Safari & Wildlife
Explore the Wild Like
Never Before at
Jamala Madikwe
Big Five · The Super Seven · 350+ Bird Species · Expert Rangers
At Jamala Madikwe, we don’t just take you on safari, we immerse you in it. Our activities are designed to bring you closer to nature and give you unique experiences that few can say they’ve had.
75,000
Hectares
Malaria-free
Year-round destination
Big Five
All resident
350+
Bird species
8,000+
Animals reintroduced
4 hrs
From Johannesburg
Game Drives at
Jamala Madikwe
Led by our expert guides, our game drives will take you into the heart of Madikwe’s wildlife-rich landscapes. Whether you’re in search of the Big Five or hoping to witness the rare Wild Dog, each drive offers an unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s most scenic reserves.
Beyond the Vehicle
Guided bush walks at Jamala Madikwe offer a closer, more detailed way to understand Madikwe Game Reserve. Led by trained guides, these walks focus on the smaller details that are often missed on a drive, from tracks and markings to plant life and animal behaviour.
Group sizes are kept small, and each walk is shaped by the conditions of the day. Safety remains the priority, with guides deciding where and when it is appropriate to walk.
It is a slower way to experience the reserve, but often a more memorable one.
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s larger game reserves, located along the Botswana border and known for its strong conservation focus.
Unlike busier parks, visitor numbers are limited. This allows for a more controlled safari environment, with fewer vehicles at sightings and a greater sense of space.
The reserve is malaria-free and supports a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five and one of the country’s more successful Wild Dog populations.
For many guests, Madikwe offers a balance between accessibility and a more private safari experience.
Wildlife You May Encounter
Wildlife in Madikwe moves across open plains, bushveld, and around water sources, which creates varied sightings across your stay.
Guests regularly encounter Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, and Leopard, along with Giraffe, Zebra, and Antelope. The reserve is also known for Cheetah and Wild Dog, which are less commonly seen in other parts of South Africa.
Each drive is different. Some focus on tracking, others on longer sightings. Over a few days, patterns begin to emerge.
Conservation &
Community
Madikwe Game Reserve was developed through a large-scale conservation initiative that restored farmland into a protected wildlife area.
Today, conservation here is active and ongoing. Wildlife management, habitat protection, and community involvement all form part of how the reserve operates.
Staying at Jamala Madikwe contributes to that system, supporting both conservation efforts and local employment within the region.
Enjoy our Sofa Safari
The safari doesn’t stop
when you leave the vehicle
The waterhole lies directly in front of the lodge. Elephants, Buffalo, and Predators pass throughout the day and evening. The pool deck, the bar, the lounge – every common space at Jamala Madikwe faces the reserve. The drive is only part of it.