours and shares waterbodies with up to 20 other species of frog.

ACOMMODATION:
Intimate safari suites: Madikwe Safari Lodge is situated in the heart of the richly diverse, malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, offering exceptional game viewing, simple yet sophisticated accommodation, superlative service and unique regional cuisine.

* Three exclusive safari camps
* Totalling 16 suites
* Private plunge pools
* Expansive guest areas with sweeping views
* Libraries and interpretive centres
* African safari shop

Each suite features a sitting area, a bedroom with circular fireplace, a spacious dressing area with personal bar, an en suite bathroom with bath, indoor and outdoor shower and a private plunge pool. The rooms are organic in design and woven copper screens add intriguing detail.

Overlooking Madikwe’s game-filled plains, intimate sitting areas in all three camps feature shaded outdoor seating on expansive covered decks. There are plentiful fireplaces both inside and outdoors with pizza ovens for fun dining, book-filled libraries and a unique safari shop. A covered outdoor living room offers beanbags and cushions on the floor for casual relaxation. The nearby boma is the setting for evocative starlit dinners.

ACTIVITIES:
Exhilarating safari activities at Madikwe: Situated in the heart of the richly diverse Madikwe Game Reserve – one of South Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuaries – Madikwe Safari Lodge offers exceptional game viewing activities at no additional cost.

Interpretive game-drives:
Professional and skilled CC Africa rangers will deliver a world-class interpretive experience of the bush on morning and afternoon/evening game-drives in 4x4 safari vehicles. Photographic opportunities of the Reserve’s fauna, flora and topography are excellent. Positioned at the ecological junction between the bushveld and the Kalahari, Madikwe comprises five distinct habitats which are home to an array of African wildlife. In addition to Africa’s Big Five, you may see large numbers of elephant, giraffe and impala occurring alongside oryx, springbok and red hartebeest.