Madikwe Game Reserve Safaris

Madikwe Game Reserve safaris offer a wildlife experience to rival Africa’s most famous safari destinations. Thanks to its abundant wildlife, luxury accommodation, warm hospitality and exclusivity, Madikwe is quickly becoming South Africa’s most coveted game reserve.

Let us outline everything a Madikwe safari with Tuningi Safari Lodge entails – including what you’ll see, where you’ll be staying and what your daily schedule could look like.

Where You’ll Be Travelling To

In the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, there is a place where two valleys meet. An ancient Fig Tree and a tranquil waterhole mark your ‘home away from home’ at Tuningi Safari Lodge just a 15 minute drive into Madikwe Game Reserve.

Madikwe is a wildlife conservation area in South Africa’s North West Province, bordering Botswana. It is the fifth largest reserve in the country and one of South Africa’s lesser known parks.

What You’ll See

As a result of one of the largest relocation programmes in Africa, Madikwe is home to a wide range of species. It’s unique location in a transition zone on the border of the Kalahari Desert means that unusual desert-adapted species can also be seen. A few of these more rare animals include brown hyena, wild dog and bat eared fox.

Madikwe Game Reserve is also home to all of the Big 5. The big cats – lion and leopard – are both present, as well as black and white rhino, a healthy elephant population and a scattering of buffalo. Although leopards are notoriously difficult to spot, it is not unheard of to see all of the Big 5 during a safari in Madikwe.

Along with the Big 5, other enticing sightings include cheetah, brown hyena and wild dog. Cheetah and wild dog have been introduced into the reserve with varying degrees of success. At this current time, their populations remain stable and although rare, it is possible to see both during a stay in Madikwe.

Below is a link to a list of many (but by no means all) of the animals to be seen in Madikwe. We’ve listed them by their English, Setswana and Latin names.

What You’ll Be Doing

Between your scheduled game viewing activities, you can relax around the camp and enjoy some game viewing at the waterhole from the viewing deck or the underground hide.

Take a dip in the sparkling pool and soak up the sun with a good book or indulge yourself with a pampering massage in the privacy of your Suite.

Keeping active at Tuningi is easy in the well-equipped gym, giving you the perfect opportunity to view wildlife wandering past while you work up a sweat.

Where You’ll Be Staying

Tuningi Safari Lodge is a family-friendly accommodation option in Madikwe Game Reserve, located 15-20 minutes’ drive from the Wonderboom Gate.

We offer accommodation in Luxury and Family Suites, hosting a total of only 16 guests at any time. Each suite features a wraparound deck, an outdoor shower, an indoor lounge and fireplace – as well as air-conditioning and ceiling fans offering cool respite in the summer months.

Our Family Suites have been carefully designed to cater for children of all ages. They offer all the same luxuries of the Luxury Suites with added space; featuring two en-suite double bedrooms, a dining area, kitchenette and a living room with an expansive timber deck.

The main lodge overlooks a busy waterhole and boasts an underground hide, offering unparalleled game viewing from the comfort of the lodge.

What To Remember

Packing to go on safari can be a daunting task what with trying to predict ever-changing weather forecasts, airline luggage restrictions and limited space. Safaris can be even more complicated – especially for first timers – when you’re not sure what to expect.

We’ve ensured you won’t forget the essentials when planning a trip to Madikwe in a handy safari packing list.

Light and comfortable clothing.
Warm layers for early morning and night game drives.
Sun protection – SPF, a hat and sunglasses.
Camera and binoculars.

How To Book

If you’re interested in finding out more about our accommodation options, please follow the link to our Suites here. Alternatively send our team an email at book@tuningi.co.za or book online directly here.

We look forward to giving you a warm welcome to Tuningi Safari Lodge in the near future.

Image credits: 
Gavin Tonkinson