WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
Situated on the Kalahari’s edge near the Botswana border, the 75,000-hectare Madikwe Private Game Reserve offers diverse big game safaris. This exclusive reserve ensures intimate wildlife encounters, with expert guides coordinating sightings via radio. Madikwe boasts a high chance of spotting the Big 5 and is a rare haven for the endangered African wild dog. The private nature of the reserve means no day-tripper crowds, allowing off-road excursions and night drives.
Perfect for families due to its malaria-free setting, Madikwe’s family-friendly lodges provide tailored activities for kids. Additionally, it caters to romance, offering secluded and luxurious bush retreats for honeymooners.
OVERVIEW
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 0 | Travel
Departure
◽️ DAY 1 | South Africa
Johannesburg arrival
◽️ DAY 2-4 | South Africa
Madikwe Game Reserve
◽️ DAY 5-7 | South Africa
Madikwe Game Reserve
◽️ DAY 8 | Return
Departure
MAP
MAP
Visualize your journey!
DAY 0 | Date to be updated
DEPARTURE
Travel
DEPARTURE
Your adventure starts now!
Embark on an African safari and anticipate witnessing breathtaking landscapes, encountering diverse and majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, and immersing yourself in the rich cultural experiences of the continent.
* See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
DAY 1 | Date to be updated
JOHANNESBURG (South Africa)
Overnight
📍 Africa Rock Hotel
AFRICA ROCK HOTEL
Hotel Overview
This exclusive boutique hotel & Spa is located 6 miles from the Johannesburg International Airport (JNB / OR Tambo) in a quiet suburb of Kempton Park, away from the flight path of arriving and departing planes.
A well-established, lush tropical garden, a swimming pool and a large patio ensures relaxing outdoor living. The interior look and feel is a successful fusion of African, Western and Oriental design trends and offers a warm, welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.
The architecture is contemporary and the establishment includes all modern amenities which makes it practical and comfortable
DINNER, B&B
GUEST HOUSE
OVERNIGHT
DAY 2-4 | Date to be updated
MADIKWE
Safari days
📍 Thakadu River Camp
MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
Area Overview
Madikwe Game Reserve: 275,000 acres of pristine malaria-free land. Located in South Africa along the Botswana border, and within a transition region between lowveld bushveld and the Kalahari thornveld. Consequently, the region hosts an incredible diversity of species from both eco-systems. Geographically, the region has enormous volcanic intrusions known as Inselbergs, which are prominent throughout and create a spectacular backdrop to the reserve.
Home to the Big 5 (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino and Leopard). The immense diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of animal species, and the distinctive topography presents incredible game viewing opportunities. Over 66 mammal species, including the rare African Wild Dog, as well as Cheetah, Eland, Kudu, Giraffe and a range of more than 300 resident and migratory species of birds.
THAKADU RIVER CAMP
Camp Overview
Thakadu is set within the canopy of the riverine forest on the banks of the Marico River, in the Eastern portion of the beautiful Madikwe Game Reserve.
This treetop lodge has been built to blend in with the nature that surrounds it and allows guests to truly unwind and enjoy their peaceful surroundings. The main lodge consists of an open plan lounge, dining and reception area with a pool and bar area close by. Enjoy the panoramic views from the traditional lapa that is set in the forest glade.
This camp is a tented safari camp and comprises of 12 en-suite, tented suites, each with their own private viewing deck overlooking the Marico River. The tents are large,spacious and have a strong Afro-Asian ambience to them. All of the suites are air conditioned to provide guests with comfort during the hot summer months.
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 5-7 | Date to be updated
MADIKWE
Safari days
📍 Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge
MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
Area Overview
Madikwe Game Reserve: 275,000 acres of pristine malaria-free land. Located in South Africa along the Botswana border, and within a transition region between lowveld bushveld and the Kalahari thornveld. Consequently, the region hosts an incredible diversity of species from both eco-systems. Geographically, the region has enormous volcanic intrusions known as Inselbergs, which are prominent throughout and create a spectacular backdrop to the reserve.
Home to the Big 5 (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino and Leopard). The immense diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of animal species, and the distinctive topography presents incredible game viewing opportunities. Over 66 mammal species, including the rare African Wild Dog, as well as Cheetah, Eland, Kudu, Giraffe and a range of more than 300 resident and migratory species of birds.
BUFFALO RIDGE SAFARI LODGE
Camp Overview
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge lies on the Tweedepoort Ridge in the west of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve providing expansive views of the ravine below and out across Madikwe’s northern plains and inselbergs.
This family-friendly five-star Lodge offers guests a choice of eight luxurious thatch-and-stone chalets positioned for optimal privacy along the rugged slopes of the ridge.
Each beautifully-appointed chalet sleeps two people and features a mini lounge, en-suite bathroom, and double sliding doors that open onto an elevated wooden deck from where you can take in the breathtaking panoramas of this bushveld paradise.
The contemporary Afro-chic décor with its emphasis on earth colours and naturally textured fabrics and furnishings further enhances your experience of the pristine surrounds.
