The Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa's prime safari destinations and is conveniently situated against the Botswana border, just three hours' drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Madikwe became what it is today due to Operation Phoenix, conducted in 1991. Operation Phoenix was the world's largest game translocation exercise. Over a period of six years, eight thousand animals of 27 major species were moved to Madikwe. These included the big five and other endangered species such as the wild dog, spotted hyena and cheetah.

Madikwe's diverse geology and broad mix of habitats allows a wide range of African wildlife to flourish. Today Madikwe is home to 66 large mammal species such as leopard and elephant.

The diverse habitat in the Madikwe Reserve ensures a unique combination of buck species, such as springbok, gemsbok and impala. The birdlife in the reserve is also absolutely spectacular, with approximately 300 recorded species including resident and migrant bird species.

The diversity of vegetation in the reserve is a reflection of its complex geomorphology. The vegetation, topography, climate and soil have had a direct bearing on the varied fauna present in the reserve. The reserve consists of vast plains of open woodlands interspersed with rocky outcrops and single mountains.

Madikwe Game Reserve is a game viewing paradise and you can experience all this on open vehicle day and night drives. For the more active wildlife enthusiast, Madikwe offers morning and afternoon bush walks which are conducted daily. Madikwe is also the ideal location for bird watching.

Madikwe is home to the Batswana, a creative group of people who create exceptionally fine jewellery, curios and works of art. Visitors can purchase these items as mementos.

The region is also imbued in history and has seen the passage of Mzilikazi and a range of explorers, traders, hunters and missionaries, including Dr David Livingstone and Sir Cornwallis Harris. Pay a visit to Abjaterskop in the south-western corner of the reserve. This is where the famous South African author, Herman Charles Bosman taught school.

Madikwe Game Reserve is malaria free and offers excellent accommodation at seven private lodges in the reserve. This unique safari destination, caters for all holiday and business travel. It is the ideal venue for business conferences as it is situated in close proximity to the business capital of Gauteng.

Madikwe has the distinction of being 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.

Madikwe represents an extension to this philosophy in that it is run as a joint venture between the State, the private sector and local communities. The success of this approach has made Madikwe the role model for similar ventures being started up elsewhere in South Africa.

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