South Africa is one of those places on the planet where, in every corner, nature takes advantage of the slightest opportunity to show its purest, surprising and wild face. AND Madikwe, the country’s fifth largest nature reserve, offers an unforgettable experience for those who dare to hear his call. This reserve, located in the Northwest province, near the border with Botswana and the Kalahari Desert, It is a sanctuary of 750 square kilometers where the savanna landscape unfolds in all its splendor.
Under an infinite sky and the watchful gaze of the different species that inhabit it, Madikwe is much more than a spectacular tourist destination, it is a unique opportunity to enter the heart of the African continent. And, unlike its famous neighbor, the Kruger National Park, Madikwe offers a more intimate and exclusive experience, as it remains a relatively unknown to international tourism.
© JAVIER GARCIA BLANCOAs soon as you cross one of the five entrance gates to the reserve, the experience in Africa It begins aboard a huge open-top SUV. As the vehicle moves forward, it is impossible to escape the sensation of being immersed in a documentary. National Geographic. During the game drive (safaris), that are carried out at dawn and dusk, the golden colors of the savanna They come to life with the appearance, at every step, of giraffes, impalas, zebras, wild dogs (the reserve is one of the best places in South Africa to see this endangered species) and countless other animals.
© Javier Garcia BlancoHere wildlife appears at every turn of the road, among bushes and acacias, but, without a doubt, the greatest prize for any visitor is to see the so-called Big Five: lion, elephant, black rhinoceros, buffalo and leopard. These creatures, known to be the most imposing and dangerous to humans, symbolize the indomitable spirit of Africa.
© Javier Garcia Blanco
© Javier Garcia BlancoSafaris aboard jeeps are, without a doubt, moments full of emotion. But nothing can compare to the experience of participating in a bush walka walking tour through the savanna. We ventured through the reserve early one morning, when the sun has just begun to rise over the horizon. “No matter what happens, don’t run,” warns Ernie, our rangera moment before showing us how to handle the rifle he carries on his shoulder. “It’s just a precaution, in case something happens to me,” he adds.
His smile is intended to be reassuring, but it is difficult not to feel a certain uneasiness knowing that, through those same places where we are walking now – at every step we find footprints and excrement of all types of species –, fearsome predators have recently passed that would be delighted to become your breakfast. We walk in line, in absolute silence, while only the muffled sound of our footsteps is heard in the apparent silence of the savanna. The air is thick with expectation, and the reward is not long in coming: a herd of elephants is feeding just a few dozen meters away. It is a vision so majestic that it leaves you speechless.
© Javier Garcia BlancoIn the immensity of the savanna, The most shocking moments almost always occur unexpectedly. Another afternoon, back on board the SUV, Ernie drives us to a place where, according to others, rangers by radio, a lion has hunted a kudu. Upon arrival, the king of the savanna rests next to the remains of his prey, keeping a close watch while several jackals and a large spotted hyena cautiously and patiently await an opportunity. The imposing presence of the feline, with its characteristic mane and predatory instinct transmitted by his deep yellow eyes, remind us that in Madikwe the human being is a mere guest, witness to a natural cycle as beautiful as it is brutal.
© @madikwesafarilodgeBut Madikwe is not just synonymous with wildlife. In addition to the game drives and adrenaline-charged walking safaris, the reserve has luxury accommodations that allow you to enjoy the surroundings with all the modern comforts. Madikwe Safari Lodge, For example, it offers in its forty seats a unique experience with its luxurious suites and private pools, where guests can relax and watch wildlife from the comfort of their rooms. This splendid establishment also allows you to discover one of the most characteristic culinary traditions of the country, the Boma barbecue (or braai, as it is more popularly known among locals), in which different meats such as chicken, lamb or pork are cooked on the grill, and in which the boereworssome tasty sausages.
Another establishment that stands out for its exclusivity is the Mateya Safari Lodge, a retreat nestled in the rocky hills of Gabbro, from where you can enjoy impressive views of the savanna. This lodge It has only five suites luxury, equipped with all the comforts, and capacity for a maximum of ten guests. This limitation guarantees personalized attention and absolute privacy, in an environment surrounded by elegant common areas decorated with impeccable taste and enriched with a magnificent collection of works of art.
© Javier Garcia Blanco
© @mateyasafariFor his part, the Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Lodge offers a combination of sophistication and closeness to nature, ideal for those seeking an unforgettable experience of luxury and adventure. This accommodation is run by the couple Cherie and Adam Whitfield, two nature enthusiasts who have lived there since 2011 with their three children. With capacity for 17 guests, the Royal Madikwe offers the possibility of staying in one of its three double suites or in one of its two exclusive villas (with capacity for five and six people, respectively).
© JAVIER GARCIA BLANCOFrom the safety and comfort of the private terrace of one of these suites, With a refreshing drink in hand and the pool within reach, you can observe, at any time of the day, the fascinating parade of animals – elephants, buffaloes, zebras, among others – who come, almost in a kind of pilgrimage, to quench their thirst in the large pond located in front of the suites and private villas.
© JAVIER GARCIA BLANCOAt the end of the day, when the sun sets and the big cats are getting ready to come out In search of food, time seems to stop in Madikwe. However, this stillness is just an illusion; Under the cloak of darkness, the fight for survival is just beginning for many inhabitants of the savannah. In the distance, the roar of a predator echoes, and although we are sheltered in the safety of our lodgeit is inevitable not to feel a chill. It is a primitive response, the call of the wild, a reminder that, deep down, we are also part of this indomitable, incredibly beautiful planet.