In 1992 ‘Operation Phoenix’ was launched in an area of South Africa bordering the Kalahari Desert. Farming wasn’t viable in this arid landscape, so a protected wildlife park was established that now stretches over 260 square miles of subtropical woodlands called the bushveld. Madikwe Game Reserve is home to elephants, rhinos, Cape buffalos, antelopes, leopards, and lions, like our curious friend here. In addition, some 350 bird species have been counted inside the park. Folks who want to get a gander at the magnificent bushveld and its residents can choose from the many safaris and lodges offered throughout the park.
Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the fifth largest game reserve and is also one of the lesser- known parks in South Africa. This makes it a hidden- gem as it is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers the Big 5 in a 680 km2 park (750 km2 including newly incorporated privately owned land).
The park offers a number of luxurious lodges as well as community lodges in a malaria- free zone.
About 90 kilometres north of the town of Zeerust is Madikwe Game Reserve. It is situated against the Botswana border close to the Kalahari Desert. It is roughly 3.5 hours in a car from Johannesburg/ Pretoria. Safari Lodges are mostly located around the eastern and western gate.
The land where Madikwe now stands was previously used as farming land. The poor soil meant that farming was mostly unsuccessful and the South African government then decided that it would best be used as a national park to help economically uplift the disadvantaged area..
In 1991 the area was declared a reserve and 10 000 mammals were relocated from other National Parks. The park is home to approximately 66 large mammals and roughly 300 bird species.
You will find all this flora and fauna in an area comprised of vast open plains of grasslands, woodlands, rocky outcrops and single mountains.
The area is bordered in the south by the Dwarsberg Mountains.
Madikwe Game Reserve is home to the highly endangered African Dogs who are declining rapidly even more with rising temperatures associated with climate change with climbing temperature too hot for hunting.
The Big 5 is represented in the park and you are likely to spot a lion, leopard, elephant, rhino or buffalo. During your visit you will also have the rare privilege of possibly seeing the highly endangered African Wild Dog.
In 1994, a small group of six wild dogs were introduced into the park. This founding group has seen a challenging introduction into the park with rabies outbreaks, territorial clashes and encounters with lions.
Despite the odds, current day Madikwe has a thriving wild dog population with three hunting packs roaming the park. The dogs are somewhat accustomed to safari vehicles offering spectacular photographic opportunities. Madikwe Game Reserve’s conservation efforts to protect the ‘painted dog’ are in place to help conserve this majestic diminishing species.
