Upon arrival to Johannesburg, you will be welcomed at the door of your aircraft by a local representative holding a sign with your name on it. Alongside your assistant, you will be directed through immigration, baggage collection and customs.

A private transfer between the airport and your hotel is provided.

Today’s tour seamlessly combines two of Johannesburg’s most popular attractions while giving you an opportunity to take a closer look at South Africa’s turbulent past. Beginning with a visit to Soweto (South Western Township), a sprawling “city within a city” which is home to many who work in various parts of the greater metropolitan area of the Witwatersrand. Take in a panoramic view of Soweto from the footbridge of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital before a visit to the Mandela House Museum - formerly the home of Nelson Mandela, and an interesting stop for those keen to take in some of the history relating to the world's most famous former prisoner. You will drive past the mansion where Winnie Madikizela-Mandela lived before making your way to the Hector Pieterson Memorial in Orlando West. After a stop for lunch (not included) you will proceed to the Apartheid Museum. Here, embark on a historical voyage of discovery, a personal exploration of the past that examines the story of apartheid right up to the first democratic elections held in 1994. Explore the complex on your own, with your guide on hand to assist you with insight and information relating to the exhibits which detail the rise and fall of apartheid, through a variety of media including graphic film footage, photographs, text panels and artifacts. Your tour will then end with a transfer back to your hotel.

A private transfer between the airport and your hotel is provided.

Board a scheduled charter flight in Johannesburg with direct service to Madikwe. Approximate flight time is one hour.

Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this charter flight: 1) Maximum of one soft-shell checked bag, weighing up to 44lb (20kg); Checked bags cannot be larger than 24” x 16” x 12” (60cm x 40cm x 30cm). 2) Guests can also bring one piece of carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of 11lb (5kg). Hard-case luggage will not be permitted on the charter plane. Space for extra luggage can be provided by purchasing an additional seat on the plane (allowing for up to 88lb/40 kg of extra luggage).

Madikwe Safari Lodge offers an extraordinary safari experience in the heart of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Renowned for its luxurious yet intimate setting, the lodge provides expertly guided game drives that showcase Africa's iconic wildlife, including the Big Five, African wild dogs, and over 350 bird species. Guests can also enjoy immersive bush walks, stargazing, and bush dining, all tailored to enhance their connection with nature.

Traversing over 75 000 hectares of vast plains, Madikwe Game Reserve offers spectacular game viewing malaria-free. The reserve is home not only to the Big Five of Africa (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino and Leopard), but also to a wealth of over 66 mammal species, including the rare African Wild Dog, as well as Cheetah, Eland, Kudu, Giraffe and a range of more than 300 resident and migratory species of birds. Madikwe is also excellent for the characterful, but sadly endangered African Wild Dog. The African Wild or Hunting Dog is a large canid found only in Africa and hunts in packs of 6 – 20 dogs. They are highly successful hunters and can run long distances.

Dining at Madikwe Safari Lodge is a sensory journey that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of South Africa while embracing international sophistication. Guests can enjoy meals in a variety of settings, from starlit Boma dinners around a roaring fire to intimate private dining on a suite’s deck. The lodge’s chefs craft menus using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, blending authentic South African flavors with global influences. Highlights include traditional dishes like potjiekos and grilled venison, as well as surprises like bush picnics or cocktail tastings in the wilderness. Every detail, from award-winning Cape wines to indulgent Amarula coffee, is designed to enhance the safari experience.​

Embark on an early morning game drive with your expert ranger. Madikwe is known for its diverse wildlife species as a result from the effort put forth in the 90's to encourage conservation with a program named "Operation Phoenix". This epic project is to this day one of the largest game translocation exercises ever undertaken in the world. More than 8,000 animals of 28 species have been released into the Madikwe Game Reserve including elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena, giraffe, antelope and other various herbivores. You’ll be out on the reserve for a few hours before returning to the lodge before lunch.

This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge to embark on your afternoon game drive. The rangers in Madikwe prefer to focus on the “Top Ten” rather than the Big Five. This means that in addition to boasting the most sought-after African species such as lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant and rhino, malaria-free Madikwe is home to hippo, giraffe, wild dog, hyena and cheetah. Of these, the cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena and black rhino are the most endangered species. Enjoy this game drive for a few hours before heading back to the lodge to relax before dinner.

