Madikwe Game Reserve: One of South Africa’s Most Exclusive Safari Destinations

If you’re searching for a safari near Johannesburg, chances are you want the real thing – big landscapes, meaningful wildlife encounters and the kind of stillness you only find in the bush. But you probably don’t want a long travel day, a complicated itinerary, or a destination that feels busy once you arrive.

This is where Madikwe Game Reserve stands apart.

Just a few hours from Johannesburg, Madikwe offers a rare combination of benefits that are increasingly difficult to find in one place: it’s malaria-free, home to the Big 5, and (crucially) not open to day visitors. That last point might sound like a small detail, but it’s one of the biggest reasons Madikwe feels so special.

At Tuningi Safari Lodge, we see it every day. The reserve is wild, uncrowded, and rewarding – whether you’re on a game drive, relaxing at the lodge, or watching animals arrive at the waterhole from the deck.

Madikwe Game Reserve is located in South Africa’s North West Province, close to the Botswana border. Covering approximately 75,000 hectares, it’s one of the largest privately managed reserves in the country and offers a wonderful variety of landscapes – from open plains and rocky ridges to wooded thickets and seasonal riverbeds.

For guests travelling from Johannesburg, the appeal is obvious. You can be deep in Big 5 territory without having to fly across the country or spend a full day on the road. It’s a safari that feels remote and immersive, yet it’s genuinely accessible.

But Madikwe’s greatest advantage isn’t only its location. It’s the way the reserve is managed.

Madikwe is not open to self-drive visitors and does not allow day guests. This means the reserve is reserved exclusively for people staying overnight at lodges within Madikwe. For travellers used to busier safari regions, this is a game changer.

Without day visitors, there are fewer vehicles on the roads, fewer crowds at sightings, and far more quiet moments where the bush simply carries on around you. Wildlife is less pressured and sightings often feel more natural – not rushed, not noisy, and not shared with a long line of cars.

It also creates a very different pace. There’s no sense of competition on game drives. Guides have the space and time to interpret what’s happening in front of you, and guests can settle into the experience rather than racing from one sighting to the next.

In short, Madikwe feels private – and that’s one of the reasons it’s so highly regarded by seasoned safari-goers.

Madikwe is located in a malaria-free zone, making it a particularly appealing safari destination for families, first-time travellers, and international guests who want peace of mind without compromising on wildlife.

A malaria-free safari near Johannesburg is not something you find everywhere in South Africa. Many of the country’s most famous reserves sit in malaria-risk areas, especially in the warmer months. Madikwe offers an alternative that feels safer and more straightforward, particularly for those travelling with children.

At Tuningi, we welcome families with children over the age of 6, and Madikwe’s malaria-free status is one of the key reasons guests choose this region for a family safari.

Madikwe is a Big 5 destination, which means guests have the opportunity to see lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo during their stay. The reserve is also known for its strong predator viewing and excellent diversity of plains game, antelope species, and birdlife.

But there are two additional sightings that make Madikwe especially exciting.

Cheetah

Cheetah thrive in Madikwe’s open spaces, where they can scan for prey and use termite mounds and rocky outcrops as lookout points. While never guaranteed, cheetah sightings are a highlight for many guests, and game drives often deliver unforgettable moments – whether you find them resting in the shade or moving with intent across the plains.

African wild dog

Madikwe is also one of the best places in South Africa to see African wild dog. Their movements are wide-ranging, their energy is unmatched, and their presence adds a dynamic element to the safari experience. If you’ve ever wanted to witness one of Africa’s most successful predators in action, Madikwe is a destination worth considering.

A safari at Tuningi isn’t only about what you see on game drive. It’s about the feeling of being immersed in the bush from the moment you arrive.

Our lodge has been designed to connect guests to the landscape. Shared spaces overlook an active waterhole, and the view becomes part of the daily rhythm – elephants arriving for an afternoon drink, buffalo moving through at dusk, or the occasional predator passing by in the distance.

