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At a glance

  • Malaria-free Big Five game reserve with impressive wild dog sightings
  • Ten luxurious and spacious suites with private plunge pools and interlinking wooden walkways
  • The two-bedroom Little Madikwe villa is ideal for families and comes with its own game vehicle and ranger
  • Private dinners offered on the deck of your suite, overlooking a waterhole

Overview

Seamlessly integrated into huge boulders and ancient tamboti trees lie ten expansive glass-fronted suites. Dotted across the hillside, the suites afford ample seclusion, with private plunge pools and deck areas overlooking a waterhole teeming with wildlife. Adjacent to the lodge is Little Madikwe, a two-bedroom villa complete with private ranger, personal butler and chef to take care of your every need.

When to visit

  • January
    31ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    126mm
    Average Rainfall
    January is the peak of the summer season in South Africa, with hot days interspersed with spectacular thunderstorms, which usually occur in the afternoons. Wildlife viewing may be a bit more challenging due to the thicker vegetation, however this is breeding season so expect to see many young animals. Bird watching is very good with many summer migrants present.
  • February
    31ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    107mm
    Average Rainfall
    As with January, February is the peak of the summer season and tends to be one of the hottest months. Days are hot with notable rainfall falling in short sharp downpours in the afternoon; the moody skies make for some excellent photography. Due to the rainfall and lush vegetation, many animals give birth at this time. Bird watching is excellent with many summer migrants present.
  • March
    29ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    18ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    95mm
    Average Rainfall
    Temperatures are still hot during the day, though evenings and early mornings are cooler, meaning layers are recommended when on safari. Bird watching is still very good.
  • April
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    14ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    51mm
    Average Rainfall
    Days are warm, dry and clear throughout the country, making it a good time to visit. Evenings and early mornings are cooler, so layers are recommended on game drives. Vegetation starts to reduce making game viewing much easier. Bird watching is still good, however many summer migrants are starting to head to warmer climes.
  • May
    25ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    14mm
    Average Rainfall
    May heralds the end of the summer season in South Africa and the onset of cooler weather. However, it's still a wonderful time to visit, with mild, sunny days and clear skies. Evening and early mornings are significantly cooler than previous months, so plenty of layers are recommended when on safari. Wildlife viewing is good as the vegetation starts to thin out.
  • June
    23ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    7ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    4mm
    Average Rainfall
    June sees the first proper month of winter in South Africa. The dry season is well underway, landscapes turn to shades of brown and yellow, and the foliage thins out making wildlife viewing much easier. Days are clear and sunny, but evenings and mornings are cold.
  • July
    23ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    6ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    10mm
    Average Rainfall
    July is an excellent time to go on safari, with crisp, clear days and star-filled nights. The bush is less dense and waterholes are frequented more often by animals. Days are sunny and mild, however early mornings and evenings are cold, so layers are recommended,
  • August
    25ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    9ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    10mm
    Average Rainfall
    This is the peak of the dry season. The bush is less dense and waterholes are frequented more often by animals, which makes for excellent game viewing. Early mornings and evenings are cold but days are usually mild, sunny and clear.
  • September
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    26mm
    Average Rainfall
    September, like August, is still dry. The days are getting warmer, however mornings and evenings are still chilly, so layers are recommended. Vegetation is still sparse and would have been grazed down during the winter months, so visibility for spotting game is excellent.
  • October
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    14ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    76mm
    Average Rainfall
    October heralds the end of the dry season and temperatures are on the rise. The landscape starts to change with a return to thicker vegetation and greenery, though game viewing and visibility are generally still good, Days can be hot but evenings are cooler.
  • November
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    17ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    114mm
    Average Rainfall
    With the rise in temperature there is increased rainfall in the northern and eastern parts of the country. Rainfall tends to come in spectacular afternoon thunderstorms. With the rains the vegetation thickens making it more difficult to spot wildlife, and as water becomes more prevalent animals disperse. This is the time of plenty, and many animals will give birth around this time. Many migrant bird species have arrived from Europe for the breeding season.
  • December
    30ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    130mm
    Average Rainfall
    December is summer in South Africa, meaning warm temperatures and increased rainfall. Days are hot with mild evenings and the rainfall tends to come in short sharp bursts as spectacular afternoon thunderstorms. Game viewing is more challenging as the thicker vegetation reduces visibility and a plentiful supply of water means there's little need for animals to gather around waterholes. On the plus side, however, you'll see a host of migratory birds in their fanciful breeding plumage.

Location

Located in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, in the North-West Province of South Africa. Federal Air offers daily shuttle flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Madikwe Game Reserve. The duration of this flight is approximately 50 minutes. From the airstrip, there is a game drive transfer of approximately 30 minutes. Private air charters can be arranged. The reserve is approximately a 4-hour drive from O.R Tambo International Airport.