Molatedi Gate Madikwe Game Reserve North West
Phone: 0861 000 333
Phone (Int): +27 (31) 310 6900
Fax: +27 (0)86 517 5780
Email: ceres@threecities.co.za
Website: www.madikwe.com
Beukes Geldenhuys: jacisreservations@madikwe.com
Region: North West Province, South Africa
Physical Address: Molatedi Gate Madikwe Game Reserve North West
Madikwe Game Reserve is situated in the North West Province and is bordered by Botswana in the north, the Dwarsberg Mountains to the south, and the Marico river to the east. The diverse habitat in the reserve, from acacia savannah to riverine, ensures a unique combination of species, including wild dog, cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant. The bird life is spectacular and it is also one of the few reserves in South Africa that is malaria free.
With the inception of ”Operation Phoenix” which began in 1993, more than 8,000 heads of game were brought into the park over a six year period. The government-sponsored programme involved re-stocking and conserving flora and wildlife, which had disappeared from the region, and its huge success has ensured excellent game viewing. In 1996, predators were introduced in Madikwe, first cheetahs, wild dogs and hyenas, later also lions from the Etosha National Park (Namibia) and the neighbouring Pilanesberg National Park. 180 elephants came from the Gonarezhou Game Reserve in Zimbabwe which had been hit by a disastrous drought. The resettlement of the elephants was a great success and their population in Madikwe has grown to 250 animals.
Today some 12,000 animals live in the Madikwe Game Reserve. All predator species are represented and also black and white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and a great number of antelopes. More than 350 bird species have been registered.
The surrounding local communities also benefit from the reserve as they receive an annual share of the park’s profits and so are able to upgrade their own infrastructure.
The province abounds with attractions, including bush and wild animals at the famous Sun City and Lost City resorts. Key attractions include:
The Historic Route of Mafikeng includes the town which was besieged during the Anglo-Boer/South African War. The Groot Marico region, mampoer (moonshine) country, is famous among South Africans for storytelling. The Hartbeespoort Dam is a popular spot for weekend outings, breakfast runs and yachting. The Pilanesberg National Park supports over 7,000 head of game, including the Big Five and 350 bird species. It is the fourth biggest national park in South Africa, and covers 65,000 hectares.
Sun City and the Palace of the Lost City are hugely popular tourist attractions offering gambling, golf, extravaganza shows, water sport and an artificial sea.
