Madikwe & Marakele Safari

ABOUT THIS TRIP

The private Madikwe Game Reserve and the private Marataba Concession in Marakele National Park are probably the two most exclusive safari destinations in the north of South Africa. In contrast to the Kruger Park and the adjacent private game reserves, these two reserves are malaria-free, have a much more varied landscape and can be reached more quickly from Johannesburg. They are also home to the Big Five and offer unique, luxurious lodges for discerning travelers.

This module is in English and can be started daily. Individual changes such as the number of nights, alternative accommodation or additional activities are possible. The tour can be started from/to Cape Town for an additional charge. This tour can also be combined with other of our modules by adding domestic flights or land transfers. We will be happy to provide you with a personalized offer.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 2x Madikwe Game Reserve
• 2x Waterberg

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 4x overnight stay in the Deluxe category *****
• 4x breakfast, 4x lunch, 4x dinner
• private transfers according to program
• four game drives in the Madikwe Game Reserve
• four game drives Marakele National Park
• Travel documents according to the booked tour itinerary
• Local offices with 24-hour hotline (German/English)
• Travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Meals not mentioned
• not mentioned or optional activities
• Flight performance
• Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
• other personal expenses, tips
• personal travel insurance
• Continuous tour guide

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO MADIKWE

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

DAY 1 TO DAY 3:

MADIKWE GAME RESERVE

The malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve was opened in 1991, making it one of the more recently established parks in South Africa. The reserve now covers 75,000 hectares of bushveld, stretching north of the small town of Groot-Marico to the Botswana border. The Dwarsberg Mountains form the border to the south. The terrain consists mainly of wide grass and open bush plains, interrupted by individual inselbergs. Water resources are scarce - apart from the Marico River in the east of the park - and so several dams had to be built. Madikwe impresses with its great biodiversity and is home to the Big Five, among others - a unique safari experience.

The exclusive Tuningi Safari Lodge is located in the western part of the Madikwe Game Reserve. The special feature of the lodge is the waterhole in front of it with a so-called hide, a shelter from which you can observe the animals. The lodge also offers a large lounge, a dining area, a terrace, a boma with a view of the waterhole, a bar, two pools and a fitness area. The six detached chalet suites are spread out on a small hill, all of which have a large terrace with a view of the bush, an outdoor shower and a private plunge pool. The rooms also have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a safe, a minibar and a coffee and tea station. The Family Suites have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC.

You will take part in two guided game drives per night in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. Conservation fees are paid on site.

TUNINGI SAFARI LODGE (LUXURY SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 3: MADIKWE GAME RESERVE

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO MARAKELE

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

DAY 3 TO DAY 5:

WATERBERG

The malaria-free Marakele National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 670 square kilometers. It is located around three hours' drive northwest of Johannesburg, in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, a region that is still quite untouched and scenically beautiful. You can even find the now rare yellowwood trees, mighty cedars, fever trees and cycad palm fern trees up to 5 meters high. The park is home to the Big Five and almost all other African wildlife species. The endangered Cape vultures are spectacular. More than 800 breeding pairs live in the park, the largest population of this vulture species in South Africa.

The luxurious Marataba Safari Lodge, one of only two lodges in this area, is located in a 23,000-hectare private concession within the Marakele National Park. Exclusive game viewing is therefore guaranteed. The lodge consists of 15 high-quality freestanding tented suites, which have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a safe, a tea/coffee maker, a minibar and a terrace with an outdoor shower. The Family Tents also have a small second bedroom with bunk beds for children. The lodge offers free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor deck with pool, a boma (traditional campfire dining area) and a treehouse for overnight stays in the open air (weather permitting, subject to availability).

For each overnight stay, you will take part in two guided game drives in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. Optionally, you can take part in bush walks and river safaris.

MARATABA SAFARI LODGE (LUXURY TENT)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 5: WATERBERG

ONEWAY TRANSFER MARAKELE TO JOHANNESBURG

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking and are based on the number of participants stated. Errors excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personal tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer does not include flights.

The child rate applies to one child under the age of 12 staying in their parents' room. One child under the age of two stays free of charge. For children aged 12 and over, the adult rate generally applies. Not all accommodation allows children of all ages.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance and travel health insurance to cover the costs of assistance, including repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death. We can provide a corresponding offer on request.

A passport is required to enter the country. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 may need to carry additional documents. We will inform you of the exact requirements before you book. Travelers who have stayed in an area at risk of yellow fever must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

This trip is malaria free.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please ask for suitable offers.

The organizer of this trip is South Africa Travel GmbH & Co. KG, Buddestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, Tel +49 521 33676880.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class cost from EUR 900, while prices can be well over EUR 1000 in the high season. Flights in Premium Economy Class are available from 1500 EUR, in Business Class flights cost from 2500 EUR (per person for outward and return flights). All prices are average values depending on the airline and season. The actual prices at a given time depend on the number of bookings and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

A light lunch costs around EUR 5 (small salad, soup) to EUR 8 (pizza, pasta, burger) per person, a dinner around EUR 9 (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to EUR 11 (steak, fish) to EUR 21 (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer or soft drinks cost around EUR 1.60 per cup or glass. Prices may vary upwards or downwards depending on the region or type of restaurant.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.