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Location:
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In the early 1940’s the
Marico district was declared the poorest province in South Africa.
Thus the Parks Board decided to create the MADIKWE GAME RESERVE,
situated in a malaria free area, not only to conserve the fauna and
flora, but also to provide a sanctuary to visitors from afar, as well
as a more favorable environment to the local people.
At the edge of the Marico River and under a grove of Tamboti and
Marula trees alike, you will find yourself enchanted by a world of
intrigue and majestic beauty. MADIKWE HILLS is where the plains still
team with game and the acacia savannah symbolizes a paragon of beauty.
BLACK RHINO roam freely amongst the BIG 5 – Giraffe gallop across the
plains at sunset and zebra call out to one another in the early hours
of the morning, after enduring a night of the “savage beast” upon the
plains – LION. |
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Traversing over 75,000 hectares of true,
untamed Africa and set in magnificent koppies amongst boulders, the
malaria-free MADIKWE HILLS gently ebbs to the pulse of Africa’s
drumbeat.
After a mere 45 minute flight from Gauteng, or a scenic four hour
drive, you will be met by our warm and friendly staff in the main
reception area. It is here where you can select gifts for your friends
and family back home from our curio shop, which boasts a breath-taking
view of the boulders and rocks of MADIKWE HILLS – open landrovers with
bucket seats and fold-down armrests stand ready to take you on safari.
Your knowledgeable ranger with his friendly disposition, will ensure
that your experiences are not but a “whisper on the winds of a
timeless eternity” |
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Accommodation:
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Madikwe Hills offers
eleven ultra-luxurious glass-fronted suites complete with their own
verandahs and private plunge pools, each ingeniously placed amongst
the boulders. The unusual, yet subtle décor integrates natural
elements with colours highlighting Africa's ambience. Your suite has
been designed for complete relaxation and comfort, each boasting soft
sofas, voluptuous mosquito netting and cotton picot linen. Overhead
fans and air-conditioning are a welcome respite from the harshness of
the African heat. Salute the timelessness of Africa with a gin & tonic
from your fully stocked mini bar.
MAIN CAMP consists of Eight large luxury air-conditioned suites,
complete with private plunge pools, under-floor heating, mini-bar,
fire places, outside showers, and great views.
LITTLE MADIKWE HILLS consists of the Presidential Suite with 2 x
bedrooms and two additional suites which form a completely private
camp. Little Madikwe Hills can therefore accommodate a maximum of 8
guests.
MADIKWE HILLS FAMILY SUITE is ideal for families with children under
the age of 10 yrs, as the Main camp is geared towards children over
the age of 10 years.
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Facilities / Attractions:
A library full of verse and history awaits
those yearning for knowledge of the African continent. Fables of
Scorpio and Orion may be told by your ranger of Greek mythology,
whilst dining in a rustic boma where dramatic and exotic flames dance
to the uneven beat of life’s drum. Perhaps you will discover the
navigational skills of the Southern Cross before dining in the
sophistication of silverware. Breakfast on the deck is an absolute
must!
For the energetic, Madikwe Hills offers a fully equipped gym and
health spa. For the businessman…. Internet connection! Children of all
ages are most welcome and are accommodated with their own game
activities and where needed, Nannies can be arranged to baby sit.
Facilities and Activities include:
* Open air veranda
* Lounge, bar & dining room
* Boma
* A Library
* Fully equipped gym
* In-house therapist
* Well stocked curio shop
* Fully stocked wine cellar
* Open vehicle game drives
* Walking safaris
* Bush breakfasts |
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Game Viewing:
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Madikwe Game Reserve has an
astonishing array of wildlife. Elephant, rhino (black and white),
lion, leopard, buffalo, wild dog, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hippo,
brown hyena, spotted hyena, springbok, eland, kudu, wildebeest,
warthog, crocodile and Chacma baboon are some of the larger species
to be seen. Smaller species include rock dassie, African civet,
genet, bush baby, porcupine, and aardvark. Numerous antelope species
also roam the reserve.
Lions laze on Madikwe's wide plains, as zebra and blue wildebeest
keep a wary distance. Both black and white rhino can be seen in
Madikwe and herds of buffalo wander through the wooded areas of the
reserve. The elusive leopard may be spotted sleeping on the limb of
a tree, while comical warthogs forage in the undergrowth below.
The Madikwe Game Reserve is a bird watchers' paradise, with over 340
species listed here. These include many species of raptor, such as
the Martial Eagle, the African Fish Eagle, the Secretary Bird and
the Pale Chanting Goshawk. Spotted Eagle Owls are common here, as is
the tiny Pearlspotted Owl. |
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Wild Dogs, also known as Painted
Wolves, were once called Cape Hunting Dogs. The Wild Dog is the
largest of the wild canids in Africa and is now one of Africa's most
endangered carnivores. It is estimated that less than 5,000 Wild
Dogs still survive in the wild and viable populations are only found
in larger reserves and uninhabited areas in Southern and Eastern
Africa.
Wild Dogs are extremely gregarious animals and are usually found in
packs of between five and fifteen members. Each pack has a clearly
defined social hierarchy and is led by a dominant (or alpha) male
and female. Working together in these highly organised units, the
Wild Dog is an effective predator, capable of bringing down prey as
large as Buffalo. They are also able to defend themselves against
their natural enemies, Lions and Spotted Hyenas. |
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The bonds between all the members of
the pack are very strong, all the dogs cooperate in caring for and
feeding any pups as well as any sick or injured members of the pack.
In most packs only the dominant (alpha) male and female successfully
reproduce. Although persecution by man, susceptibility to diseases
such as rabies, and diminishing natural areas have all taken their
toll on Africa's Wild Dog population, there is now a concerted
effort to conserve and protect these fascinating animals.
In December 1994, as part of the huge game translocation operation
called Operation Phoenix, wild dogs were relocated into the Madikwe
Game Reserve. Three female dogs, captive bred at a breeding station
for rare and endangered species, were put into an enclosure in the
reserve with three male dogs captured just outside the Kruger
National Park. The six animals formed a new pack and were then
released into the reserve. The project was resoundingly successful
and today the Madikwe Game Reserve has a viable and thriving
population of Wild Dogs |
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Please contact us for a suggested
itinerary and quote