Dithaba Lodge

one of the best non-malarial safari options in Africa

Madikwe Dithaba Lodge located in the Madikwe wildlife reserve in the north of South Africa.

The property is centred on a large building under thatch, with comfortable lounge and dining areas, leading out to decks with broad views.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Madikwe Dithaba Lodge is in just four thatched suites, each with an indoor bathroom, air-conditioning and a private verandah with a plunge pool and views.

Activities

Madikwe Dithaba Lodge provides access to the following activities, most of which are usually included in the room rate …

• Vehicle safari
• Walking safari
• Bush meals
• Night vehicle safari

The Madikwe area tends to feature in trips relatively rarely. There is little doubt that this area is scenically less appealing than other safari areas. However, the fact that it is non-malarial can be really important to some travellers. There are also some unusually good value lodges here.

The usual stay duration is 3-4 nights.

Seasonality

Madikwe has a similar climate to other safari areas in this region but, importantly, it gets a great deal less rain than Kruger, so can be much more attractive during the key rainy season months of November to March …

Apr-Oct is the long dry season in the reserve, the best time for wildlife viewing. Although it can get very cold at night in May-Jul and very hot and humid in October.

Nov-Mar is the green season in Madikwe, when relatively light and sporadic rains freshen the landscapes, but can occasionally become prolonged. As the season progresses, the increase in grass and foliage cover can make wildlife viewing more of a challenge.

Getting there

The Madikwe area is almost always accessed from Johannesburg, usually by light aircraft, which is a simple and easy hop.

It is also possible to travel up from Johannesburg by road, a journey of around four hours, which is not particularly interesting (since it passes mainly along main sealed roads through farmlands and towns), but is not unpleasant.

Once in the reserve you get around with a guide and vehicle from the camp at which you are staying.
Self-drive vehicles are permitted to enter the reserve and travel as far as your camp, but are not allowed to undertake safari.

a non-malarial alternative to Kruger