The Madikwe Game Reserve is a part of the latest park developments in South Africa. It was opened in 1991 and comprises 750 km² of bushland north of the small town Groot-Marico up to the Botswana border and is 20 km from Gaborone. It is currently the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa and yet not widely known. The park is now 680 km² by itself, and 750 km², including the now incorporated privately owned land. Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the few reserves in southern Africa which is malaria free.
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 terrain is mainly open grasslands and bushveld plains, interspersed with rocky outcrops and single mountains.
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.
The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and the topography offers ideal game viewing opportunities. Madikwe is home to 66 mammal species including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, both white and black rhino along with almost all the plains antelope species. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded at Madikwe. It is the only place in Africa where Springbok and Kalahari Gemsbok meet naturally. The climate is generally mild to hot, but winter nights can be cold.
Categories & Keywords
Category:Animals
Subcategory:Safari
Subcategory Detail:
Keywords:Groot-Marico, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa, buffalo, elephant, impala, leopard, lion, rhino, sprinkbok, zebra
