Madikwe River Lodge

Positioned on the banks of the Groot Marico River bordering Botswana, this luxurious lodge offers every guest the chance to enjoy an untamed Big Five safari adventure.

Home to a variety of large mammal species and hundreds of bird species, the lodge offers plenty of opportunity to see black rhinos, wild dogs and even bush babies in their natural habitat.

Sixteen split-level suites surround the main lodge, with the outdoor dining boma conveniently located on a central island accessed by a wooden bridge over the river. Your safari experience takes you to the untamed wilderness of the Kalahari Thornveld, where dining under African stars and early morning breakfasts under Acacia trees are the custom. Or you can take in the surrounding sights and sounds whilst relaxing on a shady wooden deck.

Rooms: 16
Rate: 3480 - 6160 ZAR
Hotel chain: The Three Cities Group

The lodge offers comfortable accommodation in 16 secluded split-level thatched chalets, set in the cool tranquillity of a river forest. Each chalet is individually decorated to create a rich African feel, featuring an en suite bathroom and shower with a full range of amenities and a private wooden viewing deck overlooking the river.

Madikwe Game Reserve is situated in the North West Province and is bordered by Botswana to the north west, the Dwarsberg Mountains to the south and the Marico River to the east. The diverse habitat in the reserve ranges from acacia savannah to rivers, ensuring a unique combination of species including wild dogs, cheetahs, lions, white and black rhinos, buffalos and elephants. The birdlife is spectacular and it is also one of the few reserves in South Africa that is malaria free.

By Air:
Madikwe Charters flies from Johannesburg international airport on a daily basis.
It is approximately a 45 minute flight.

By Car:
- Travel from Johannesburg to Zeerust on the N4 west.
- From Zeerust, take the road heading north to the Madikwe Game Reserve/Gaborone.
- The reserve is situated approximately 80 km north of Zeerust.
- When entering the reserve, you will travel through the Abjaterskop gate.
- The lodge is approximately 40 km inside the reserve.
- The road all the way to the gate is tarred.
- The journey from Johannesburg to the lodge will take approximately 4 and a half hours.

The rates include accommodation, 3 meals and 2 game activities.
Gate entrance fees are ZAR 27 per adult per stay and ZAR 14 per child per stay.

Gate fees for 2009:
Adult: R50 per person per stay
Children: R20.00 per person per stay

What to take:
Binoculars, walking shoes, a hat, light jacket in the summer, warm jacket in the winter, cameras, sunglasses, sun lotion and insect repellent.

Rate for children between 6 and 11 years old:
1st May to 31 August 2009: R1150