Northwest Province Camps & Lodges
Madikwe Game Reserve
This is one of South Africa’s largest malaria-free, big-five wildlife reserves. Located along the Botswana border, the reserve lies within a transition region between lowveld bushveld and the semi-arid Kalahari. As a result the region is host to an incredible diversity of species from both ecosystems including black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and African wild dog. This 187,800-acre reserve was 
established in 1991 with the reintroduction of more than 10,000 animals in an area that was formerly cattle farms. Known as Operation Phoenix, more than 8,000 animals of 28 species were successfully reintroduced. Both spotted and the reclusive brown hyena are found in the reserve. Threatened species like the African wild dog and black rhino have done particularly well at Madikwe. Today Madikwe is world-renowned for its pioneering approach to people-based wildlife conservation. This is a remarkable success story of conservation, community capacity building and eco-tourism investment which is the result of a partnership between the local communities, the private sector and the government.
Madikwe Safari Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Safari Lodge overlooks the game-filled plains in this particularly rugged corner of Africa. There are 20 suites clustered in three intimate camps. A circular fireplace is the heart of every suite, and glass doors blur the boundary between inside and outside. Spacious wooden decks embrace inviting plunge pools. The bathroom features a deep copper-plated bathtub from which you can view elephant, giraffe and warthogs as you soak. Suites are air conditioned and include indoor and outdoor showers. The lodge is sculpted from the rich, red African earth and local stone and rough wooden beams. Activities include interpretive bush walks with an armed ranger, and both day and evening game drives. The acacia savanna of Madikwe attracts bushbabies, which can often be spotted leaping from branch to branch on night drives.
2011 - Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List
2010 & 2009 – Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List of the World’s Best Places to Stay
2009 - One of Country Life magazine's six Romantic Hideaways
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Hills sits amongst boulders and age-old Tamboti trees. The main lodge has 10 suites designed for privacy and featuring an ‘Afro chic’ décor with natural elements and strong colors. Each suite has a private swimming pool, fire place, under-floor heating, air conditioning, al fresco shower, romantic bathrooms and doors that fold back that allow you to truly feel at one with the environment.
Little Madikwe Hills is a two bedroom Presidential / Family Suite which is easily combined with two additional suites forming a private camp for eight guests with its own game ranger, land rover and a private butler. Families with children are welcome here. The malaria-free Madikwe Reserve is home not only to the big-five, but also to a wealth of other fascinating creatures, including the rare African wild dog. Activities include guided walks, wildlife tracking, star gazing, bird viewing and game drives in open vehicles.
Mateya Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve 
Nestled in the rocky Gabbro hills, Mateya’s five luxury air-conditioned suites blend with the natural surroundings. Each suite has a fireplace and a deck with outdoor shower and plunge pool offering uninterrupted views of the waterhole and plains. Mateya Lodge provides guests with a delicious culinary adventure, whether in the dining room or outdoors on the main deck near the open air fire pit, meals are made to serve every palate. The Lodge also boasts an 8,000 bottle wine cellar, and one of the finest African art collections in the world. Game-viewing drives, offered by experienced field guides and trackers, take only four people at a time, before first light every morning and at dusk each day. Guests can spot the "Super Seven" – buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, wild dog – and around 350 resident and migrant bird species. Mateya Lodge welcomes guests ages 16+ and is a wonderful honeymoon choice.
Thakadu River Camp
Madikwe Game Reserve
The 12 tented suites overlook the Marico River on the eastern side of the Madikwe Reserve, each with a private viewing deck. Families with children are welcome, however children under the age of six cannot participate in game drives. There are four family unit suites with an extra queen-sized sleeper couch for children. This is a community owned camp which is part of an eco-tourism partnership between the reserve, the Madikwe Collection and the Molatedi Community. There is also an eight bed satellite camp – Little Thakadu – with its own private lounge, dining and pool area ensuring privacy and exclusivity for small groups and families.
Back to Top
