Two of South Africa’s hidden gems, Madikwe and the Waterberg offer malaria-free game viewing in spectacular surroundings, well away from the crowds of Kruger and elsewhere.
Madikwe is one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets, closer to Jo’burg than Kruger but far less visited, affording crowd-free game viewing of the highest order
Madikwe is home to the Super Seven, adding cheetah and wild dog to the established Big Five of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino
The Waterberg’s spectacular mountain country contains two of South Africa’s most underrated safari destinations: Marakele National Park and Welgevonden Game Reserve
Birding is excellent and Marakele National Park, which is home to the world’s largest colony of endangered Cape vultures
Both Madikwe and the Waterberg are malaria free, making them great options for families with young children
Overview
Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets. Set in the North-West Province near the border with Botswana, about a four-hour drive from Johannesburg, this malaria-free reserve is the fifth largest in the country, covering 75,000 hectares of open savannah, seasonal wetlands, woodlands and rocky outcrops. Its habitats provide sanctuary to a wide array of wildlife, including the Super Seven, adding cheetah and wild dog to the established Big Five of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. It’s also home to around 350 resident and migrant bird species.To the east, across the border in Limpopo province, the rolling mountains and scenic valleys of the Waterberg conceal two more exceptional safari options. Set right in the heart of mountain country, Marakele National Park provides an amazing setting for game drives and river cruises, with healthy populations of elephant, rhino and other large species. While Welgevonden Game Reserve – an easy 45-minute flight from Johannesburg – is home to no fewer than 65 mammal species, from the famous Big Five to lesser-seen species like cheetah, brown hyena, caracal, aardwolf and aardvark, all living in a swathe of malaria-free bushveld that’s breathtaking to behold.
When to visit
Best
Good
Varied
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.