The Ultimate South African Safari | 3-Day Itinerary
Why Madikwe Game Reserve
• Madikwe offers all of the Big Five (including the Black rhino), and is well known for the highly endangered African Wild dog
• Malaria-free
• Fifth largest game reserve in South Africa
• Multiple guided game drives with experienced rangers experts at tracking the movements of all animals within the park
• Luxury accommodations
When to visit
During the winter months of May to September you will find the best wildlife viewing. The vegetation thins out during this dry season, and many more animals will be congregating around the water holes.
The summer season from October to April brings lush green landscapes and much warmer temperatures. Chances are better to see newborn animals and migrating bird species during this time of year.
3-Day Safari Package
Below you’ll find a link to a recommended safari experience. There are multiple options and lodges available based on your budget. Bush House was the perfect combination of luxury, wildlife, delicious food and friendly staff.
What’s Included
• Luxury accommodation in a private bespoke room / villa at the Bush House Lodge
• Airport/Johannesburg transfer in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
• Park fees and conservation fees
• Guided open vehicle game drives
• All meals and some snacks, plus welcome drinks, teas & coffees
What’s Excluded
• Some drinks
• Gratuities
Day 1: Johannesburg to Madikwe
The drive from Johannesburg to Madikwe Game Reserve takes about 4 hours. Transfer is included in the package with pickup in the early morning. You will need to arrange a flight into Johannesburg early enough to catch the transfer unless you plan to book accommodation in Johansburg the night before.
Around midday, you’ll arrive at the park and check in to your lodge. I was immediately greated by friendly staff and offered a delicious welcome drink. After check in you will have some personal time to settle in the lodge, explore the underground hide, bush walk on a private trail and watch waterhole activities.
The hide was an incredible opportunity to view the animals up-close.
In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a High Tea followed by your first 3-hour game drive in an open-side land cruiser. We spotted many animals including lions! There will be a stop at sunset for drinks and some stretching before returning to the lodge for a beautifully organized dinner.
Day 2: Madikwe activities
Game drives begin early in the morning to maximize the day. Before heading out you’ll meet for light refreshments, tea / coffee followed by a 3-hour game drive. More of the Big Five were spotted during our drive including rhinos, elephants and buffalo, alongside giraffes and zebras.
You’ll have another coffee / tea stop en-route, with ours including a backdrop of giraffes. Once you return to the lodge a wonderful breakfast is provided followed by personal time to relax. Activities available: swimming or sunbathing at the small pool, underground hiding, walking trails or watching the waterhole.
The waterhole was breathtaking and constantly drawing in new animals which provided opportunities to observe even more outside the game drives.
In the late afternoon, another High Tea is provided followed by a 3-hour game drive. During the drive, you’ll stop for sun-downer drinks and stretching. On this drive we tracked down another pack of lions more active than the first being able to observe them incredibly close.
After returning to the lodge, there is some time to freshen up and enjoy drinks at bar before sitting down together for dinner. We all enjoyed dinner around a cozy bonfire.
Day 3: Madikwe to Johannesburg
There will be another coffee / tea stop en-route before returning to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast it is sadly time to check out and head back to Johannesburg.
What to pack for a safari
Below you’ll find a link to an official packing list recommended for Madikwe. I highly recommend reading this in full.
PLEASE NOTE: Safari With Us, Madikwe Game Reserve and the team at Bush House Lodge strongly advise you to disable the geotagging function before posting any animal sightings as this could help poachers find their next kill.
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