South Africans are spoilt for choice when it comes to game viewing opportunities and luxury lodging in our dramatic and contrasting landscape.
From the tropical forests of KwaZulu Natal, to the open plains of the Eastern Cape, to the Kruger National Park, my next South African safari took me to a corner of the North West province.
Madikwe Game Reserve, located 90km from Zeerust and bordering Botswana, is one of South Africa's largest game reserves, sprawling over 75 000ha. The reserve was established in 1991 through a joint venture between the government, private enterprise and a local community and, since its inception, has proved to be successful in creating employment and sustainable development for its surrounding communities.
The contrasting habitats of the Kalahari and the lush bushveld which characterises Madikwe, are home to the Big Five and 300 bird species. Through a reintroduction programme, more than 8 000 animals have been released into the reserve. Elephant, rhino, giraffe and zebra are plentiful in the park's western side, while the eastern side, which is somewhat drier, hides elusive leopard in its hilltops.
The game viewing experiences at Madikwe were impressive. A personal highlight was coming across the only pack of wild dogs in the reserve. These cunning creatures, who were comfortable strolling past our Land Rover, quickly adopted army-like tactics once the leader spotted a herd of grazing impala.
They strategically split into three groups, with one dog heading off at a premeditated angle.
After a slow and calculating advance, the pack charged furiously after their target. Even going 40km/h in our vehicle, we were unable to keep up as they chased their prey into dense vegetation.
From skittish warthogs stained red from the soil, a slinky cheetah finding shelter from the hot sun, to a pride of lions walking lazily past our vehicle, the game drives were thrilling. Madikwe's notorious elephants provided grand stories around the camp fire, as two vehicles had nerve-wrecking encounters with a temperamental cow.
With an ambitious assignment of seeing the entire reserve and six of its luxury lodges in two days, I met a variety of rangers who, although young and new to the area, proved to be knowledgeable and skillful. They imparted factual and interesting stories about the wildlife and the area to this city slicker who, on her way home, felt a lot wiser and closer to her African heritage.
I was impressed by the high standards of service at each lodge. The management and staff were friendly and accommodating. What struck me most was their passion to make Madikwe a first-class safari destination in South Africa. From what I heard of their grand ideas for the area, they are not far from achieving their goals. As if directed by Richard Attenborough, the sunrise on my morning before going home was spectacular.
The pink-and-orange sky painted the endless horizon, while the rich red soil, decorated with the soft browns and ripe greens of the bushveld, glowed in the sun's glory. As I sat in silence it was hard to head home to a city.
- Where to stay: Madikwe offers a wide range of accommodation, with more than 30 establishments located on the 75 000ha reserve. Each lodge is distinctive and offers guests a unique experience.
Visit: Taugame Lodge Hills
- Getting there: Madikwe Game Reserve is approximately a four-hour drive from Johannesburg heading towards Zeerust. Alternatively, many private charter companies fly to the reserve on a regular basis.
It's approximately a 45-minute flight from Johannesburg directly to the airstrip in the reserve. I flew with Bateleur Air Charter Company from Rand Airport.
Visit Bateleur Charter
- Top three tips: Take sunscreen and a cap (it can get hot and breezy on the game drives), take warm clothing for nights around the boma and get up early and enjoy amarula coffee on your morning drive, as well as the best game viewing opportunities.
- For editorial and advertising queries, contact Jon van den Heever at 083 301 8626.
- For advertising queries only, contact Pat Bibby at 021 488 4132.