Madikwe

Madikwe for the fourth time

Returning to Madikwe Hills Lodge for the fourth time was a decision fueled by the unforgettable memories of my last stay. From the moment I arrived, I felt a deep connection to the wilderness, thanks in large part to Benson, the skilled field guide, and Eric, the dedicated tracker, whom I had the pleasure of meeting on my previous visit. This time, our bond deepened, evolving from acquaintances to friends.

Spending seven nights in the heart of Madikwe once again proved to be a decision well worth it. Each day brought with it new and incredible wildlife sightings that left me in awe. From majestic elephants roaming freely to elusive lions gracefully moving through the bush, every moment was a treasure to behold.

Silhouettes of a bird perched on tree branches against an orange sunset sky.

Vultures during Sunset

Pride of lions walking together across dusty African savanna in afternoon light.

Lionesses walking

Group of giraffes bending down to drink water on red soil with hills in background.

Drinking giraffe

Cheetah with cubs resting in tall grass during golden hour in African wilderness.

Female cheetah with cubs

Rock hyrax

Young lion cub walking along a dusty red trail in savanna grassland.

Young male lion

African Wild Dog

My time with Benson and Eric

But what made this experience truly special was the personal touch that Benson (field guide) and Eric (tracker) added to our daily safaris. Their knowledge, passion, and genuine friendship made every outing an adventure to remember. As the sun set on each day, I found myself grateful for the opportunity to witness the beauty of Madikwe and to share it with such wonderful companions.

My fourth visit to Madikwe Hills Lodge will forever hold a special place in my heart, a testament to the magic of the African bush and the bonds formed with those who call it home.

Ground squirrel

Cape buffalo with large curved horns standing on red soil in African savanna.

African Buffalo

Kudu antelope with spiral horns grazing in arid savanna landscape.

Male Kudu

A majestic lioness rests in the golden light of the savanna during sunset.

Lions

Impala drinking

White rhinoceros calves grazing in tall grass during golden hour.

Newborn Rhino

Cheetah cub

About Madikwe

Nestled in the North West Province of South Africa, Madikwe Game Reserve stands as one of the country's premier safari destinations. Spanning over 75,000 hectares of diverse landscapes, from open plains to rocky outcrops, the reserve is a haven for a wide array of wildlife.

Established in 1991 through one of the largest translocation projects in Africa, Madikwe is now home to the Big Five - lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos - as well as a host of other iconic species such as cheetahs, wild dogs, and various antelope species. Beyond its impressive wildlife population, Madikwe boasts a rich biodiversity, with over 350 bird species adding a symphony of sounds to the bushveld. The reserve's conservation efforts have not only restored the natural habitat but also created a sustainable ecosystem for the animals that call it home.

Visitors to Madikwe are not only treated to exceptional game viewing experiences but also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and history. The reserve's proximity to the Botswana border adds a unique element to the safari experience. Right at the border you will pick up cell signals from Botswana which gives another cool vibe to the location.

With its commitment to conservation, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, Madikwe Game Reserve continues to captivate the hearts of all who venture into its wild embrace.

Caracal

Ostrich

Jackal

Lioness bends down to drink from a calm waterhole with her reflection visible in the water.

Lioness drinking

African elephants drinking at a waterhole with their reflections mirrored in the still water.

Elephant drinking during sunset

Male lion

Conclusion

Whether I will come back to Madikwe again? No question! I will for sure! If you are a leopard lover: Go to Greater Kruger - Sabi Sands or anywhere there. But if you like to see everything else with even a chance to see a leopard: The most beautiful lions are in Madikwe. The landscape is diverse, the sightings epic and if you get into the right lodge, the accommodation, staff and food just fantastic. I've stayed at Madikwe Hills lodge again, because I know many of the staff there already very well. I've paid returning customer rates - but I did not get paid for this blog post at all. I'm sure that there are many other great lodges out in Madikwe. But it's always good to come back to my "abroad family" and to know where my charging plugs for the cameras are.