Rockfig Madikwe – An Elephant Experience Unlike Any Other

Elephants are magnificent creatures, and, at Rockfig Madikwe, I saw more elephants in a single day than I have anywhere else on the continent.

It seemed as if these gentle giants lurked around every corner and behind every bush. I am obviously overstating, but with some 900 elephants on this 75,000-ha reserve, we certainly feasted on multiple sightings of regal matriarchs, doting mothers, punch-drunk calves, and lone bulls.

The Hide

The cleverly camouflaged underground hide overlooking a watering hole, unique to Rockfig Lodge, delivered our most memorable sighting.  We sat just metres away, in air-conditioned, carpeted comfort, at eye level with playful calves frolicking in the water. While enjoying a light lunch and an ice-cold beverage, we observed the intricate communication between individuals, the tenderness displayed towards young calves, and the remarkable cooperation between these tusked titans while they foraged. We sat in silence and in awe.

The Wildlife

Of course, there is far more to see in this vast reserve, and morning and evening game drives delivered sightings of frisky young male lions trying their best to impress a pair of very disinterested older ladies, a herd of bored-looking buffalo congregating around a watering hole, a brown hyena feasting on some not-so-fresh fish from almost dried-up dam, a cheetah that our guide predicted would pop out exactly where he did, and, as usual, plains game aplenty. Our young guide, Hanu, took us on a “Ferrari Safari”, racing from one block of the park to another to show us some African wild dogs spotted by another guide. Unfortunately, the pack had moved on by the time we got there, but it is nice to know that Madikwe boasts three active hunting packs of this rare and endangered species.

Madikwe Game Reserve does not allow day visitors, so game sightings are not crowded, creating superb photographic opportunities.

Rockfig Lodge

Spotting game is hard work, and the folks at Rockfig Lodge made sure we were well nourished and well rested. From building our own pizzas one night to enjoying an African fusion boma dinner the next, from hearty breakfasts and healthy lunches to indulgent high tea, we were thoroughly spoiled with dish after dish of delicious fare.

In a departure from many other game lodges, each of Rockfig’s villas also offers a fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests to enjoy a luxury getaway while still being able to cater for themselves.

Each modern villa boasts indoor and outdoor lounges, private plunge pools, comfortable king-size beds and bathrooms en suite. Tlou Villa and Inkwe Private Family House offer 2 and 3 double bedrooms respectively, allowing families to vacation together. Luxury lodges seldom welcome families with small children, and it was lovely to see that Rockfig not only welcomes children of all ages but even has a special game drive booklet that they can take along on the shorter, more child-centric Kids Bumble Drive.

In-room massages, sparkling pools, and relaxing nights sharing stories around the firepit did for our bodies what being in reclaimed nature did for our souls.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Be sure to ask your hosts to tell you the story of Madikwe. Hear how the community cleared derelict buildings, old fencing, and alien plants to reclaim the natural landscape, about Operation Phoenix, and about how Madikwe supports the surrounding community in a truly tangible way.

Madikwe Game Reserve operates a community-based wildlife conservation system that involves a three-way partnership between North West Parks, the local community, and the private sector. The private sector establishes and manages a variety of tourism developments and activities within the reserve. Private companies, like Rockfig, pay the state concession fees to do this. They use a portion for conservation, and the balance goes to local communities to fund various community-based projects.

The community benefits from the projects and the employment opportunities created in and around the game reserve. The parks board sets up the infrastructure and is responsible for the reserve’s operational management. Based on Madikwe’s long-term success, many consider this community-based model a sustainable approach to wildlife conservation throughout Africa.

With Madikwe being just four and a half hours from Johannesburg, in the north of the North West Province bordering Botswana, and offering a truly memorable game experience, we were soon planning our return to Rockfig Lodge.

Visit rockfigmadikwe.co.za to book your stay.