At least once a year I escape to the bush. I scour the web, check out any specials, get in touch with all my old contacts from my travel days and finally, after making the booking, I count the days down to getting there.

My opportunity arose recently when my son, who lives in Prague informed us that he would be in Jozi on business for a couple days… well, of course I had to go and see him and naturally, I took the opportunity to escape to the bush prior to his arrival.

I chose the Madikwe Game Reserve. It still amazes me to hear that so many locals have never heard of this wonderful Big Five Reserve – and they have wild dog!!!! It is also malaria-free and it’s only about 4 hrs drive from JHB.

This 75 000ha Reserve is quite unique in that there is a three way partnership between North-West Parks and Tourism Board, the private sector and local communities. The Parks Board is responsible for setting up infrastructure and operational management, the private sector funds the construction and management of game lodges which they then market and the community is involved directly though both employment and business opportunities within the reserve and the lodges. This venture is definitely a role model for similar partnerships in SA!!!

We were lucky to be offered a good deal at the Motswiri Private Safari Lodge.

How To Get There?

It’s a 3 – 4 hr drive from Johannesburg, but if travelling from Cape Town, then it is best to fly into Lanseria Airport with one of the low cost carriers like Kulula.com. You then jump into your hire car and take the road via Sun City and Rustenburg to the Reserve. After a very early start from CT, we arrived at Motswiri in time for high tea which was in fact a 3 course lunch! We were very hungry by then so devoured this delicious spread easily and after freshening up were on our safari vehicle by 3.30pm.

Absolute Bliss!

Sometimes, I am not even concerned about the game that we are looking for as it’s just so relaxing being out in the bush. No cell phones, TV and all the other gadgets we just don’t seem to be able to live without! We were very lucky to see rhino at two different locations that evening – unbelievable to think that poachers slaughter these amazing animals for their horns, but that is another story.

Sundowners out in the bush with an amazing sunset set the tone for our stay!

Back at Motswiri, dinner was another gourmet experience – the food is seriously good, the staff very well trained, friendly and helpful. Game Lodges are also always just so romantic and in winter, with log fires burning and candle lit dinners, what more could one ask for.

There are only 5 suites at Motswiri so it’s really intimate, the suits are large and there is a fireplace (a must in winter) separating the sleeping area from the very large en-suite. The bathtub is huge – big enough for two…so with champagne in hand together with more bubbles in the bath and the fire burning, I was in my “happy place”!

For those whose budgets may not extend to the Lodge, Motswiri also has a very upmarket 3 bedroomed self-catering “cottage – all rooms are en-suite, it has its own pool and boma area and you are also allocated a safari vehicle and game ranger – I am already planning to come back here with my family and friends.

After 3 days of excellent game viewing from lions to wild dog, ellies, giraffe, buffalo and lots of plains animals, combined with total relaxation and good food, we were completely rejuvenated and ready for the big city of Jozi.

Have you visited the Madikwe Game Reserve?

If you need any advice or would like me to send you any websites to check out in that area, drop me a line, I am always happy to pass on my travel knowledge.

Psssst…. on Michelle Obama’s recent visit to South Africa, she visited the Madikwe Game Reserve. All the reports seem to indicate that she too had a wonderful experience!