| Travel
& Accommodation Guide to South Africa |
 |
|
|
|
|
Accommodation
in the North West Province of South Africa - Madikwe Game Reserve
|
|
|
| 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.
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
|
MADIKWE
GAME RESERVE - EASTERN REGION - NORTH WEST PROVINCE - GAME & SAFARI
LODGES
|
|
| "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
|
| 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
Private Safari Lodge, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE |
 |
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. |
 |
Motswiri
Private 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. |
 |
HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED BY OUR TRAVEL PARTNER:
Royal
Madikwe Luxury Safari Lodge, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
Royal
Madikwe Luxury Safari Lodge features modern, African-inspired décor
and the main clubhouse features a cosy lounge, restaurant and kid’s club.
The elegant units offer air conditioning, a minibar and a safe. Some units
have a seating area and viewing deck with a hot tub. Each unit comes with
an en suite bathroom and features views of the bush and mountain. Royal
Madikwe Luxury Safari Lodge serves wholesome meals with local and international
influences. The restaurant offers gourmet game dishes and breakfast is
served on the lower deck which overlooks the water hole. The reserve boasts
a variety of wildlife and panoramic views of the African savannah. A massage
can be arranged upon request and children can enjoy a variety of activities
in the games room. |
 |
The
Bush House, Game Lodge, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
Located
within the Madikwe Game Reserve, The Bush House features a lush garden,
terrace and outdoor pool. The malaria free reserve boasts the Big 5, a
variety of wildlife and birds. The lodge’s rooms are decorated in warm
and natural colours, they offer air conditioning and a patio with a view.
Each room features a private entrance, coffee machine and a safe. At Bush
House the restaurant offers a variety of dishes and guests can enjoy breakfast
in the garden or dinner under the stars. There is also a bar and special
diet menus can be arranged upon request. Guests may occasionally see animals
drinking from the waterhole which is located in front of the lodge. Other
facilities include a gift shop and shared lounge. Free WiFi is available
at the lodge and Pilanesberg is 97 km away. |
More
accommodation in Madikwe Game Reserve
Top
Browse
all accommodation in North West Province, South Africa
|
|
|
|
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.
Top
|
|
|
