Directions to Madikwe Safari Lodge

from: OR Tambo International Airport [JNB] - Scenic Route

  • Note: This route is recommended if you do not mind travelling 50 kilometers/30 miles on a gravel road, or if you are coming from Sun City.
  • This is a shorter route in distance, does not require a 4x4 vehicle and is more scenic.
  • Depart ORT following the airport exit signs (R21 & R24).
  • Approximately 200m thereafter the road forks. Take the right fork towards R21 N Pretoria/R24 Johannesburg.
  • The road immediately turns sharply right. Stay in the left lane and follow the signs to R21 N Pretoria while exiting the airport.
  • After exiting the airport, get into the left lane and follow the R21 N Kempton Park/Pretoria signs.
  • After 300m, take the left off ramp following the R 21 N Kempton Park/Pretoria signs.
  • Once on the R21 N drive for 36.3 km. After 34km you will see signs indicating exit 134 (N1 Noord, Pretoria/Polokwane/Johannesburg).
  • Take exit 134 and immediately thereafter the road forks. Take the right fork towards N1 North Polokwane.
  • Travel for 22.5km along the N1. After 20km look for exit 156 to the left (N4 Rustenburg). