In the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve

Utterly private glass-fronted suites, camouflaged by tamboti-beamed thatch roofs with private plunge pools amongst the boulders.

In the North West Province of South Africa, Madikwe Hills is situated at the edge of the Marico River, under a grove of Tamboti and Marula trees. Raised wooden walkways link the main areas with the private cottages scattered across the hillside and offer wonderful views to the plains below where black rhino roam freely amongst the ‘Big 5’. Set within 75,000 hectares of safari park, Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge is situated on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve.

Eleven luxurious suites, each with a private veranda and private plunge pool, are placed amongst the boulders for complete privacy. Each well-spaced and utterly private glass-fronted suite has been designed for relaxation and comfort, with soft sofas, mosquito netting and cotton picot linen. Overhead fans and air-conditioning are a welcome respite from the African heat. Wooden walkways lit by hurricane lamps criss-cross the grounds and connect the secluded suites to the central open-plan lounge, bar, wine cellar, library and dining area up the slope, where cooling fans make slow rotations and the giant twisted trunks of leadwood trees hold up the vaulted ceiling.

Activities include game drives, bird watching, and bush dinners. Madikwe Game 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. Those with a passion for wildlife photography will be able to get various tips from their ranger on taking the perfect safari picture, while on their game drive. Madikwe Hills rangers are avid fans of photography, many of them having entered renowned international and local competitions with great results.

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When to go to South Africa

Find out the best time to visit South Africa with our month by month guide.

Best
Good
Mixed

January

January is the perfect time to visit the Cape, whether you want to lounge on a beach or soak up culture in the Winelands on a Garden Route trip.

It's wet season for safari, with sunny periods interspersed with heavy tropical rainstorms. It is the end of the birthing season in the Kruger bringing high numbers of impala, wildebeest and more causing hunting frenzies among the predators.

February

The hottest month of the year in Cape Town, February is the ideal month to enjoy a glass of wine and culinary delights in the Winelands or to visit the sandy beaches and witness beautiful views along the Garden Route with few other tourists.

Avoid safari, weather is humid with considerable rainfall.

March

March is still hot and dry across South Africa with Cape Town receiving less rainfall than the rest of the country. It is a fantastic time for wildlife photographers visiting the Kruger National Park region, with clear skies, low humidity, less dust and vegetation at its most lush it makes for vivid photographs.

Both the Winelands and Garden Route are fantastic at this time of year.

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April

April is a quieter month in comparison to March, the weather is warm and dry throughout the country making it a prime time to combine different regions. The lower temperatures mean it is a perfect time to hike up Table Mountain, explore culture at Robben Island or visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

In the Kruger it is rutting season, with males at their most impressive, meaning visitors can see some spectacular fighting.

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May

Peak summer crowds have died down, making it a good time to visit if you're not looking for hot weather. Days are warm and dry, with chilly evenings.

June

In June the wet season arrives, with almost all days experiencing some rain. The Kruger region enjoys exceptional game viewing, thinning vegetation means wildlife stays close to sources of water, meaning it is easier to track game.

July

July is prime whale watching season along the coast of the Western Cape, with the best sightings from Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay when they come closer to shore to give birth. During this time the Cape is at the peak of the wet season with cool and drizzly weather.

The Kruger National Park enjoys exceptional game viewing with comfortable temperatures and drying rainfall.

August

August is the time when beautiful wildflowers start to bloom across the Western and Northern Cape, particularly in the Namaqua region. It is also the start of the dry season, with colder temperatures passing and daytime temperatures rising significantly.

Both whale watching and game viewing is good in August.

September

September is great for wildlife viewing, with game giving birth in the bush and whales frequently spotted along the coast. It is a good month to combine regions and see the best of South Africa.

October

October is one of the best months to combine regions, with temperatures heating up across the country it is a temperate time to travel.

November

November brings the rains to the Kruger and Kwazulu Natal, its not all bad because the afternoon thunderstorms can be phenomenal.

The Cape sees the last of the whale watching season.

December

December is a busy month for travel in South Africa. Summer is in full swing in Cape Town, if you don't mind crowds then there is no better time to explore. Meanwhile in the Kruger, there is an abundance of young animals with glory and flame lilies in full bloom making for spectacular photography opportunities.

Top Tip - the festive season in South Africa fills up quickly, so trips and excursions need to be booked in advance.

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