Set in South Africa's North West Province, Madikwe was established in 1991 when a number of mismanaged farms were bought by the government to be amalgamated into a vast protected area. Following habitat restoration work, a massive reintroduction programme dubbed 'Operation Phoenix' returned all of the large mammal species known to occur in the region historically. Madikwe Game Reserve is set in a game-rich savanna, where Africa's great predators can roam free. Positioned at the ecological junction between the bushveld and the Kalahari, Madikwe comprises five distinct habitats which are home to a rich diversity of plants, birds and other wildlife.

At a glance:

• Ecological cross-road of bushveld and Kalahari
• Excellent night viewing including brown hyena and springhare
• 'Big Five', including both black and white rhinoceros
• Resident packs of endangered wild dog
• Over 350 bird species, including several Kalahari specials