Neutral colours for drives — khaki, olive, brown. Avoid bright white and dark blue. Warm layers for winter mornings. An open vehicle at 6 °C at speed is colder than the thermometer suggests. Sun hat, high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses. Binoculars. One pair per person if you can manage it. A camera with the longest lens you own, and more memory than you think you need. Any personal medication — the nearest pharmacies are outside the park.

Frequently asked questions | Madikwe Game Reserve

Is the Pilanesberg really malaria free?

Yes. The Pilanesberg and the Madikwe Game Reserve are in a malaria-free zone. No prophylactics are needed. This is the main reason families with young children choose it over the Kruger and the Lowveld reserves.

Will we see the Big Five?

All five are present and sightings of elephant, both rhino species, buffalo and lion are common. Leopard is the difficult one anywhere in Africa — seen regularly but never guaranteed. Anyone who guarantees you a leopard is selling something.

When should we come?

May to September for the best game viewing; October to April for birding, green landscapes and generally lower rates. The full seasonal breakdown is here.

Can we self-drive, or do we need guided drives?

The main Pilanesberg park is open to self-drive visitors on its road network. The Madikwe concession is not — access is restricted to lodge guests, and game viewing there is done on guided open-vehicle drives. Most guests do both: guided drives from the lodge, plus a self-drive day in the main park if they feel like it.

Are children welcome?

At most lodges, yes, and the malaria-free status makes this an unusually good first safari for a family. Some lodges set minimum ages for game drives or are exclusive-use only. Tell us the ages of your children when you enquire and we will only suggest places that genuinely suit.

What should we pack?

Neutral colours for drives — khaki, olive, brown. Avoid bright white and dark blue.
Warm layers for winter mornings. An open vehicle at 6 °C at speed is colder than the thermometer suggests.
Sun hat, high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses.
Binoculars. One pair per person if you can manage it.
A camera with the longest lens you own, and more memory than you think you need.
Any personal medication — the nearest pharmacies are outside the park.

How far is it from Johannesburg?

Around 200 km, roughly two and a half hours by road. Lanseria airport is closer at about an hour and a half. Full directions here.

Are conservation fees included in the lodge rate?

It depends on the lodge. Park fees were increased substantially on 1 December 2025, so this is worth confirming rather than assuming. We check it for you as part of every quote. Current fees.

How far ahead should we book?

For July and August, and for the December school holidays, several months. The lodges here are small and they fill. Outside those peaks, a few weeks is usually enough.

Do you charge a booking fee?

No. You pay the same as you would booking the lodge directly, and we do the legwork of checking availability and rates across all of them at once.

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