Considered a hidden gem of South Africa and with lesser visitor numbers than the Kruger Park, the game reserves of the Limpopo and North West Provinces also have the added comfort of being malaria-free, making this northern area great for families with younger children. Both Madikwe Game Reserve and the Marataba Reserve offer dramatic landscapes and Big 5 game viewing, as well as a host of luxurious lodges and tented camps. Combine your Big 5 safari with the chance to see the wildlife from a different perspective on foot or on horseback.
Highlights
Diverse habitats - rocky outcrops, wide open plains, woodlands and lush grasslands
Join conservation activities at Marataba
Malaria-free Big 5 game viewing
Family-friendly lodges with children’s safari activities
Iconic Activities
Big 5 Safari
Birdwatching
Guided Walking Safari
Night Drive
Conservation Experience
Kids Bushcraft
Photographic Safari
Star Gazing/Star Bed
Explore More
Madikwe & North Map
Enriching encounters
ICONIC WILDLIFE
Whether you want to tick the Big Five off your bucket list or seek out specific safari species, our expert guides reveal the typical wildlife sightings to expect in Madikwe and the North.
White Rhino
Southern Giraffe
Lion
Leopard
Jackal
Elephant
Buffalo
Brown Hyena
Sample itineraries
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
From exhilarating wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world natural wonders, echoes of ancient empires, and rose-gold beaches, every bespoke journey is designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime safari, a milestone celebration, a soul-stirring retreat, or simply looking to travel well and with purpose, these itineraries offer a starting point for what’s possible. As a top tour operator in the world, as recognised by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveller, we will guide you on how to shape the ultimate expedition.
From remote safari camps to world-class resorts, our selected properties are hand-picked by our experts and endorsed by our guests. Often intimate, always exceptional, we'll choose the perfect lodges, hotels and villas to suit your personal style and interests.
Start your unique journey
HOW TO BOOK
At Mahlatini, we believe in making your journey effortless. Browse our website for inspiration or get in touch with us directly. Whether you already have a dream destination in mind or need some inspiration, our travel experts are here to create your custom itinerary. Serial safari-goer, Indophile or first-time explorer, your adventure starts with a conversation.
Connect
Call us or enquire online. Share your wish list and we’ll start planning your journey.
Customise
Your dedicated travel expert will be in touch within 24 hours to start designing your bespoke itinerary.
Confirm
We won’t stop refining your plans until we get the perfect trip at the best price.
Travel
Receive your Mahlatini travel documents, pack your bags and set off on your trip of a lifetime!
We routinely go the extra mile to ensure that we not only plan the perfect itinerary but ensure that you're in good hands at every stage of your journey. That's why we are especially proud to maintain an overall client satisfaction rating of 98%.
Brooke Amsler, 10th April 2026
Holiday to
South Africa & Seychelles
We had the vacation of a lifetime thanks to Stuart and the Mahlatini team. From our initial inquiry about travelling to Africa through to the final details of the trip, the entire planning process was seamless and stress-free.
Mahlatini did an excellent job tailoring the experience to match both o…
Was nervous to use a travel company for the first time and completely trust that someone would be there to pick us up and take us from each place but the process was so seamless and so easy.
We were recommended this travel company by close friends who had recently used them for their own honeymoon, and from our very first conversation with Aaron, we understood why they spoke so highly of them.
Behind the scenes, Aaron and the team went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothl…
+1 347-708-1755
Big 5 Safari
Birdwatching
Guided Walking Safari
Night Drive
Conservation Experience
Kids Bushcraft
Photographic Safari
Star Gazing/Star Bed
