Iconic Africa has developed an excellent rapport with and respect for the More family who have been at the forefront of ecotourism for four generations. For the second month, we would like to congratulate them on another outstanding property – Madikwe Safari Lodge, a real favourite amongst our families travelling.
Watch the video below to get a feel for what Madikwe Safari Lodge is all about.
Here are a few reasons why this property stands out for us this month:
Malaria free and abundant wildlife
Iconic Africa is constantly awed by malaria free Madikwe. The reserve unfailingly delivers breath-taking animal sightings while the changing beauty of the landscape is a constant inspiration. The More family have harnessed the essence of this African wilderness with the luxury and splendour of Madikwe Safari Lodge and tailored the experiences to ensure the perfect get away for honeymooners and families alike.
Three camps of excellence and opulence
Madikwe Safari Lodge is owned by the More family. They have conceived and created three extravagant camps spread between two picturesque and boulder-strewn hills on the eastern side of the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve. The three camps offer exquisite privacy and romance, the premier family safari experience and the perfect place for small groups and celebrations.
Lelapa is a sumptuous 12-suite camp that offers the premier family-orientated safari with specialised rangers and facilities for budding young naturalists.
Kopano, with just four suites, boasts exceptional privacy and indulgent luxury. It is perfect for romantic African getaways and honeymoons.
Dithaba, higher up the mountain and boasting awe-inspiring panoramas , consists of four lavish suites and is ideal for small groups or families that want to book the whole camp and turn it into a luxury safari home away from home.
The three charming camps are situated within walking distance of each other. This means that Madikwe Safari Lodge can cater for large group safaris, weddings or other celebrations where all 20 suites are required.
Madikwe Safari Lodge’s highly-trained rangers are equipped to show you all the wonders of the reserve – as a family, as a couple in love or as a group of friends. There are specially designed wilderness activities for children of all ages. For couples looking for the ancient romance of Africa, there is exceptional seclusion and peace on safari.
The Wonders of the Madikwe wilderness
Madikwe Game Reserve, proclaimed in 1991 is a South African conservation gem. It is 75 000ha of land consisting of state owned and some private land. What was unproductive and damaged farmland has been restored to a haven for 10 000 head of game including all of Africa’s iconic species – lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, wild dog and cheetah. There are teeming herds of general game including wildebeest, zebra and springbok.
Madikwe rests on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. It is semi-arid, receiving just 350mm of rain annually but despite this supports an astonishing variety of fauna and flora. More than 60 species of mammal have been recorded at Madikwe and the bird list is now topping 350 species.
In the east, Madikwe is bounded by the Marico River – a perennial stream. To the west lies the Kalahari and the northern border is the national boundary with Botswana. The south is bounded by the purple and red Dwarsberg Hills. Undulating woodlands stretch north from the hills eventually falling over the Tweedepoort escarpment onto the low-lying savannahs and grassland. The plains are dotted with inselbergs where baboons, hyrax and klipspringer keep a watchful eye for the attentions of Africa’s elusive leopard.
While providing a refuge for South Africa’s natural heritage, Madikwe has created an entire economy which supports the local people living around the reserve – predominantly through employment. This support for local people is crucial if conservation and ecotourism are to achieve grass-roots support.
For more on magical Madikwe please feel free to contact us here.