North West · South African resident rates

Madikwe Game Reserve

Big Five, wild dog and no malaria, about 4.5 hours from Joburg, with South African resident rates at lodges for families, couples and groups.

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Rates as at 12 October 2026: 19 South African resident specials live in Madikwe Game Reserve, from R4,950 pppns (Tau Game Lodge), an average saving of 48% on the usual rate, up to 62% off. Conservation and park fees are extra unless stated.

Tau Game Lodge, Madikwe: R4,950 pppns, usually R11,000, save 55%. 14 Day Rate, valid until 30 November 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “More than half off in Madikwe. Big Five and malaria-free.”
Impodimo Game Lodge, Madikwe: R5,800 pppns, usually R11,920, save 51%. 14 Day Rate, valid until 15 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “More than half off in Madikwe. Children of all ages welcome.”
Madikwe Safari Lodge, Lelapa, Madikwe: R6,000 pppns, usually R16,000, save 62%. 45 Day Rate, valid until 19 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “Less than half the usual rate in Madikwe. Children of all ages welcome.”
Tuningi Safari Lodge, Madikwe: R6,850 pppns, usually R13,700, save 50%. 21 Day Rate, valid until 20 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “More than half off in Madikwe. Just 8 rooms.”
Madikwe Safari Lodge Kopano, Madikwe: R7,000 pppns, usually R18,000, save 61%. 45 Day Rate, valid until 19 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “Under half price in Madikwe. Children of all ages welcome.”
Madikwe Safari Lodge, Dithaba, Madikwe: R7,500 pppns, usually R20,000, save 62%. 45 Day Rate, valid until 19 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “Less than half the usual rate in Madikwe. Children of all ages welcome.”
Rockfig Game Lodge, Madikwe: R7,660 pppns, usually R12,700, save 40%. 21 Day Rate, valid until 15 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “A third off in Madikwe. Just 4 rooms.”
Rockfig Lodge, Madikwe: R7,660 pppns, usually R12,700, save 40%. 7 Day Rate, valid until 15 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “A third off in Madikwe. Just 4 rooms.”
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge, Madikwe: R8,500 pppns, usually R18,000, save 53%. Five week rate, valid until 31 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “More than half off in Madikwe. Malaria-free.”
Jaci's Tree Lodge, Madikwe: R8,880 pppns, usually R13,320, save 33%. Minimum 3 Night Stay, valid until 15 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “A third off in Madikwe. Adults only.”
Last Word Madikwe Bush House, Madikwe: R8,900 pppns, usually R13,500, save 34%. Subject to availability, valid until 15 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “A third off in Madikwe. Malaria-free.”
Royal Madikwe, Madikwe: R12,500 pppns, usually R18,750, save 33%. Subject to availability, valid until 14 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “A third off in Madikwe. Big Five and malaria-free.”
Molori Safari Lodge, Madikwe: R13,300 pppns, usually R25,200, save 47%. Subject to availability, valid until 15 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “Nearly half off in Madikwe. Just 5 rooms.”
Mateya Safari Lodge, Madikwe: R21,550 pppns. South African residents · bookable now, valid until 31 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “Resident rate in Madikwe. Just 5 rooms.”
Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge, Madikwe: R21,945 pppns. South African residents · bookable now, valid until 14 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “Resident rate in Madikwe. Just 5 rooms.”
Little Madikwe Hills Private Camp, Madikwe: R38,857 per night for the whole villa, usually R80,000, save 51%. Whole lodge, valid until 31 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “More than half off in Madikwe. Yours alone, for the whole group.”
Morukuru Owners House, Madikwe: R64,000 per night for the whole villa. Per night for 2 adults, valid until 1 November 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “Resident rate in Madikwe. Just 2 rooms.”
Morukuru River House, Madikwe: R92,000 per night for the whole villa. Per night - minimum 4 people, valid until 1 November 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “Resident rate in Madikwe. Just 3 rooms.”
Morukuru Farm House, Madikwe: R138,000 per night for the whole villa. South African residents · bookable now, valid until 1 November 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “Resident rate in Madikwe. Children of all ages welcome.”

The short answer. Madikwe is the malaria-free Big Five reserve for people who want real wilderness within a drive of Joburg. It is about 4.5 hours by road, so take 3 nights, and it is one of the best places in South Africa for wild dog.

What makes it different

Madikwe covers about 75,000 hectares on the Botswana border in the North West. Its wildlife was brought back in the 1990s, in what was the largest relocation of its kind at the time, and today it has the Big Five, cheetah and a well known population of wild dog.

There are no day visitors and no self-drive. Only guests staying at the lodges go out on drives, so sightings stay quiet and the reserve feels far bigger than it is.

Who it suits

Families. No malaria, and several lodges welcome children of all ages.
Groups and multi-generation trips. Madikwe has private houses you book as a whole, with your own guide and vehicle.
Couples. Some lodges set a minimum age of 9 or 10 for a quieter stay.

Getting there

By road Madikwe is about 4.5 hours from Johannesburg; the last section is on gravel, and your lodge will send directions to its gate. There are charter flights to the Madikwe airstrip for anyone short of time. Leave by lunchtime to arrive for the afternoon drive.

When to go

Winter, from May to August, is dry and excellent for game viewing, but the early mornings are properly cold, so pack a warm jacket, a hat and gloves. Summer is green and hot, with afternoon storms and lots of young animals. School holidays and long weekends book out first.

Good to know

Madikwe is outside South Africa's malaria areas.
Reserve entry fees are usually extra unless the special says otherwise.
Several lodges run midweek or 21 day rates. Each rate on this page shows its conditions.

Planning a long weekend? Read Malaria-free long weekends from Joburg.

Questions we are asked

Is Madikwe malaria-free?

Yes. It is outside South Africa's malaria risk areas, which makes it a favourite for families with young children.

Can I self-drive in Madikwe?

No. Only guests staying at a Madikwe lodge can go on game drives, with the lodge's guides.

How many nights should I spend in Madikwe?

We suggest 3, so the drive from Joburg earns its keep and you have 6 game drives.