Buffalo Ridge’s main lodge covers two tiers and is accessible via a wooden bridge that traverses the ravine below. Here you can relax on the ample viewing deck in the shade of the towering rock figs, enjoy a sumptuous meal in the welcoming dining area or unwind with a refreshing dip in the plunge pool as you drink in the glorious vistas.
The Lodge boasts a range of outdoor activities to ensure you have ample opportunities to explore Madikwe, including twice-daily game drives in open 4X4 vehicles, bush sundowners, and visits to the reserve’s hides.
Expect to spot a rich diversity of game, from the Big Five to cheetah, wild dog, kudu, springbok, eland, red hartebeest, giraffe, and impala as well as a myriad of bird species under the guidance of the Lodge’s expert rangers.
While Buffalo Ridge is family friendly, children aged six years or younger are not permitted on game drives due to safety concerns. However, mini morning children’s game drives can be pre-arranged. Babysitters are also available on request.
Proud home of Buffalo, Sable, Roan, Tsessebe, Eland as well as 45 other wildlife species. Also rich in birdlife and indigenous flora, making it a hunting, photography and safari paradise.
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 8 | Dates to be updated
RETURN
DEPARTURE
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end! Goodbye to the safari life, feeling relaxed, mesmerizing scenery, great food, family time, and romantic memories.
Morning road transfer back to the airport for your outbound flight... dreaming of the trip of a lifetime!
SAFARI COST
Click button below to DOWNLOAD the PDF
USD $ 3,890 / pps*
____________
*pps=per person sharing
* Rates vary by season
Minimum of 2 pax traveling
SAFARI DATES & DETAILS
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* Always check the document date and refer to the latest version
◽️ Preparing for your trip
PREPARING FOR YOUR SAFARI
Pre-Travel Information
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your arrangements and have a minimum of three blank visa pages excluding endorsement pages. Travellng with minors - in addition to having a valid passport and valid visa (if applicable), children under the age of 18, traveling through Botswana’s borders, must be in possession of a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate (one that shows the particulars of a minor and those of both parents). A child under the age of 18 traveling to Botswana and/or South Africa with just one parent must carry an affidavit signed by the other parent consenting to such travel. Failure to produce the necessary documentation may result in travelers being turned away at port of entry. Insider Tips Zimbabwe and Mozambique visas each use up a full passport page. If you are visiting both countries we recommend a minimum of four blank pages. Post Covid passport renewals are taking much longer than in the past so don’t leave applying for a new passport until the last moment as there iust a chance you won’t receive it in time to travel. Keeping your passport safe is key as there is nothing worse than having to spend precious holiday time replacing it. Make at least two copies of the ID page of your passport, visa (if obtained in advance of travel), Covid-19 vaccine passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance, credit cards and any other travel documentation. One copy can be an image scan and the other a hard copy which you can give to a family member, business associate or close friend for safekeeping When it comes to health risks and medical precautions, Machaba Blue is only able to offer limited advice as outlined below. Those with underlying chronic conditions should ideally seek medical advice prior to planning their journey. Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your GP or local travel clinic for advice on what health precautions need to be taken. This visit should take place at least 4-8 weeks prior to departure as it will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or antimalarial medication as well as identifying any other medical precautions. Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required when entering Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Please check if this is still the case when visiting your GP or travel clinic. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by visitors coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have been in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country here yellow fever occurs. Malaria is present throughout southern Africa and in certain areas of South Africa. Insider Tips INCLUDED ____________ * As indicated on your detailed safari itinerary EXCLUDED ____________ * Unless otherwise indicated on your itineraryPASSPORTS
HEALTH
VISAS
GRATUITIES
PACKING LIST
BAGGAGE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY GUIDELINES
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
GORILLA TREK PACKING LIST SUGGESTION
Kindly note that the packing list below is just a mere guideline as you may have your own preferences
- 1-2 long sleeved shirts
- 3 short sleeved t-shirts
- 2 –3 pairs of light weight slacks/trousers – that can dry quickly (if wearing on treks)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 sweater or sweatshirt
- A waterproof and windproof jacket
- 1 skirt ( for women)
- Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla trekking)
- Strong waterproof walking boots – pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking
- (heavy soled rain boots also work well)
- Pair of sports sandals like Tevas
- Hat-wide brim or with a visor for sun protection
- Sleepwear
- Underwear
- Lightweight wool socks
- Swimsuit (and a plastic bag)
Miscellaneous
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with neck strap
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Small day pack
- Flashlight
- Binoculars
- Extra batteries
- Camera and extra lenses
- Film particularly fast film for the gorillas.
- Personal toiletries
- Prescription medicines and possibly prescription itself
First Aid Kit including rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhea medicine, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids, motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication.
PAPERWORK
PASSPORTS
- Email or Whatsapp a clear color copy of your passport
- Expiration date valid at least 6 months past return dates
- Please check the number of blank Visa pages required by each country
CONTRACT
- Download the Safari Contract
- Take a picture with your phone of the first & last page and email back
- A signed APPENDIX C / Indemnity is required for each person going on the safari. Click here to print more copies if needed)
GUEST INFORMATION
- Download the Safari Guest Information sheet
- Fill out for each person going on the safari
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