Thakadu River Camp - Information
Thakadu River Camp is a 24-bed tented camp designed by Chris Rightford and Dave Gurney. Thakadu River Camp is set within the riverine canopy along the banks of the Marico River in the eastern sector of the Madikwe Game Reserve. The camp comprises 12 tented suites, each with their own viewing deck overlooking the Marico River.

Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the few reserves in southern Africa, which is malaria free. Located in South Africa along the Botswana border and 20 kilometres from Gaberone, the Reserve lies within a transition region between lowveld bushveld and the Kalahari thornveld. As a result the region is host to an incredible diversity of species from both ecosystems. Geographically the region has enormous volcanic intrusions known as Inselbergs, wide open plains and the riverine environment along the Marico River in the east of the reserve.

Thakadu River Camp is a wholly-owned, Community-based Tented Safari Camp in the Madikwe Game Reserve. The Tented Camp, located on the banks of the Marico River, is an ecotourism partnership between North-West Parks, the Molatedi Community and the operator, The Madikwe Collection. The community has a 45-year lease to operate a commercial lodge with traversing rights across the Reserve. The concept is unique in South Africa in that the community owns the development, with substantial benefits accruing to the community itself.
FACILITIES

The main camp is located between the Marico River and a small tributary of the Marico. The main area comprises an open plan lounge, dining and reception area, with the pool and bar area offering views of the gully and river to the north. A traditional ‘lapa’ falls within a glade of natural riverine forest. The décor of the camp has a strong Afro-Asian Safari ambience to it, with use of natural stone, fibres, cloth and carpets as well as metal and wood featuring prominently throughout the camp. The influence of the river is very apparent, with the trees, birds and water providing a peaceful and tranquil mood within the camp.

ACCOMMODATION

Thakadu River Camp has 12 tented suites. They are large and spacious and are wonderfully decorated and appointed. Within the canvas frame, the interior is uniquely designed to incorporate a full bathroom. Each tent has a sliding door that opens onto a private deck overlooking the river. Of the 12 tented suites, 4 are family units, each with an extra sleeper couch catering for children.

SAFARIS

Madikwe is home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, including both black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. The camp is a superb open vehicle safari destination where guests are accompanied by well-trained and informative rangers who are able to interpret the many encounters whilst on safari. Other activities include tracking, stargazing, bush dining and birding.

WHAT TO TAKE

Walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, sun block, cameras, binoculars, light clothing and bathing suit in summer and warm clothing and jackets in winter. Please also bring a warm rain jacket in summer as the evening drives in open vehicles can get rather cold. As the camp is located on the river it can be extremely cold in the middle of winter. Whilst the lodge has taken every precaution to ensure your comfort we would advise to bring extra clothing for the evenings.

HOW TO GET THERE

Daily scheduled flights are operated from Johannesburg Intertnational Airport to the Madikwe Airstrip with Federal Air/ Madikwe Air Charters. Private air-charters are organised on request. It is a 3½-hour drive from Johannesburg to Thakadu River Camp (please request a map on reservation). Please visit Directions for details on reaching us by road.

 

CLIMATE

Summer - October to March Rainy season with hot days and warm nights.
Temperatures 25°C - 40°C.

Winter - April to September Dry season with generally warm days and cold nights.
Temperatures 0°C - 25°C.

CHILDREN

The camp caters for children. We do however recommend that children under the age of 6 years do not go on game drives. We have four tented suites catering for families where a Queen-size sleeper couch is available for children.

TARIFF INCLUDES
Dinner, bed and breakfast
Teas and coffees
All safari activities
Return transfers to Madikwe airstrip
TARIFF EXCLUDES
Tourism marketing levy pppn paid in camp
Bar account
Road transfers to and from the lodge
Babysitters per hour
Gate fee
Landing fee

Contact us during office hours (GMT+2):
Tel: +27 11 888 4037
Fax: +27 11 888 1041

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