Immerse yourself in the tranquil oasis of the Madikwe Safari Lodge Spa, where the essence of Africa is infused in every treatment. Utilizing unique and organic products, the spa celebrates the purity and potency of African botanicals. Here, ethical sourcing and sustainability are paramount, honoring the land and communities that nurture these precious ingredients. Experience a harmonious blend of nature’s wisdom and scientific innovation, offering you a rejuvenating journey amidst the serene backdrop of the African wilderness.

Please note that additional charges may apply.

Before first light you will meet up with your ranger and head out on a morning game drive. Madikwe’s location close to the edge of the Kalahari Desert means there’s an overlap of a number of species, offering visitors greater viewing diversity. The reserve supports a number of large antelope species, such as eland, gemsbok, sable and nyala, to name but a few. Smaller buck species such as springbok, oribi, duiker and klipspringer also abound. Enjoy your game drive for a few hours before returning to your lodge before lunch.

During this afternoon game drive you’ll understand why the Madikwe Game Reserve is a testimony to an enlightened conservation plan which has created an exceptional environment for wildlife to thrive. To enter Madikwe is to stand at the very threshold of African wilderness. This is a near-perfect ecological environment where every plant, animal, and insect forms an essential part of an intricate web of survival, the epitome of the phrase “Circle of Life.” Here, life and death are one and a necessity for the continued existence of this naturally occurring phenomenon that has been unchanged in Africa for millions of years.

With its remote setting and minimal artificial light, Madikwe Game Reserve offers wonderful conditions for experiencing the African night sky. As darkness settles over the bush, the stars emerge in remarkable clarity, revealing constellations and celestial clusters across the Southern Hemisphere. After a day of safari, take a moment to relax beneath the stars and listen to the sounds of the nocturnal bush around you. Stargazing can be enjoyed from the lodge or as part of an evening experience, often accompanied by stories and insights into the night sky. Far from the lights and distractions of the city, it is a peaceful and memorable way to appreciate another side of the wilderness.

Board a scheduled charter flight departing from the airstrip near your lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve with direct service to Johannesburg. Approximate flight time is one hour.

Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this charter flight: 1) Maximum of one soft-shell checked bag, weighing up to 44lb (20kg); Checked bags cannot be larger than 24” x 16” x 12” (60cm x 40cm x 30cm). 2) Guests can also bring one piece of carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of 11lb (5kg). Hard-case luggage will not be permitted on the charter plane. Space for extra luggage can be provided by purchasing an additional seat on the plane (allowing for up to 88lb/40 kg of extra luggage).

A private transfer between the airport and your hotel is provided.

Nestled in the lush suburb of Melrose, The Peech Hotel offers a boutique sanctuary in the vibrant heart of Johannesburg. This eco-chic retreat blends contemporary sophistication with a strong commitment to responsible tourism. The hotel’s 16 individually designed rooms and suites reflect understated elegance, featuring modern decor and private garden terraces. The interiors are seamlessly integrated with the hotel’s lush grounds, creating a harmonious balance between comfort and nature. Dining at The Peech is an indulgent affair, with two venues offering seasonal menus crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Perfect for the modern traveler, The Peech provides tranquil surroundings complemented by attentive service. Its proximity to key attractions and a commitment to ethical hospitality make it a standout choice for those seeking a meaningful and sophisticated stay. Experience Johannesburg from a fresh perspective at The Peech Hotel, where style meets sustainability.

The name Madikwe translates as ‘place of blood’, ‘the crocodile’ and ‘wealth’ in the indigenous languages of the area, and as such is synonymous with wilderness. Madikwe has a rich heritage, being first home to the ancient San people, and then to Nguni tribes migrating south. Later, missionaries and cattle farmers settled in the area and eked out an existence in the rugged terrain. In the 19th century, Madikwe was part of the Bechuanaland protectorate, and the land, which now forms the reserve, saw action during the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 – 1902. All these myriad histories and experiences linger at Madikwe, making it a unique space in the Southern African landscape. Today, the reserve is an abundant habitat for flora and fauna, which thrive in this wilderness. The rich red timbres of the African earth are reflected in the warm tones of Madikwe Safari Lodge. Cradled between rolling hills, the suites are clustered in three intimate camps. What has been created is a Lodge which blends and flows with the natural landscape.