Thakadu River Camp
Luxury Safari Lodge in Madikwe

Thakadu River Camp is a wholly-owned, Community-based Tented Safari Camp
in the Madikwe Game Reserve.

Madikwe is one of our best kept secrets !

Thakadu River Camp is set within the riverine canopy along the banks of the Marico River in the eastern area of the Madikwe Game Reserve which located in the North West of South Africa along the Botswana border, the reserve lies within a transition region between Lowveld bushveld and the Kalahari thornveld. As a result the reserve is host to an incredible diversity of species from both ecosystems. Madikwe is home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, including both black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and very well known for wild dog sightings.

Game viewing in Madikwe is now at its prime in this MALARIA FREE game reserve.

Thakadu River Camp is a three and a half hours drive from Johannesburg or a very comfortable 40 minute flight.

The camp comprises of 12 large and spacious luxury tented suites which are wonderfully decorated and appointed. Within the canvas frame, the interior is uniquely designed to incorporate a full bathroom. Each tent has a sliding door that opens onto a private deck overlooking the river.
Of the twelve tented suites, four are family units, each with an extra sleeper couch catering for children.
The main camp is located between the Marico River and a small tributary of the Marico. The main area 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 where dinners are enjoyed, falls within a glade of natural riverine forest.

The influence of the river is very apparent, with the trees, birds and water providing a peaceful and tranquil mood within the camp.

The camp is a superb 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.

The camp caters for children. We do however recommend that children under the age of 6 years do not go on game drives

Federal Air has two scheduled flights a day between Madikwe and Johannesburg (OR Tambo) International Airport which only takes 40 minutes. They use smaller 6 to 12 seater aircraft so there are strickt luggage restrictions. Thakadu will meet you at the newly tarred runway in Madikwe and transfer you to the lodge,so your safari starts the minute you land.

Today the Molatedi Community is proud to own an asset in the form of a commercial lodge as an ecotourism product within the Madikwe Game Reserve. The community has a 45-year lease to operate a commercial lodge with traversing rights across the Reserve. The concept is unique in South Africa in that the community owns the development, with substantial benefits accruing to the community itself.

The camp was officially opened on 11 August 2006