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Madikwe Safari

OVERVIEW ITINERARY IDEAS ACCOMMODATION WHEN TO GO? WHERE NEXT

When to Go

When is the best time for game viewing

Madikwe Game Reserve has a fairly predictable climate: a short wet summer season followed by a long dry winter. The best time for a Madikwe safari depends somewhat on your particular focus, whether it is spotting big game, bird watching or combining a Madikwe safari with a beach holiday.

The best time for game viewing is generally considered to be during the winter months of May to September. The pleasant temperatures are matched by sunny skies and dry conditions, though mid-winter nights are extremely cold with early morning temperatures around or just below freezing point.

October and November are very hot and dry and the rainy season begins in force around December. But the rains transform the landscape. Madikwe becomes well-watered and green with many animals – especially antelope – giving birth. Migrating birds arrive and predators feast on the season’s bounty, making the summer Green Season a good choice for travellers keen to see a different side to a safari.

Jan / Feb
Peak rainy season – excellent bird watching; green landscapes; heavy rain at times
Mar / Apr / May
Late rainy season – less rain, cooler temperatures; great birding
Jun / Jul / Aug / Sept
Dry season – mild, dry & sunny weather; best time for game viewing; cold at night
Oct / Nov / Dec
Early rainy season – hot & humid with occasional rain; birthing season & good birding
LET’S PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY GET IN TOUCH HERE

Top Experiences

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN MADIKWE

1. Go on a Game Drive

Morning & afternoon game drives are the best way to see Madikwe’s wildlife. You’ll enjoy expert guiding & the advantage of off-road driving for extra-close up photographic opportunities.

2. Track the Big 5

Lion, leopard, rhino, elephant & buffalo are Africa’s most sought-after sightings; all are resident at Madikwe, making it one of the best places to see the Big 5 in a malaria-free environment.

3. Bring the Family

Worried about kids being bored on safari? Unsure about malaria? Madikwe is not just malaria-free but many of its camps offer kids safari programmes, child minders & plenty of fun activities.

4. Make Yourself at Home

Madikwe’s exclusive-use villas are perfect for multi-generational families & groups of friends; you’ll enjoy private guiding, your own chef & a safari schedule built around your needs.

5. Get Romantic

Classic African landscapes, starry night skies & idyllic accommodation make Madikwe a memorable honeymoon destination. Couples enjoy private dining, indulgent pampering & discreet service.

6. Explore by Night

Spot-lit drives are the only way to see Africa’s elusive nocturnal animals & one of the best ways to see Madikwe’s leopards. Evening drives deliver all the action, returning you to camp for supper.

7. Search for Wild Dogs

One of the world’s rarest large carnivores, the African wild dog is a Madikwe highlight. Three packs roam the reserve, giving you one of the best chances of seeing these fascinating ‘painted wolves’.

8. Be Pampered!

Looking for a little downtime as well as a safari? Soothing spa treatments, invigorating massages & sophisticated beauty treatments are almost as famous at Madikwe as its wildlife.

Tailor-made Holidays

Experience the extraordinary! Let us tailor-make your safari to South Africa.

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Hands-on Expertise

  • We’re based in Africa
  • Consultants Travel in Africa
  • Knowledgeable team
  • Expect great customer service

Accredited & Bonded

  • SATSA – Bonded Membership (2061)
  • Travel Save Compliant Certificate
  • Fully Independent & Owner Run
  • Travel Support from Start to Finish

Reviews

Walter has always been an excellent communicator and has supported us fully

We have been to Africa for 24 of the last 27 years so know a bit about what is involved. Walter has arranged the details for the last couple of years, and has done a superb job. He is always quick to respond and comes up with answers immediately……..no evasive tactics, always head-on!

Roger (UK)
Very helpful good suggestions for holiday ideas always available for questions good organising

Excellent service and they supplied good suggestions for our holiday they also organised all internal flights and arranged check in for us so we had no worries while on holiday. We have had a most memorable holiday staying at wonderful places thanks to Sabrina and Safari Online. Would recommend Safari Online to organise your holiday.

Lorraine (UK)
Best trip I have ever been on. Highly recommend.

Would highly recommend. Safari online asked questions when booking and were efficient and knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of accommodation and animals were wanted to see. Gave advice on a few little extras with no pressure, which we did and am very grateful which make trip even more exciting. Would definitely recommend booking with them.

Safari Online made our fantastic family holiday dream come true!!

Safari Online have been nothing but professional and incredible from the time we made our first enquiry to the last day of our stunning holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for Walter. We are now starting to plan our next family Safari for 2019. Guess who we will be booking with??? Safari Online we hope you are ready!!!!!

Penni (AU)
It was a safari of a lifetime and exceeded all of our expectations!

Our mom grew up in Central and South Africa so we had visited the continent many times. My sister and I wanted to take our teens and husbands to Africa to experience the magic. We had a limited budget but big and specific expectations and by some miracle Walter was able to manage both.

Heather (USA)
Professional, quick and top of the edge service!!!

From the very first contact we’re very happy about the respond time and quality of information from safari-online.com. Based on the received first tailor-made quote, which is a weblink with all the details about the flights, photos of the lodges etc. we knew that this is “our” partner for this trip. Our expectations were excelled!!!

Lukas (Germany)
Karina was absolutely instrumental to our safari success.

Our experience with Safari Online was excellent. After becoming very frustrated trying to search for a safari destination on our own, we turned to Karina for help and she was a lifesaver.  We had an amazing safari adventure at the lodge–the experience of a lifetime–and are so grateful for her help. We literally couldn’t have done it without her!

Chris (USA)
Professional, patient, efficient and responsive. Met all our travel needs and requirements spot on

Communication was excellent – I asked A LOT of questions and did a ton of research myself and Walter was extremely patient with me and very responsive. he was straight forward and extremely professional. Tour itself was excellent – an incredible experience and one never to be forgotten. Everything was spot on.

Neena
Safari Online were extremely efficient and absolutely charming to work with.

Our 28-day itinerary took us to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. A magnificent and unforgettable adventure. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently from the flights, transfers, rides, connections, etc. Absolutely wonderful! Can’t thank them enough!

Ann and Mario (Canada)
An incredibly well organised tour with no hassles whatsoever.

Safari Online understood our needs and was able to present us with sensible options to choose from. It was evident that this tour operator has knowledgable and experienced agents who can arrange a seemless tour. We were provided with a professional online itinary which was comprehensive and easy to use, knew exactely what to expect, and encountered no stumble blocks along the way.

Gwen (AU)