| Travel
& Accommodation Guide to South Africa |
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Accommodation
in the North West Province of South Africa - Madikwe Game Reserve
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| The
North
West Province is mostly pretty close to the urban conurbation of Johannesburg
and Pretoria. While
vast areas are dedicated to maize and cattle farming, and the mining industry
is very well developed, there are some wonderful destinations.
The fantastic Madikwe
Game Reserve, right on the Botswana border is a wonderful place
with all of the Big Five and - major bonus - a large population
of the gorgeous and endangered African wild dog. It's not often
you get to see these particularly attractive animals, with their 'painted'
coats and white tipped tails.
 Another
fantastic reserve is Pilanesburg,
which is situated in an enormous volcanic crater - long extinct, don't
worry. One of the major attractions of Pilanesberg is the hot air balloon
flights from which you're likely to see a variety of animals. Pilanesberg
is smack bang next door to the rather over-the-top casino resort of Sun
City and the outrageous Lost City. As well as gambling,
there are fun rides, water parks, horse trails and two championship golf
courses. It's all designed to separate you from your hard earned cash but,
if you go there expecting that, you'll have loads of fun.
The small town of Groot
Marico is deeply entrenched in the South African psyche as the setting
for the stories of one of the country's most well loved authors - Herman
Charles Bosman. His rather far fetched, hilariously funny and touchingly
poignant short stories tell of the ambitions and misadventures of the thinly
fictionalised residents of this rural enclave in the early 20th century.
And Bosman lives on. The whole town is a tribute to the man who put it
- literally - on the map. The literature map, that is. |
Places in North West Province
| Game
Reserve
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| Resort
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| Tourism
Region
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| Town
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| World
Heritage Site
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| You can do mampoer
tasting trips, which are only recommended for people with strong and healthy
livers, visit the pub in which most of his stories are set, and do some
general tours of the area, including a visit to the Eye of Mariko - a pretty
spring, which is also a rather low key dive site, strangely enough.
Really close to Johannesburg
is the lovely Magaliesburg,
where you'll find all manner of rural pleasures including craft outlets
and studios, coffee shops, restaurants, guest houses, cheese factories,
horse trails and hot air balloon rides.
Vredefort
Dome, World Heritage Site
©safarinow.com |
MADIKWE
GAME RESERVE - EASTERN REGION - NORTH WEST PROVINCE - GAME & SAFARI
LODGES
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| "The
75 000-hectare Madikwe Game Reserve is located in the North West Province
of South Africa. Prior to its establishment in 1991, most of the land consisted
of cattle farms. Since 1991, the park has undergone an intensive phase
of development as a premier game reserve, and this included an extensive
restocking programme with game species that historically occurred in the
region. Madikwe is managed by the North West Parks and Tourism Board, which
was formerly the Bophuthatswana National Parks, a conservation organization
that is world-renowned for its pioneering approach to people-based wildlife
conservation which it has practiced since the late 1970. |
View
Map of Madikwe
Game
Reserve
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| Weather:
Hot, wet summers and cool to dry winters. Rainfall: September to March
Temperature – Daytime temperatures in summer October to March are high
and comfortable. Winter May to August is known to produce beautiful warm
days, though the evenings and early mornings can be quite chilly. Please
note: rates include two game drives per day." Motswiri
Safari Lodge, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE |
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Buffalo
Ridge Safari Lodge, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
Buffalo
Ridge Safari Lodge is a 16-bed luxury facility designed by Nick Plewman,
an acclaimed small lodge designer. The lodge is situated at a prime site
in the west of the Madikwe Game Reserve, straddling the Tweedepoort Ridge
with expansive views across the northern plains and Inselbergs. The
central lodge sits on the slopes of a hill across a ravine, separating
it from the chalets. Each of the chalets is positioned on the ridge with
expansive views to the north. Buffalo Ridge Safari Buffalo Ridge Safari
