50Madikwe & the NorthWild dogMadikwe Game Reserve is one of the best places in thecountry to observe theseincredible predators.Johannesburg Apartheid MuseumA fascinating insight into SouthAfrica's apartheid era. SowetoTake a tour of this sprawlingtownship, which bordersJohannesburg, and visit atraditional shebeen (bar). The northern stretch of SouthAfrica is vast and varied,extending from the Kruger NationalPark in the east to the Botswanaborder in the west. Here you will find dramatic scenery, some superbwildlife viewing and two of thecountry's major cities, Pretoria andJohannesburg. In the midst of thebushveld, Sun City is packed withhotels, golf courses, casinos and awaterpark. Our favourite part of thisregion is the Madikwe Game Reserve,one of South Africa's largest malaria-free game reserves. The concentrationof wildlife here is excellent, includingthe Big Five and there is a goodchance of sighting wild dog huntingin packs. Birdlife is similarlyimpressive, with around 350 recordedspecies found in the varied habitats. Malaria-free safariThe lack of malaria makes this afamily-friendly safari destination.Lioness and cubs, Madikwe Game ReserveZebra, Madikwe Game ReserveWild dog, Madikwe Game Reserve

Find out more For more practical information about travel in Madikwe & the North, please seeour website.www.audleytravel.com/southafricaInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate informationand articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our SouthAfrica specialists 01993 838 550?Madikwe Game ReserveTucked away in the far northern reaches of thecountry, on the border with Botswana, isMadikwe Game Reserve, encompassing animpressive 75,000 hectares. Established in 1991, it was the site of one of Africa's largest ever gamerelocation programmes, where some 8,000animals were moved into the reserve. Today thewildlife is well habituated and includes rhino,leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant and mostsignificantly wild dog. Madikwe is one of the bestplaces in South Africa to witness these rarepredators, which are famed for their huntingtechniques. The terrain is quite unique; vastsavannah plains dotted with rocky kopjes stretchendlessly to the horizon, offering a contrast to the dense bush found in other safari destinationsin the country. MADIKWESAFARILODGEThis delightful safari lodge occupies a superbposition in the northeast of Madikwe, with viewsof the Dwarsberg Hills in the distance. There are20 suites, spread across three exclusive camps,creating a small lodge experience. Two of thecamps are family friendly, welcoming children of all ages. Each spacious suite is decorated in warmearthy tones, with thatched roof, fireplace andsitting area. French doors lead onto a balconywith sunloungers and a private plunge pool. Themain areas have plenty of comfortable chairs andfireplaces and all boast views of the Marico Riverweaving across the plains. PretoriaThis vibrant university city is South Africa's capital and is smaller than nearby Johannesburg.The Union Buildings are a fine example of colonialarchitecture and are the centre of government.The city is also the starting point for luxury railjourneys on Rovos Rail and Blue Train. Madikwe & the North51JohannesburgWhilst most visitors fly in and out ofJohannesburg without stopping, some itinerariesrequire an overnight stop due to timings. If youhave time to spare before you move on, the cityoffers several areas of interest to visitors and we can arrange a guided tour to include these.One example is the Apartheid Museum, anexperience which is informative, humbling andengaging. Displays of photographs, film and textslead through the precursors to the years ofsegregation, accounts of life during apartheid, and the historic release from prison of NelsonMandela. Another option is a guided tour of thetownship of Soweto which surroundsJohannesburg, perhaps stopping in a shebeen(bar) to sample a locally brewed beer.Audley in Madikwe & the NorthGame drives in the Madikwe Game Reservetraverse vast open plains, exploring theshadows of the kopjes for leopard, or packsof wild dogs hunting antelope. The vastnessof the reserve and variation in the terrainmakes Madikwe quite distinctive. The guidesat our chosen lodges know the area insideout, ensuring you have the best chance ofseeing the majority of the wildlife on offerhere. Visitors spending time in the cities ofJohannesburg and Pretoria can enjoy somesuperb restaurants and interesting museums.Pretoria is the prettier of the two cities, withjacaranda-lined streets, pretty parks and theSouth African government headquarters.PracticalitiesJohannesburg is the main hub forinternational flights in and out of SouthAfrica, so access to this region is simple. The Madikwe Game Reserve is easilyaccessed by light aircraft flight right into thereserve. From here you are just a game drive away from your accommodation.Alternatively we can arrange a road transferfor those wishing to experience more of thecountry. Madikwe has a subtropical climate.Its winters (June-September) are fairly drymaking it a particularly good choice duringthese months.AccommodationAccommodation in Madikwe Game Reserveincludes a choice of safari lodges. We havebeen working with these for years, and canassure you of excellent guides, comfortableaccommodation and stunning views. InJohannesburg and Pretoria you can chooseanything from a city hotel to a boutiqueproperty in the suburbs.Elephant drinking, Madikwe Game ReserveSpringbok, Madikwe Game ReserveApartheid Museum, Johannesburg