Madikwe Game Reserve
South Africa’s Best-Kept Safari Secret
Tucked away in the remote North West Province, Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s largest and most exclusive game reserves. Spanning 75,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness along the Botswana border, Madikwe Game Reserve offers a Big Five safari experience in a malaria-free environment, ideal for families, couples, and international travellers.
With diverse terrain ranging from open plains and woodlands to rocky hills and riverbanks, the reserve is home to over 60 mammal species and more than 350 bird species. Guests can expect to encounter lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, cheetahs, African wild dogs, and more, all in a low-impact, uncrowded setting.
A Conservation Success Story
Where Wildlife, Community & Sustainability Thrive
Madikwe Game Reserve was established in 1991 as a pioneering conservation initiative, transforming former farmland into a thriving wildlife sanctuary. It remains one of the most successful examples of eco-tourism and community-driven conservation in Africa.
The reserve is managed by the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) under a unique three-way partnership: The State: Oversees park management and long-term conservation efforts. The Private Sector: Develops and operates safari lodges, paying concession fees that directly support the reserve. Local Communities: Benefit from employment, business opportunities, and revenue sharing, ensuring that conservation supports regional development.
This model allows tourism to sustain conservation while delivering real socio-economic value to the people who live in and around Madikwe Game Reserve.
Big Five & Beyond
Wildlife Encounters You’ll Never Forget
Madikwe Game Reserve is known for its exceptional wildlife viewing, including the Big Five, but also for its population of rare and endangered species, such as the African wild dog, brown hyena, and cheetah.
Guests can expect uncrowded game drives guided by experts who understand the land intimately, ensuring authentic and unforgettable encounters. Whether you’re watching a leopard stalking through the brush, a lion pride on the move, or a herd of elephants at a waterhole, Madikwe Game Reserve delivers the kind of safari moments that stay with you long after you leave.
A Malaria-Free Safari Destination
Safe, Family-Friendly & Easily Accessible
One of Madikwe Game Reserve’s greatest assets is that it is 100% malaria-free, making it a top choice for families and those seeking peace of mind while travelling. The reserve is located just 4.5 hours by road from Johannesburg, or a short 1-hour charter flight from OR Tambo International Airport. With no day visitors and limited lodges, Madikwe Game Reserve offers privacy, safety, and exclusivity.
Whether you’re seeking romance, adventure, or rest, Madikwe’s quiet, wide-open spaces invite you to slow down and reconnect with the wild.
Why Madikwe Game Reserve Matters
Vast & Untamed Wilderness
Spanning 75,000 hectares, Madikwe is one of South Africa’s largest reserves, offering space to explore and wildlife to discover at every turn.
Big Five & Rare Sightings
Madikwe is home to the Big Five and boasts exceptional sightings of African wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas, and other elusive species.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
With over 350 recorded bird species, the reserve is a dream for birding enthusiasts, from vibrant rollers to powerful raptors.
Community-Centered Conservation
Madikwe is built on a people-first model, where local communities benefit from tourism, creating a reserve that uplifts and protects.
Malaria-Free Safari
Located in a malaria-free region, Madikwe is ideal for families and international travellers seeking a safe and worry-free adventure.
Luxury in the Wild
Madikwe offers intimate, high-end safari lodges, providing comfort, privacy, and five-star service in a truly remote setting.
Sustainable Eco-Tourism
This reserve is a shining example of responsible travel, where conservation, tourism, and community development thrive together.
Where Motswiri Meets Madikwe Game Reserve
Motswiri Private Safari Lodge is proud to be part of this extraordinary reserve. From our position beneath ancient leadwood trees overlooking a bustling waterhole, we offer guests front-row access to Madikwe’s magic, while upholding the values that make this place so unique, conservation, community, and connection.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Madikwe will leave you changed, and Motswiri will make you feel at home.