Madikwe Big-5 Breakaway

Go off-grid in the heart of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve

Take a mid-week or weekend breakaway with 2-nights at Madikwe Game Reserves' only truly authentic bush camp and eco lodge. A rustic and intimate unfenced camp – the only one of its kind in Madikwe – this family owned and run eco lodge firmly follows "thrills over frills", following ecotourism principles which allow you to tread responsibly in the African bush.

As one of the lesser-known Big-5 game reserves, Madikwe is a hidden gem situated in South Africa's North West Province, bordering Botswana and close to the Kalahari Desert. A 4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg, this 750 square kilometre (290 sq mi) conservation area was established in 1994 and is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa for a Big 5 safari experience.

• Comfortable accommodation in raised thatched cabins with twin beds (with private toilet and shower)
• All meals per day
• Two game drives a day with our expert field guides
• Snacks on your drives
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance

• Reserve Entrance Fee, per person once off, which we collect from you on behalf of North West Parks and Tourism Board
• Madikwe Guest Conservation Fee, per guest per night, which we collect from you on behalf of the Madikwe Concessionaires Forum (guests will need to bring cash for these fees, as the bush camp does not have credit card facilities)
• Alcoholic and Soft Drinks (a reasonable selection of beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks can be purchased at the bush camp)
• Staff gratuities and all other items of a personal nature

Sustainable Development Impact

While the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are global concerns, and not aimed specifically at the travel and tourism industry, target 8.9 of the 2030 Agenda aims to "by 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products". In this regard, tourism has the potential to contribute, directly or indirectly to all 17 SDGs.

Travel with Purpose

For every night you spend at Lalibela and at Kuzuko, you make a difference through the Conservation and Community Levies that are included in this Winter Combo Special package rates deal. 100% of the levy funds collected are spent on the respective game reserves sustainable tourism projects.

Considering the track history and documented evidence of both Lalibela's and the Kuzuko Foundation Trust's commitments to conservation and community upliftment, Naturecrazi considers their respective SDG "qualifying criteria" as follows:

• SDG 1: Creates fixed term and permanent job opportunities for local communities.
• SDG 2: Actively engages in community feeding schemes and food growing agricultural projects.
• SDG 3: Works with local community health clinics.
• SDG 4: Contributes to sustainable local community development through education programs and research.
• SDG 6: Provides for careful handling and disposal of solid waste and sewage. Uses alternative, sustainable means of water acquisition and reduces water consumption.
• SDG 7: Meets its energy needs through passive design and renewable energy resources.
• SDG 8: Has planted 26 million Spekboom, resulting in 1,182 tonnes of CO2 already captured (Kuzuko).
• SDG 11: Uses traditional building technology and materials wherever possible and combines these with their modern counterparts.
• SDG 12: Grows and sources food ingredients locally, recycles food waste organically, and avoids plastic beverage containers where possible.
• SDG 13: Lodge construction and operation has minimal impact on the natural environment. Blends with local physical and cultural environment through careful attention to form, landscaping and colour, as well as the use of local traditional architecture.
• SDG 15: Conserves and rehabilitates the surrounding flora and fauna. Offers educational interpretive programmes to both its employees and tourists about the surrounding natural and cultural environments.

• Full pre-payment is required prior to arrival via Bank Transfer.
• 50% cancellation charge if cancellation occurs between 15 and 30 days prior to arrival.
• No cancellation charges will be levied in the case of a force majeure event (bookings that have been prepaid, will be refunded).

If you need flights to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) airport (PLZ) and car hire, our handy airline aggregator will find the best prices for your dates.