A day on safari in the Madikwe Game Reserve
You may not have heard of Madikwe, it feels like that big a secret. Although second-time safari goers might have caught whispers of its unique landscape and exciting wildlife. The reserve hosts not just the Big Five but also Africa’s Secret Seven – rare species known for their shy nature from African wild cat to the elusive aardvark. Here you can find wildlife you wouldn’t even see in the much-lauded Kruger National Park such as aardwolf and brown hyena as well as gemsbok and the slender, long-legged springbok – South Africa’s national animal.
The Madikwe Game Reserve is the only park in South Africa not to permit day visitors. This means you can revel in the knowledge that you’ll see very few others vehicles during your safari explorations. For families, it’s a no brainer due to the malaria-free aspect and lodges that offer children their very own breakfast game drives. This is also a place for walking safaris with highly knowledgeable guides whose finely tuned instincts can take you the closest you’ll ever come to a herd of elephant or a towering giraffe. Without the rumble of engines, you notice the smaller intrigues of the bush like the inconspicuous paw prints of a big cat or the intricate operations of a termite army.
Set within a riverine canopy surrounded by an impressive diversity of fauna and flora, aha Thakadu River Camp offers guests beautifully appointed, 4-star tented suites.
Besides enjoying all the comforts of modern living in the heart of the untamed bushveld, our highly skilled rangers share their extended knowledge with guests, so they may gain an in-depth understanding of the area to add to their already exciting getaway experience.
aha Thakadu River Camp
The main camp at aha Thakadu River Camp is located between the Marico River and a small tributary of the Marico. The Lodge has a welcoming open-plan lounge, dining area and reception as an African bushveld oasis that offers exciting game drives as a compliment. The attractive bar and pool area are also ideal for relaxation, and the entire Lodge welcomes families.
The Lodge has been carefully constructed to blend into its surroundings, with the use of wood and thatched roofs. A traditional lapa falls within a glade of natural riverine forest to offer panoramic views. Besides lush views of the gully and river to the north, guests are delighted by our staff’s warm hospitality and personal care.
STANDARD ROOM
The 5-star accommodation in Madikwe comprises 12 x Tented Suites that boast a strong Afro-Asian safari ambience and viewing decks overlooking the Marico River. These spacious tents offer every comfort and luxury with features including air-conditioning, hairdryer and power 220vAc.
ROOM FEATURES:
Air Conditioning
Bath
Coffee & Tea Station
Hair Dryer
Patio
Safe
Shower
FAMILY ROOM
Children are welcome in any of the 4 x Family Rooms, as these tented suites each have an extra queen-size sleeper couch
ROOM FEATURES:
Air Conditioning
Bath
Coffee & Tea Station
Hair Dryer
Patio
Safe
Shower
GAME DRIVES
Wake up in the true splendour of Madikwe River Camp, situated along the Botswana border, and start your day amidst nature. The game drives are led by highly trained rangers with a vast knowledge of the fauna and flora in the area.Get an early start to the day and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells that accompany the dawning of a new day. Depending on the time of year, morning game drives depart at different times.
Expect to see everything from elephant and rhino to lion and giraffe during morning game drives. Leopards are a bit more difficult to spot but should you wish to find this well-hidden creature, evening game drives are your best bet.
BIRD WATCHING
aha Thakadu River Camp offers game drives where professional and informative rangers will gladly assist with educating you about various bird species you may encounter.
The great variety of habitats, from forests and rocky hills to open grassland and dams, provide the perfect setting for a magnificent diversity of bird species throughout the game reserve.
Birdlife at Madikwe Game Reserve comprises migrants and permanent inhabitants.
Early morning and late afternoon drives are the best times to view wildlife and birdlife through Madikwe Game Reserve.
Hear the sounds of a wide range of birdlife and have your camera and binoculars on hand.
Meyers Parrot
Kori Bustard
Yellow Throated Sandgrouse
Temminck’s Courser
Burchell’s Courser
Bronze Winged Courser
White Stork
Pied and Arrow Marked Babbler
Desert Barred Warbler
Harlequin Quail
Kurrichane Buttonquail Thrush
ChestnutbackedFinchlark
Rufousnaped Lark
Natal Spur Fowl
Pale Chanting Goshawk
Walhberg Eagle
Martial Eagle
Black Breasted Snake Eagle
African Fish Eagle
MALARIA-FREE AREA
aha Thakadu River Camp certainly stands out from the crowd of standard game lodges, as it is ideally positioned in a transitional area which means it draws wildlife from two different, yet complementary, ecosystems.
The beauty of aha Thakadu River Camp is complimented by a team of dedicated and highly trained game rangers* who understand the fauna and flora within the Madikwe Reserve. These professionals are skilled in locating as many animals as possible in this malaria-free area.
Because comfort is paramount, this 24-bed camp, with its exceptionally private location, assures guests of a tranquil, relaxing experience.
*Madikwe Game Reserve is a private game reserve and does not allow ‘self-drive’ game drives.
MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
Home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, Madikwe Game Reserve is the ideal getaway destination! The Reserve allows guests to book exciting game drives and learn more about the area as they spot numerous species.
You may expect to find the following animals in the area:
Black and White Rhino
Buffalo
Cheetah
Elephant
Leopard
Lion
Wild Dog
Madikwe Game Reserve accommodation and camp is a superb open-vehicle safari destination where guests are accompanied by well-trained and informative rangers. On your visit to the Reserve, aha Thakadu River Camp offers a range of other activities for you to enjoy:
Birding
Boma dining
Game drives
Stargazing
BAR & POOL AREA
Madikwe Game Reserve accommodation is available in luxury tented suites, as well as an inviting main camp area that offers guests an open-plan lounge, dining, pool and bar area to relax in after a day of game viewing.
Besides indulging in the elegant luxury and warm, personal service of aha Thakadu River Camp, guests can experience the essence of nature by joining us for a range of activities*, designed to ensure the ultimate African adventure!
*Children under 6 years can join us for a 1.5-hour game drive especially for them after breakfast, as they cannot be permitted on standard game drives. Parents are welcome to join.
