3-Day Big 5 Safari in Madikwe GR

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Getting to Madikwe GR

A self-drive from Johannesburg (JNB) to Madikwe Game Reserve takes about 4 hours. We recommend that you drive via Rustenburg/Pilanesberg and enter Madikwe through the Molatedi Gate in the south of the park. This trip is on tar roads, with only the last 9.5 km on gravel. When you enter the gate, you’ll be directed to the North West Parks Board’s offices, where you will park and leave your car. You will be collected in a game-viewing vehicle and taken to your eco-lodge, about 10 minutes drive away.

Road transfers from JNB can be arranged for 4 guests, however the quickest mode of travel to Madikwe is by booking a Federal Airlines shuttle flight, which depart daily from JNB at 10 am and 1 pm and land at the Madikwe airstrip an hour later.

After check-in at Mosetlha Bush Camp, you'll be guided to one of 10 partly open-sided thatched wooden cabins, which have comfortable twin beds and a private toilet/shower a short walk away. After your first game drive, you'll enjoy dinner at the lodge.

Main Destination:

Madikwe Game Reserve

Best Time To Visit May to September (Dry season)

High Season October to April (The park is busier, especially during school holidays)

Best Weather April to May and September to October (Mild weather and little rain)

Wildlife in Madikwe GR

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

White RhinoCommon

LionCommon

ZebraCommon

WildebeestCommon

Show more

Black RhinoOccasional

LeopardOccasional

CheetahOccasional

BuffaloOccasional

HippoOccasional

HyenaOccasional

Wild DogOccasional

Accommodation:

Mosetlha Bush Camp & Eco Lodge

• Mid-range bush camp located inside Madikwe GR

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Big 5 Game Drives

Rise with the sun for a quick cup of tea or coffee and an early-morning start (timings vary, from a 5 am wake-up call on hot summer mornings to as late as 7:30 am when it’s colder in winter).

In the summer, when you get back, you’ll have breakfast (toast, pancakes, cereals and muesli, yoghurt, fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs and cheese) and time for a shower and a rest before lunch, then some more chill-out time – read your book, do some bird spotting at the little water holes around the camp, or have an afternoon nap.

After lunch, it’s time for the afternoon game drive. By now, you may already have seen the Big Five, so look for endangered wild dogs, cheetahs, a multitude of plains game and more than 475 species of birds.

During the winter months, a big cooked brunch and lighter afternoon high tea of soup, sandwiches and muffins is served just before your game drive. On your return, a wholesome traditional dinner prepared over the open fire will await you.

Main Destination:

Madikwe Game Reserve

Accommodation:

Mosetlha Bush Camp & Eco Lodge

• Mid-range bush camp located inside Madikwe GR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Morning Game Drive

On your day of departure, after your morning game drive, you'll return to the camp for breakfast.

You'll then be taken back to your car around midday. Sadly, it’s back to real life after too few days in nature (and some healing relaxation). At least you'll be taking with you lots of photographs and some wonderful memories!

If you need more nature therapy, why not extend your trip with 2 nights at the stunning Inzalo Safari Lodge in Welgevonden Game Reserve? It's only 244km (about 3 hours drive) from Madikwe GR (see our 3-Day Big 5 Safari in Welgevonden GR listing).

Main Destination:

Madikwe Game Reserve

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.