Set within a riverine canopy, amongst a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, youll encounter a unique and wondrous place the Thakadu River Camp. Be amazed with the accommodation as you step into your tented suite, which is the last word in style and comfort. Here, the untamed bush surrounds you as you are indulged with all the comforts of modern living.
Echoes of Africa are everywhere, and the interiors have a strong Afro-Asian influence, with the use of natural stones, fibres, fabrics and carpets. Traditional artefacts and rustic decor, together with the river setting have all been designed to bring about a sense of adventure in this beautiful setting.
Whether you are with friends, family or enjoying a romantic getaway, Thakadu River Camp offers an opportunity to connect with nature and to discover the magic of an African sunset and the animals that inhabit this special area.
Thakadu River Camp is set within the riverine canopy along the banks of the Marico River in the eastern sector of the Madikwe Game Reserve. The camp comprises 12 tented suites, each with their own viewing deck overlooking the Marico River.
Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the few reserves in southern Africa, which is malaria free. Located in South Africa along the Botswana border and 20 kilometres from Gaborone, 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.
Thakadu River Camp is a wholly-owned, Community-based Tented Safari Camp in the Madikwe Game Reserve. The Tented Camp, located on the banks of the Marico River, is an ecotourism partnership between North-West Parks, the Molatedi Community and the operator, African Hotels and Adventures. 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 Lodge
The main camp at Thakadu River Camp is located between the Marico River and a small tributary of the Marico. The Lodge comprises an open plan lounge, dining and reception areas which are warm and welcoming and an oasis within the African bushveld. The attractive bar and pool area is the perfect spot to unwind and relax. From the moment you arrive you will be delighted by the warm hospitality and personal care as you take in the lush views of the gully and river to the north. The lodge has been carefully constructed to nestle into its surroundings, with the use of wood and thatched roofs to resemble the softness of nature. A traditional lapa falls within a glade of natural riverine forest and is the perfect space to enjoy the panoramic views that surround you.
What to take
Comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, sun block, cameras, binoculars, light neutral-coloured clothing and bathing suit in summer; and warm clothing and jackets are essential in winter. Please also bring a warm rain jacket in summer as the evening drives in open vehicles can get rather cold. As the Madikwe accommodation is located on the river it can be extremely cold in the middle of winter. Whilst the lodge has taken every precaution to ensure your comfort we would advise to bring extra clothing for the evenings.
Summer Climate October to March
Rainy season with hot days and warm nights. Temperatures 25C 40C.
Winter Climate April to September
Dry season with generally warm days and cold nights. Temperatures 0C 25C.
Children
The Madikwe accommodation caters for children. . We have four tented suites catering for families where a Queen-size sleeper couch is available for children. Please note that unfortunately children under the age of 6 years are not permitted to go on game drives. However, there is a special game drive available for children after breakfast for approximately 1 and half hours, where the whole family is welcome to join.
Accommodation at Thakadu River Camp:
Tented Suites
The tented accommodation in Madikwe offers twelve tented suites, reflecting a strong Afro-Asian safari ambience, each boasting a viewing deck overlooking the Marico River. These spacious tents offer every comfort and luxury and are, wonderfully decorated and appointed. Children are welcome and of the 12 tented suites, 4 are family units, each with an extra Queen-size sleeper couch catering for children. Facilities include air conditioning, hairdryer, Power 220vAc.
Within the canvas frame of the tented Madikwe accommodation, 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. Every aspect of our guests stay and the surrounding camp has been carefully crafted to appeal to all our guests. Whether you are with friends, family or enjoying a romantic getaway, Thakadu River Camp offers an opportunity to connect with nature and discover the magic of an African sunset and the animals that inhabit this special area.
Escape to the comfort of your cool retreat after a day of bush adventures and enjoy the ultimate in safari living.
Lodge Facilities At Thakadu Lodge In The North West Province
Thakadu River Camp comprises the main camp as well as 12 tented suites which are located between the Marico River and a small tributary of the Marico.