Lodge is situated on the Tweedepoort Ridge overlooking the plains and inselbergs
of the western section of Madikwe Game Reserve. The lodge has 8 suites,
each with their own viewing deck, decorated in natural hews of colour and
texture, offering a very private and luxurious experience. The thatched
suites, with sliding doors from each room and shower allow the guest to
experience a oneness with the bushveld. |
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Etali
Safari Lodge, Luxury Lodge & Spa, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
Out
of the heart of the spectacular Madikwe Game Reserve, embraced by pristine
bushveld nurtured by Mother Africa’s rich red soil, Etali Safari Lodge
rises to meet you with lavish hospitality. Built in harmony with
nature under the vibrant African sun, Etali is an exclusive, intimate haven,
where body and soul are rejuvenated in surroundings created by people who
understand luxury. You’ll find the accommodation at Etali Safari
Lodge sheer bliss in any one of our eight luxurious air-conditioned suites,
each set apart for total privacy in its own bushveld domain. The mix of
cool and earthy colours in the decor is a peaceful contrast to the unsurpassed
beauty of the sweet-thorn Acacia trees outside. Cooling off in the
splendid outdoor whirlpool, sipping a cocktail as you watch the breathtaking
African sunset on your own deck is the ultimate indulgence. |
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Impodimo
Game Lodge, Luxury Safary Lodge, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
Impodimo
Game Lodge is set along a rocky ridge commanding stunning vistas of the
reserve. It is also located at the source of a natural spring, which provides
the lodge with elevated views as well as riverine serenity. The lodge offers
dawn and dusk safaris. The safaris are carefully timed to ensure optimal
seasonal comfort. Whilst Impodimo has 10 suites, its capacity is
16 guests, each of the suites have been carefully positioned to ensure
absolute privacy. Spacious in design, each includes a closed system fireplace,
climate control air conditioner, mini bar fridge, tea & coffee making
facilities and full en-suite bathroom and outside shower. Your private
deck allows uninterrupted views of the Madikwe Game Reserve. The
owner / manager team of Steve and Debbie are ideally suited to tailoring
the most memorable safari experience. |
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Madikwe
River Lodge Three Cities, Luxury Safari Lodge. MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
Situated
in the heart of the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve just four hours drive
from Johannesburg, Madikwe River Lodge is the perfect venue for both groups
and private guests. Surrounded by 75 000 hectares of African sand
veld, this luxury lodge is ideally positioned on the Groot Marico River,
and is home to the Big Five, wild dog, cheetah and vast open spaces.
Accommodation comprises of: 16 bedrooms, sleeps 32, · 1 Luxury
Suite · 3 Double Rooms (king size beds) · 6 Twin Rooms ·
6 Family Rooms (twin beds and additional sleeper couch) · Cots are
available on request · All rooms are split level, thatched chalets.
Children's Policy: 75 % Discount OFF adult rate. Activities: ·
Game Drives (early morning and late afternoon) · Guided Bush Walks |
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Makanyane
Safari Lodge, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
Makanyane
Safari Lodge is a luxurious new lodge situated on 1800 hectares of private
ground, hidden in the magnificent 75 000 hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game
Reserve. Madikwe is home to lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino,
buffalo, wild dog, cheetah and hyena as well as a host of plains game species
and over 340 bird species. Makanyane Safari Lodge’s eight luxurious
suites are nestled in lush forest on the bank of the Marico River. Spectacular
glass-walled bedrooms give guests uninterrupted views of the surrounding
forest and over the river. Guests are given the opportunity to experience
the drama, mystery and beauty of Africa’s wildlife, ancient legends and
cultural heritage on game drives and bush walks taken by experienced, professional
field guides. A stroll along the shady path winding through the riverine
forest will bring you to your romantic and secluded suite. |
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Motswiri
Safari Lodge, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
Motswiri
is an exclusive five star lodge set in the heart of Madikwe. Set among
a Leadwood forest this lodge really give guests the impression that they
are deep in the African Bush. The magnificent rooms are all very
private and equipped with all the luxuries a discerning traveler could
wish for. This lodge sleeps 10 people and is perfect for corporate getaways
