Madikwe is a North West Province reserve created on former farmland and restocked with wildlife. It is run by North West Parks in partnership with local communities and the private sector, and visits are through private lodges.
- Country
- South Africa
- Type
- Reserve
- Approx. area
- 750 km²
- Best time
- July to September
- Suggested stay
- 2–4 days
- Main gateway airport
- O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
- Big Five
- Present
- Malaria
- None
Why go to Madikwe
- Malaria-free according to tourism sources
- Big Five plus African wild dog
- Access limited to lodge guests
- Mix of bushveld and hills
- Well suited to families with children
Best time to visit Madikwe
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Madikwe is July to September.
Winter is dry and sunny with nights near freezing; the best period for viewing around water.
Summer is hot with thunderstorms and green scenery.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 17–31 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| March | 15–30 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| April | 12–27 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| May | 8–24 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 4–22 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 4–22 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 7–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| September | 11–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| October | 14–31 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 16–32 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 17–32 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Madikwe includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, white rhino, black rhino, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, African wild dogs, hyenas, kudu, eland and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
Located on the Botswana border in North West Province, reached by road from Johannesburg or by a short light-aircraft flight to the reserve airstrip.
Trips to Madikwe
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Madikwe for families
- Madikwe for a honeymoon
- Madikwe for photographers
- Madikwe for a first safari
- Madikwe on a budget
- Madikwe for luxury travel
Compare with
- Madikwe vs Kruger
- Madikwe vs Pilanesberg
- Madikwe vs Sabi Sand
- Madikwe vs Addo
- Madikwe vs Central Kalahari
- Madikwe vs Hwange
Travelling to Madikwe from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Madikwe?
Generally July to September. Winter is dry and sunny with nights near freezing; the best period for viewing around water.
How many days do I need in Madikwe?
Most visitors spend 2 to 4 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Madikwe?
Located on the Botswana border in North West Province, reached by road from Johannesburg or by a short light-aircraft flight to the reserve airstrip.
Sources: North West Parks Board · South African Tourism - Madikwe · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - South Africa (Mahikeng)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.