Game viewing from the deck

One of the most memorable parts of staying at Tuningi is how much wildlife can be seen from the lodge itself. Between game drives, guests often spend time on the deck with a coffee, a book, or a chilled drink, watching the waterhole and waiting to see what arrives next.

The underground hide

For guests who love photography (or simply want a closer view), Tuningi’s underground hide offers a unique perspective. Watching animals from eye level – especially elephants – is a completely different experience. It’s quiet, intimate, and often delivers sightings that feel almost cinematic.

Twice daily game drives – included in your stay

Game drives are offered twice daily and are included in our rates. Each drive is led by experienced rangers who know the reserve intimately and who understand that the best sightings often come from patience, timing, and reading the bush properly.

One of the most practical reasons Madikwe is so popular is how easy it is to reach from Johannesburg.

Self-drive

Madikwe can be reached by car from Johannesburg in approximately 4.5 hours, making it one of the best safari options for travellers who want to keep logistics simple.

Fly-in safari

For guests with a wider budget or limited time, Federal Airlines operates scheduled 50-minute flights from OR Tambo International Airport to Madikwe. Tuningi Safari Lodge is a complimentary 20-minute transfer from the airstrip.

Transfers

If you’d prefer a road transfer, our reservations team can assist in arranging this through reliable partners, at an additional cost.

Madikwe is rewarding year-round, but each season brings a slightly different experience.

Dry season (May to September)

The dry winter months are known for excellent game viewing. Vegetation is thinner, animals gather around water sources, and sightings are often easier to track and follow. Mornings and evenings can be crisp, but days are typically mild and sunny.

Green season (October to April)

The summer rainy season transforms the reserve. Landscapes turn lush and green, migratory birds arrive, and many herbivores give birth – which naturally attracts predators. While the bush is thicker and animals can be more dispersed, the green season offers dramatic skies, incredible photography, and a sense of renewal that many travellers fall in love with.

Who is this safari best for?

Madikwe – and Tuningi – suit a wide range of travellers, but it’s particularly well-matched for:

• Couples looking for privacy, comfort, and a quieter safari atmosphere
• Families with children over 6 who want a malaria-free safari destination
• First-time safari guests who want Big 5 game viewing without complicated travel
• International travellers who want a safari near Johannesburg that feels exclusive and well-managed

Book your Madikwe safari at Tuningi

If you’re looking for a malaria-free safari near Johannesburg that still feels wild, private and deeply rewarding, Madikwe is one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets.

With no day visitors allowed, Big 5 game viewing, cheetah and wild dog, and the added bonus of game viewing from the lodge itself, Tuningi offers a safari experience that’s both effortless and unforgettable.

To book your stay or enquire about availability, please contact our reservations team:

Email: book@tuningi.co.za
Telephone: +27 (0) 11 781 5384

We look forward to welcoming you to Madikwe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Madikwe Game Reserve malaria-free?
Yes. Madikwe Game Reserve is located in a malaria-free area of South Africa, making it a popular choice for families, couples and international travellers.

Can you visit Madikwe as a day visitor or do a self-drive safari?
No. Madikwe does not allow self-drive safaris and is not open to day visitors. The reserve is exclusively accessible to guests staying at lodges inside Madikwe.

How far is Madikwe from Johannesburg?
Madikwe is approximately a 4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg. It is one of the most convenient Big 5 safari destinations near the city.

Can you fly to Madikwe from OR Tambo International Airport?
Yes. Federal Airlines operates scheduled flights from OR Tambo to Madikwe. The flight takes around 50 minutes, followed by a short lodge transfer.

What wildlife can you see in Madikwe?
Madikwe is home to the Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – as well as cheetah, African wild dog, brown hyena and a wide variety of antelope and bird species.

Are game drives included in the rates at Tuningi Safari Lodge?
Yes. Two game drives per day are included in your stay at Tuningi Safari Lodge and are exclusively available to overnight guests.

Is Tuningi Safari Lodge suitable for families?
Yes. Tuningi welcomes families travelling with children aged 6 and older. Family Suites offer extra space and the same luxury finishes as the Luxury Suites.