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Thakadu River Camp - Madikwe Game Reserve

Thakadu River Camp is a luxurious yet eco-friendly tented safari lodge located in the Madikwe Game Reserve, a malaria-free Big Five reserve in the North West Province of South Africa, near the Botswana border. The camp is unique as it is community-owned by the Batlhako people, providing an authentic African safari experience while supporting local conservation and development.

  • SELF-DRIVE PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • 2 Nights accommodation at Bongani Mountain Lodge

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily

  • BONUS:

  • 2 game drives daily

  • Duration: 2 Nights

  • Self-drive

2 nights from only R4 500 per person sharing

Thakadu River Camp

 

Accommodation

Thakadu River Camp offers 12 tented suites, all elevated on wooden decks overlooking the Marico River. The suites combine modern comfort with classic safari charm, featuring:

  • King-sized or twin beds with mosquito nets

  • Private viewing decks with river or bush views

  • Air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms

  • Indoor showers with natural stone finishes

Four of the suites are family-friendly, with extra space for children.

 

Dining & Cuisine

The lodge provides all-inclusive gourmet meals, served in various settings:

  • Dining Deck – Overlooks the river, perfect for alfresco meals.

  • Boma Dinners – Traditional African dining under the stars, with a firepit.

  • Bush Picnics & Sundowners – Special dining experiences arranged in the wild.

The cuisine blends African flavors with international influences, and dietary preferences are catered for.

 

Safari Activities & Wildlife

Thakadu River Camp offers some of the best safari experiences in Madikwe:

Game Drives & Wildlife:

  • Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with expert rangers.

  • Home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino).

  • Rare sightings of African wild dogs, cheetahs, and brown hyenas.

  • Excellent birdwatching with over 350 species recorded.

 

Additional Activities:

  • Bush Walks – A guided walking safari to explore smaller wildlife and plant life.

  • Star Gazing – Madikwe’s remote location offers breathtaking night skies.

  • Cultural Visits – Learn about the Batlhako community and their traditions.

 

Facilities & Amenities

✔️ Swimming Pool – Overlooks the bush, great for relaxation between game drives.
✔️ Lounge & Bar – Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas with a fireplace.
✔️ Wi-Fi Available – Limited connectivity to keep you in touch.
✔️ Kids’ Program – Child-friendly safaris, interactive activities, and babysitting on request.

 

Why Choose Thakadu River Camp?

✔️ Malaria-free Big Five safari – Safe for families.
✔️ Tented luxury with an eco-friendly ethos – A unique blend of comfort and nature.
✔️ Community-owned lodge – Supporting local conservation and culture.
✔️ Excellent game viewing – Especially wild dogs, elephants, and big cats.

 

Pricing & How to Book

  • Peak Season (July – October, December – January): From ZAR 6,500 – ZAR 8,500 per person per night (including meals and game drives).

  • Low Season (May – June, February – March): From ZAR 4,500 – ZAR 6,500 per person per night.

 

Rates usually include:
✅ Luxury accommodation
✅ All meals
✅ Twice-daily game drives
✅ Teas, coffees & snacks

 

📍 Getting There

  • By Car: ±4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg.

  • By Air: Charter flights available from OR Tambo International Airport to Madikwe Airstrip.

 

Would you like assistance with a quote or booking?

Enquiries

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SafariDeals ~ The place to book your Southern Africa Safari

 

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SafariDeals ~ Your one stop safari shop.  We supply safaris and game lodge experiences in South Africa and neighbouring African countries such as Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania & Kenya.
 

Contact SafariDeals:  Mobile: +27 82 871 5980   Email:  info@safarideals.co.za 
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