Facilities & Services include:
- Open Plan Lounge area
- Reception
- Dining area
- Lodge Pool & Bar Area overlooking the river
- 12 tented suites - 4 are family units, with extra queen sized sleeper couch. All with Indoor bath and shower. Each with own viewing deck.
- Traditional "lapa` falls within a glade of natural riverine forest
- Private Viewing Deck
- Game Drives
- Highly-trained game rangers
- Traditional Outdoor Boma
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryer
- Power 220vAC
Spa Treatments
Indulge yourself in a body treatment and allow the therapist to restore body, mind and spirit. You will probably need a well-deserved nap afterwards so be prepared! Couple massages are available on request and are only subject to availability.
Please enquire at reception for reservation. Subject to availability. All massages are done in the privacy of your room or on the deck. Treatments are available from 08h00 - 16h00.
Attractions:
Madikwe Game Reserve
Home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, Madikwe Game Reserve is the perfect getaway destination. During game drives, guests can expect to see numerous species including:
- Black and White Rhino
- Buffalo
- Elephant
- Lion
- Leopard
- Cheetah
- Wild Dog
The Madikwe Game Reserve accommodation and camp is a superb open vehicle safari destination. Whilst out on game drives, guests are accompanied by well-trained and informative rangers who are able to interpret the many encounters that guests will come across.
Whilst visiting Madikwe Game Reserve, Thakadu River Camp offers various other activities:
- Stargazing
- Boma Dining
- Birding
- Game Drives
Our Madikwe Game Reserve accommodation is available in luxury tented suites and there is a main camp offering an open-plan lounge, dining, and pool & bar area. Guests are able to truly enjoy the essence of nature whilst participating in a range of activities designed to provide the ultimate African adventure and soak up the elegant luxury and warm personal service that we offer.
Please note that unfortunately children under 6 years are not permitted on standard game drives. However, there is a special one and a half hour game drive available especially for children after breakfast, where parents are welcome to join.
A Malaria- Free Wilderness
The beauty of Thakadu River Camp is that it has a team of dedicated and highly trained rangers who possess an immense understanding of both the fauna and flora within the reserve and are skilled in locating as many animals as possible, but obviously there can be no guarantee.
Thakadu River Camp stands out from the crowd of standard game lodges, as it is ideally positioned in a transitional area enabling it to draw wildlife from two different, yet complementary, ecosystems. Thakadu is also located in a malaria-free area, just an added comfort afforded to you by Thakadu River Camp.
Privacy and comfort are paramount and this 24-bedded camp, with its exceptionally private location, assures guests of a tranquil, relaxing experience. Pamper yourself with a spa massage treatment which can be enjoyed on your personal deck, or on the camps main deck, both overlooking the stunning reserve.
By road:
From OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport:
Take R21 to Pretoria, then take the N1 North to Pietersburg (Polokwane).
After the Zambezi Road turnoff you take the N4 toward Rustenburg.
After Brits look for the R556 Sun City / Pilanesberg turnoff.
Follow the signs to Sun City / Pilanesberg - approximately 76 kilometres. Pass Sun City for approximately 8 kilometres. You will come to a T-Junction.
Turn right onto the R565 toward Derdepoort. Follow the road for approximately 9 kilometres and turn left to Bapong. Continue straight (through Mabeskraal Village) for approx 35 kilometres and you will get to a 4 way stop at the end of Mabeskraal Village.
Turn right to Derdepoort. After 25 kilometres the tar ends. Continue straight to Molatedi Village, approximately 18 kilometres.
Go through the Village and you will see signs to Thakadu River Camp.
The road to the gate is approximately 4 kilometres. You will pass through a cattle gate (Please open and close). The gate at the entrance to the Reserve will be staffed by a member from Molatedi Village.
By air:
Thakadu is easily accessible by the daily Madikwe Shuttle into Madikwe Eastern Airstrip just 45 minutes from Thakadu through the reserve.
