Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe is among the largest reserves in South Africa and remains one of its quieter parks — a hidden gem regarded as one of the continent's finest conservation areas. It offers the Big Five across roughly 680 km² of grassland plains, woodland and single mountains.

Crucially for families, Madikwe is malaria-free. Around 66 large mammal species and some 300 birds are found here, and the reserve is one of the most reliable places in the country to see the endangered African wild dog.