WHAT TO DO AT
Thakadu
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.
Big 5 Game Drives
Wake up in the true splendour of Madikwe River Camp, situated along the Botswana border, and start your day amidst nature. All our game drives are led by experienced and highly trained rangers who have a vast knowledge of both the fauna and flora in the area.
Guests have the opportunity to enjoy early morning as well as evening game drives where the chances of spotting the Big Five, are high. Both morning and evening game drives offer completely different opportunities and sightings.
Winter: 06:00 and 15.30
Summer: 05:30 and 16:00
Get an early start to the day and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells that accompany the dawning of a new day. Depending on the time of year, morning game drives depart at different times. Please book and check with reception with regards to departure times.
Expect to see everything from elephant and rhino to lion and giraffe during morning game drives. Leopards are a bit more difficult to spot but should you wish to find this well hidden creature, evening game drives are your best bet.
As the sun sets, an entirely new game viewing experience presents itself. Once again, depending on the time of year, departure time will differ. Evening game drives offer a host of wildlife: hyena, lion, jackals, leopard, birds of prey and various other exciting animals.
Whether you are visiting Thakadu River Camp with friends or family, game drives provide the excitement and thrills that this beautiful part of Africa has to 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.
Bird watching in Madikwe
Guests at Thakadu River Camp are surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and bird species. Madikwe Game Reserve, situated in the North West Province, is home to birdlife from raptors and terrestrial birds to bush and water birds.
The great variety of habitats, from forests and rocky hills to open grassland and dams, bring forth a magnificent diversity of bird species throughout the game reserve. Bird life at Madikwe Game Reserve is made up of migrants and permanent inhabitants.
Thakadu River Camp offers game drives where professional and informative rangers will gladly assist with educating you about various bird species you may encounter.
Have your camera and binoculars at hand to view the dramatically coloured birds within the bushes. Early morning and late afternoon drives are the best times to view wildlife and birdlife through Madikwe Game Reserve. Hear the sounds of the wide range of birdlife, and ask your well-trained ranger about their species and habitat.