Madikwe Game Reserve

Holidays to Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa should begin by stopping by at the tiny country that forms one of the park's boundary lines. Botswana's most dramatic aesthetic asset is the watery paradise of the Okavango Delta, where floodwaters form a colossal oasis that is home to a rich crocodile population and several tribes. The river banks are ideal terrain for hippopotamus, and are also ideal for fishing. Birding in the region is extraordinary, introducing you to puffin-like African skimmers and many other wetland species. The vast wilderness surrounding the emerald-hued haven is vast enough to be seen from space. These dry surrounds are the frequent stomping grounds of elephant herds.

The typical tourist fills his holiday to Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa with guided trips in jeeps, luscious sunset cocktails and, if possible, the occasional hike off the beaten path. A more meaningful trip entails interacting with the locals, becoming acquainted with the conservation strategies of the region and visiting the lesser known spots where tourists fail to gather. The locals can be found scattered along the boundaries of the reserve. North of the bush is a famous little town with potent character: Groot Marico is renowned for its role in SA's beloved novels by Herman Charles Bosman. The novelist claimed that the hamlet was so 'darkly impregnated with that stuff of life that bears the authentic stamp of South Africa." There is simply no other region as rich with Afrikaner customs. Cultural tourists will feel as though they have been transported to a time in history when farmers whiled away the hours on quiet porches surveying the bushveld landscape.

Holidays in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa must, of course, include a vast amount of wildlife viewing. The park is the fifth largest reserve in South Africa, and is jam packed with 8000 creatures and 27 species. There is little as thrilling as an encounter with a cheetah or leopard, and many visitors are treated to a lion kill. Such events may, however, be capped by Madikwe's enormous herds of pachyderms. Elephants and rhinos gather around the vleipan watering hole at sunset, joined by a variety of antelopes. Their antics are at their clumsiest when confronted with the opportunity to take a mud bath, so watering holes often offer the most amusing game viewing hours.  After an exhausting day, settle into the most luxurious hotel Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa has to offer.

The easiest way to get to Madikwe is with Madikwe Charter, which is a twice daily flight (morning and afternoon) from Johannesburg to Madikwe. The flight takes about 1 hour. It is also possible to rent a car and drive to the reserve, which is situated 360km/ 223mi from Johannesburg. The trip takes about 4 hours.

Madwikwe's most exhilarating season is summer, when dramatic thunderstorms light up the skies and liven the reserve with resounding claps of thunder. When the skies are clear, the climate between November and February is hot and wet. Summer evenings are forgiving, bringing a much needed chill to the air.

Winters are arid and cool. Spring is when the vistas break out into lush palettes of every imaginable hue. Showers and comfortable warmth accompany September days. Autumn is responsible for bringing its own fiery palettes to the landscape. Temperatures begin to cool down during March, and rains steadily die down. Winters bring welcome sun at midday, with evening temperatures plunging down to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the time to retire to your Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa hotel for some fireside entertainment.

Family Summers

Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa holidays are renowned for their family friendly lodges, and there is no time more exciting for the little ones than summer. Child programs take young safari goers on interpretive bush hikes, and set them free in the kitchen to bake creature-shaped cakes. For those taking a lengthy holiday in Madikwe Game Reserve, November is the month of birth for most of the reserve's species. Cuddly critters will be spotted practicing their walking and hunting skills across the park.  Local guides are knowledgeable about where each species can be found at different times, so those taking professionally led trips will lead to a richer observational experience.

Feathered Autumns

Avid birders will adore the specialist tours led by experts who are passionate about all things feathered. The rains begin in March, and the chilly air begins to strip the bushveld of its thick foliage. This improves viewing conditions and pushes up bird populations drastically. Specalized tours aim to identify as many species as possible by sight and sound. Four day trips are offered by one of the premier hotels in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa for discovering beaked inhabitants: Jaci's Lodge sends twitchers into the wild with a professional guide who aims to introduce visitors to the 300 species on Madikwe's list. The magnificent Hornbill is sure to attract rapt attention, but those more fascinated by predatory species will spot the stately Martian eagle, along with several of its relatives. The Cape vulture is another exciting find, and the Molatedi Dam wall will reward raptor fans during migration season.

Madikwe's Canines

The Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa holiday is world renowned for its wild dogs, which are best viewed in the sparse landscape of winter. The Cape hunting dogs don't always live up to their predatory name: Their hunting tactics are often amusing at best. Nonetheless, there is no other SA game park more likely to treat you to wild dog sightings, and they are fun to follow when they are on the chase. The gentle natures of elephants seem to vanish when the chilly season strikes, so many visitors may get to partake in an adrenaline fuelled pachyderm charge. June and July send male elephants into must, causing surging testosterone levels which are believed to be related to mating. Lions also become more active in icy weather, making June and July evening drives ideal for big cat viewing.

Spring Luxury

Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa hotels during September and October allow visitors to benefit from the sparse bushveld, out-of-season rates and prime weather conditions of spring. September is an arid month, so wildlife predictably cluster around watering holes in need of a thirst quenching drink. The park's herbivores are frequently observed in watery territories at dawn and dusk, so booking into a camp that overlooks water brings creatures directly to your doorstep. Spring nights can be entirely disparate to sedate bushveld days: Within 30 minutes, you will arrive at the entertainment capital of the country. At Sun City, gaming fiends can play their odds whilst cultural fanatics take in a show at the theater. Children adore the wet and wild fun of the Valley of the Waves. Lush ambles through exquisitely landscaped gardens with sun downers in hand are the ideal way to spend the sunset hours.