Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Nature Reserve Bordering Botswana $$$

Set in a malaria-free area in the historic North West province, near the border with Botswana, the 187 800 acre Madikwe Game Reserve supports a diverse combination of bushveld and the semi-arid Kalahari. Madikwe is famed for Operation Phoenix, the world’s largest game translocation exercise. Established almost 20 years ago, the reserve successfully reintroduced more than 8 000 animals of 28 species, including lion, elephant and buffalo, as well as black and white rhino. This area now boasts the Super Seven, adding cheetah and the endangered African wild dog to the already famous “Big Five”, as well as 350 bird species.

The rich red timbres of the African earth are reflected in the warm tones of Madikwe Safari Lodge. Cradled between rolling hills, just 20 suites are clustered in three intimate camps. There are huge circular fireplaces at the heart of every suite and big glass doors to blur the boundary between inside and out.  The food and wines are excellent and this is an all inclusive camp.