5 Fascinating Facts About Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa is a remarkable example of conservation success and a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Known for its rich biodiversity and unique history, Madikwe offers visitors an unparalleled safari experience.

In this blog post, we will explore five fascinating facts about Madikwe Game Reserve that highlight its significance and allure.

1. It’s the site of the largest wildlife relocation program in the world.

The unique conservation success story of Madikwe Game Reserve started the world’s largest wildlife relocation program, known as Operation Phoenix. Established in 1991, the reserve was transformed from degraded farmland into a thriving wildlife haven over a period of six years. Approximately 8,000 animals of 28 different species were relocated to Madikwe Game Reserve. These included elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and many other species, both predator and prey.

The relocation process was meticulously planned and executed. Animals were captured from various locations, including other game reserves, national parks, and private reserves, and transported to Madikwe. The operation involved a combination of techniques such as darting, using bomas (temporary enclosures), and transportation by trucks and helicopters.

2. It is home to the Super Seven

Madikwe Game Reserve is not only home to the iconic Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), but it also boasts what is known as the “Super Seven” thanks to two additional fascinating species: the cheetah and the African wild dog (also known as the painted wolf).

The inclusion of cheetah and African wild dog alongside the traditional Big Five enhances the safari experience in Madikwe Game Reserve, offering visitors the chance to witness a broader spectrum of Africa’s incredible wildlife. The reserve’s diverse ecosystems and successful conservation programs create an ideal environment for these species to flourish, making it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.

3. The Catholic Church used it as a malaria-free mission base

One of the most appealing aspects of Madikwe Game Reserve is that it is a malaria-free zone, making it a safe and family-friendly safari destination. This allows visitors to enjoy the wilderness without the worry of malaria, which is a common concern in many other safari destinations.

So safe was it in fact, that in the 19th century, the Catholic Church of Rome which brought missionaries to Southern Africa used it as their malaria-free base. A small contingent of priests and missionaries settled in the Dwarsberg area and eventually built a mission station in the 1880s which was used by priests serving in life-threatening malaria areas to rest and recover from the mosquito-borne illness.

4. It is the site of the largest Iron Age stone-built city in South Africa

The Kaditshwene Ruins, also known as the Tshwenyane Hills, are a significant archaeological site located within the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa. These ruins represent the remnants of the largest Iron Age stone-built city in the country and hold great historical and cultural importance. One a bustling and thriving city dating back to before the 1600s until around 1823, Kaditshwene was one of the most significant urban centres in Southern Africa with an estimated population between 16,000 and 20,000 people.

The ruins of the city include the remains of stone-built structures which highlight the sophisticated architectural techniques used by the Bahurutshe. The city’s layout and construction methods reflect a high level of organisation and planning offering an additional layer of interest for visitors who come to the reserve primarily for wildlife viewing.

5. There are plans to expand the reserve

The proposed expansion of the conservation corridor aims to connect Madikwe Game Reserve with Pilanesberg Game Reserve, creating a larger wilderness area for wildlife to roam freely. This corridor has been in negotiation for the past 15 years and is crucial for allowing elephants a broader migration area, which will help alleviate the congestion in Madikwe caused by the game fencing that disrupts their natural movement. By removing internal fences, the combined conservation area will expand to 300,000 hectares (3,000 square kilometres), linking Madikwe’s 750 square kilometres with Pilanesberg’s 572 square kilometres.

Currently, Madikwe’s elephant population has grown to over 1,200, putting pressure on the reserve’s vegetation and ecosystem. The proposed corridor will not only benefit elephants by following an ancient migratory route but will also support other wildlife, like antelope, by preventing overgrazing and allowing grasslands to recover. Additionally, the corridor will enhance genetic diversity and knowledge sharing among elephant herds, which is vital for their health and well-being.

Madikwe Game Reserve is a testament to conservation and the beauty of nature. From its groundbreaking wildlife relocation program to its status as a home to the Super Seven and historically significant ruins, Madikwe offers a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors.

Experience it all from your comfortable base at Tuningi Safari Lodge in central Madikwe Reserve. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Image credits:
Gavin Tonkinson
Andrew Taylor
ResearchGate/Jan C.A. Boeyens