or small groups. The 75 000-hectare Madikwe Game Reserve is located
in the North West Province of South Africa. Prior to its establishment
in 1991, most of the land consisted of cattle farms. Since 1991, the park
has undergone an intensive phase of development as a premier game reserve,
and this included an extensive restocking programme with game species that
historically occurred in the region. |
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Rhulani
Safari Lodge, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
The
adventure begins the moment you arrive at Madikwe Game Reserve. A wonderful
welcome awaits you at the main lodge, Rhulani means “Relax” so sit back
and enjoy! Creating Rhulani has been both stimulating and inspirational,
we set out to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, to build a
modern day refuge, an oasis of calm, a place to nourish the soul and lift
the spirit. We invite you to experience the serenity and harmony of this
special place with us; come celebrate nature, celebrate life! Water
cascades gently into the meandering rock pool around which you will find
ample sun or shade provided by beautiful old Marula trees, an ideal spot
for quiet contemplation. Indoors and outdoors merge effortlessly
at Rhulani, ensuring you magnificent views of the bush. Sit and meditate
awhile; your comfort is assured as you relax surrounded by earthy rich
African colour and our warm hospitality. |
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Tau
Game Lodge, Safari Lodge, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
On
the far northern border of South Africa lies a beautiful area known as
the Great Marico and it is in this spectacular setting, in Malaria free
Madikwe Game Reserve, that Tau Game Lodge is situated. Privately
owned Tau Game Lodge was built in 1995 and overlooks a vast natural waterhole,
which attracts a variety of game, as does the diverse vegetation which
thrives in the fertile topsoil. The lodge was designed to reflect
the natural surroundings and makes use of the natural resources wherever
possible. The main body of the Lodge is two-leveled and has a comfortable
lounge, plunch pool, curio shop, bar and dinning-room which are semi open-air
and overlook the waterhole. Delicious buffet breakfasts and lunches
are generally served in the main building or on the verandah next to the
plunge pool and dinner is served in a cosy boma under the stars. |
More
accommodation in Madikwe Game Reserve
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Vredefort
Dome, World Heritage Site
South Africa’s most recent
UNESCO
World Heritage Site is Vredefort Dome, a dramatic landscape
formed by the impact of a massive meteorite impact structure, called an
astrobleme. Situated roughly 120km south west of Johannesburg
in the Free State, it dates back
2,023 million years and is the oldest astrobleme on the planet. Not only
is it the granddaddy of meteorite craters, Vredefort Dome is also the deepest
and largest with a radius of 190km.
 The
gigantic meteorite impact caused immense shifts in the earth’s crust over
hundreds of kilometres and is evident in the spectacular and somewhat craggy
terrain. The impact zone is remarkably visible in satellite images and
photographs taken from the space shuttle. Vredefort Dome demonstrates exciting
and compelling evidence of the evolution and geological record of the earth.
But there’s more than just
fascinating geological history, the tortured landscape sustains a variety
of natural habitats including an exceptional wild olive forest. The Vaal
River meanders through the hills and there is a great diversity of bird
life with over 400 bird species recorded. Along with excellent birdwatching
there is plentiful small game and the chance of maybe even spotting a nocturnal
leopard or caracal.
For the young at heart or
seriously active, the region is a great place for outdoor and adventure
activities with great horse riding, hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain
biking, fishing and paddling. The sleepy dorp of Vredefort lies within
the crater along with the arty-crafty little town of Parys which
is close to some fun rafting trips on the Vaal River.
Just 30 km North West of
Vredefort
and in the North West Province is the historic university town of
Potchefstroom.
"Potch" has an annual arts festival at the end of September and early October
so booking ahead at this time is a wise idea.
History buffs should check
out the Potchefstroom Museum, which houses a rare Voortrekker wagon from
the Battle of Blood River in 1938. Also of interest is the Totius Museum,
the house that Totius, a celebrated poet and key figure of the Afrikaans
language movement lived in a century ago. Paintings dedicated to him by
the famous and controversial artist Jacob Pierneef adorn the walls.
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