Trip Planner

Madikwe is 400km from Joburg via Sun City or Zeerust, about a four-and-a-half-hour drive. From Molatedi Gate, the time to each lodge varies (a map is provided). You may drive to and from your lodge but game drives are for safari vehicles only.

A far quicker way of getting there is in a small plane, operated by Federal Airlines. Forget the ratrace feel of OR Tambo – you catch your flight at Hanger 14, a private terminal on the far edge of the runway, enjoying personalised pre-boarding service (smiles, free drinks, snacks in the lounge or in the garden); then a short and shuddery taxi along the tarmac before the one-hour flight to one of two bush airstrips (Madikwe East or Madikwe West) where a vehicle and ranger will be waiting to take you on a game drive to your lodge. fedair.com

Park entry to the reserve is R180 pp by road, or R240 by plane. There’s a daily conservation fee of R165 per adult; half that for children under 12.