The fourth-largest game reserve in South Africa, Madikwe Game Reserve has been identified as the “latest eco-tourism hub” in the country. Madikwe offers a unique wilderness of Kalahari thornveld and bushveld, consisting of vast plains of typical dry acacia woodlands, grasslands and dramatic rocky hills and ridges that expose rocks up to 2630 million years old, and artifacts of the Stone and Iron Ages can still be found in the Great Marico dust.
During 1992, conservation initiatives were sponsored by the government to restore the fauna, flora and wildlife of the region, which had previously been destroyed by farming and overgrazing. Celebrated as the biggest ever relocation programme in Africa, 10 000 animals of 27 major species from other reserves and breeding centres were reintroduced into Madikwe Reserve, including wild dog, cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant making the game viewing encounters prime. Its diverse habitat of acacia savannah to riverine, ensures a unique combination of species such as springbok, gemsbok, sable and impala.
Morning and afternoon visits to the Madikwe Plains is a must for bird lovers, where many of the 313 species of birds and raptors can be sighted.
Jaci's Safari Lodge, located under a grove of tamboti trees, on the edge of the Marico River, is built in a curve around an ancient termite mound, masterfully blending into its surrounds. To create a tented feel, the eight tents are built incorporating a mixture of natural stone, shaggy thatched roofs and canvas walls. A hand-crafted mosaic rock bath and outdoor safari shower complement the authentic African safari atmosphere.
The Nare Suite, originally built as Jan and Jaci's home, accommodates a minimum of four and a maximum of six persons, offering guests an exclusive bush retreat. Both bedrooms have canvas sides with a handmade rock bath and outdoor safari shower. An upstairs loft room is ideal for children. A private plunge pool, built within the wooden viewing deck, overlooks a fabulous waterhole and incorporates an outdoor dining area.
The Safari Suite has two double bedrooms and two children's rooms. It is beautifully positioned overlooking the Groot Marico River with a private pool and wrap-around decks. Accommodating a minimum of five and a maximum of eight persons - combined with the flexibility of your own game-drive vehicle and private guide, the Safari Suite is an ideal option for a family travelling together on safari.
Jaci's Tree Lodge comprises eight “Tree Houses”, each encompassing a giant tamboti or leadwood tree. Raised wooden walkways, suspended in the forest canopy lining banks of the Marico River, connect to the Main Lodge and its facilities. The spacious open-plan building at Jaci's Tree Lodge includes a bar and lounge area separated from the dining area by a four-sided open fireplace.
Madikwe is situated one-and-a-half hours from Sun City, just four hours' drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria or a 50-minute flight from OR Tambo International Airport.
For more information, go to www.mantiscollection.com.
