About Thakadu River Camp

Thakadu River Camp is a 24-bed tented camp in the Malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve which offers 165 000 acres of prime Game Viewing. The reserve lies within a transition region between lowveld bushveld and the Kalahari thornveld. As a result the region is host to an incredible diversity of species from both ecosystems. Geographically the region has enormous volcanic intrusions known as Inselbergs, wide open plains and the riverine environment along the Marico River in the east of the reserve.

The Camp is set within this riverine canopy and comprises 12 tented suites, each with their own viewing deck overlooking the Marico River.

Four of the tents are set slightly apart from rest with their own lounge area and splash pool – this is know as Little Thakadu & can be booked exclusively.

The tents are large and spacious and are wonderfully decorated and appointed. Each tent has a sliding door that opens onto a private deck overlooking the river.

The main camp comprises an open plan lounge, dining and reception area, with the pool and bar area offering views of the gully and river to the north. A traditional ‘lapa’ falls within a glade of natural riverine forest. The decor of the camp has a strong AfroAsian Safari ambience to it, with use of natural stone, fibres, cloth and carpets as well as metal and wood featuring prominently throughout the camp. The influence of the river is very apparent, with the trees, birds and water providing a peaceful and tranquil mood within the camp.

Madikwe is home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, including both the black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. The camp is a superb walking and open vehicle safari destination where guests are accompanied by well-trained and informative rangers who are able to interpret the many encounters whilst on safari.

About Madikwe Game Reserve

Herman Charles Bosman has woven many a tale about Abjaterskop and the Marico River. It is perhaps he that best describes the vast area where enselsberg rise from the savannahs and an area that is given life from the Marico River. This is the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve, 75 000 hectares of unique topography and breathtaking beauty, it is also the home to the big 5, wild dog, cheetah and a large variety of mammal and bird life.

This 75 000 hectare reserve is situated in the North-West province of South Africa, on the border with Botswana. The large diversity of vegetation and ecozones allows for a rich diversity of game and bird species to inhabit the reserve.

HISTORY OF THE RESERVE

The reserve was proclaimed in August 1991, but officially became the estate of the North-West Parks Board on the 31 October 1991.

The reserve is one of very few in the world that was proclaimed purely on the grounds of it being the most appropriate sustainable land use for the area in which the reserve lies. Studies done through independent consultants clearly showed that wildlife-based tourism would be the most beneficial option for an area that was in an economic depression. The vision for Madikwe was to have a joint venture run by the North-West Parks Board, private investors and the local communities living in the surrounding area. The reserve has now become a role model for many similar ventures country wide due to the successes achieved within the reserve.

Prior to the park being proclaimed, work had already begun on clearing derelict farm buildings, fencing, and a number of alien plant species. The park has a number of old buildings that were spared from demolition and now serve as The Parks Board headquarters. There were other game scout outposts built to house game scouts and other reserve staff.

The perimeter was fenced with approximately 150km of electric game fencing, which is electrified to prevent the escape of the larger game species. In the park local business and labour was used to demolish buildings, erect fences and to construct roads, dams and lodges.

Lodge Features