The Madikwe Game Reserve is north of Pilanesberg, on the Botswana border, only 20km's from Gaborone. It is approximately 3 - 3.5 hours drive from Johannesburg. It is the 4th largest game reserve in South Africa (75 000 hectare) and is malaria-free.

Madikwe Game Reserve is home to 66 mammal species including the 'Big Five' and has a significant population of the African wild dog and an abundance of birds.

The reserve consists of vast plains of open woodlands and grasslands and bordered by rugged mountain ranges and hills.

Madikwe Game Reserve is unique for 2 reasons:

• The Reserve was proclaimed after a detailed feasibility study of the area was conducted and showed that wildlife-based tourism was the most beneficial option for this remote and economically depressed area. This makes it one of the few game reserves in the world to be proclaimed purely on the grounds of being the most appropriate and sustainable land use for an area. It is now a joint venture between the State, the private sector and most importantly, the local communities. The success of this approach has made Madikwe the role model for similar ventures being started up elsewhere in South Africa.

• Operation Phoenix: Is one of the largest game translocation exercises in the world. More than 8000 animals have been released into the reserve including elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, cheetah etc. The project was completed in 1997 and Madikwe Game Reserve is now one of the best malaria-free safari experiences in Southern Africa.

There is ample accommodation on offer, from affordable self-catering to exclusive five star lodges.

Rainfall is usually in the summer months (between November and March) which provides a welcome relief from the very hot day time temperatures. Summer evenings are mild. The winters are dry and mild with cold nights.

Email us now to book your Madikwe Game Reserve malaria-free safari.