The Madikwe Game Reserve is located on South Africa’s border with Botswana and is an unmissable safari destination for those who value quality time in the bush.
Nestled in a private corner of this malaria-free reserve is one of our exclusive safari lodges – Molori Safari.
If you’re in two minds about where to book your next safari adventure, we encourage you to read on and meet the Super 7 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant, African wild dog & cheetah), a few of Madikwe’s strongest draw cards that symbolise the success of conservation efforts made in this region.
On this reserve you will encounter Africa’s majestic wildlife in a space that is truly pristine and protected for their benefit.
Big 5 vs. Super 7
While many of us have heard of the ‘Big 5’, a phrase that was rebranded by marketing companies to shift the meaning from ‘the five most dangerous animals to hunt in Africa’ to, ‘the five most sought-after animals to see on safari,’ fewer of us know about the Super 7.
Meet Madikwe’s Super 7:
Lions: Known for their powerful gaze and awe-inspiring presence, lions remain one of the main attractions on safari. They are the kings of the savannah, after all.
Leopards: These elusive big cats are harder to spot, but their beauty and stealth make them highly desirable to see. Here at Molori Safari, we have an excellent record of tracking leopards for our guests.
Elephants: You’re almost guaranteed to see elephants while on safari with us. Spending time with the largest mammal on land never gets old.
Buffaloes: Known for their strong, social herds, buffaloes are one of the most formidable animals in the wild. There’s a reason even lions are wary of them!
Rhinos: Both black and white rhinos are found on the Madikwe Game Reserve, but they are critically endangered and highly protected. We ask that sightings be kept private to preserve their safety.
Cheetahs: These fast and graceful predators are an exciting addition to the list. Cheetahs are endangered and face a variety of challenges, one of which is their need for a large territory – an increasingly scarce commodity. Madikwe is one of the few places in South Africa where cheetahs are frequently spotted.
African wild dogs (Painted Wolves): Madikwe is one of the best places in South Africa to see African wild dogs, which are rare and highly endangered, making them an incredibly sought-after sighting.
Read more about the African wild dogs of Madikwe here.
The addition of the cheetah and the African wild dog to the list makes the Super 7 unique to certain reserves like Madikwe Game Reserve. Combine this with a stay in one of the best safari lodges in South Africa and you have an unforgettable holiday in the making!
Madikwe’s Operation Phoenix
Much like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Madikwe Game Reserve had to be rehabilitated to become the flourishing wilderness it is today.
Introducing Operation Phoenix…
In the early 1990s, the South African government launched Project Phoenix – the biggest game relocation project ever staged. 8000 animals were reintroduced to this landscape, including the Big 5—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos—along with cheetahs, wild dogs, and various antelope. The project aimed to restore predator-prey dynamics and ecological balance to a countryside that had long been overgrazed and over-cultivated.
To ensure long-term success, anti-poaching measures and community involvement were essential. Madikwe became a model for eco-tourism, creating jobs and fostering conservation awareness in surrounding communities.
Today, Madikwe is a thriving sanctuary and one of South Africa’s top conservation success stories.
It’s a powerful reminder that with careful planning, nature can heal and flourish once more.
Up Close & Personal
For guests of Molori Safari, gaining access to the bush and the animals that call it home happens in a number of ways.
Hop on an open 4×4 vehicle for daytime or night game drives, where your experienced guide will lead you on a thrilling adventure to track the Big 5 and other endangered species.
For a more intimate experience, join a guided game walk, where you’ll follow your guide through the bush, learning to track animals on foot and uncovering the hidden wonders of nature.
Exclusively, we also offer a Wild Dog Expedition, where you’ll track this endangered species and learn about their fascinating social dynamics.
For those who prefer to relax, our viewing decks are as great a spot as any to enjoy wildlife sightings! (With a beverage in-hand, of course!)
Stay With Us
Molori Safari, set in the heart of the stunning Madikwe Game Reserve, is one of the best game reserves in South Africa for exclusive, high-end wildlife experiences.
The dry season (May to September) is particularly exceptional, as animals converge around waterholes, offering you prime opportunities to witness nature at its most captivating.
With Molori’s luxurious accommodations and exclusive safari activities, your trip to Madikwe promises unmatched Super 7 encounters, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike.
M: +27 (0) 82 613 5723
E: reservations@molorisafari.com
Molori Safari Highlights:
See the Super 7
Stay in one of the best safari lodges in South Africa
Game drives in an open safari vehicle with a personal guide
Bush walks with a personal guide
Malaria-free reserve within driving distance of O.R. Tambo International Airport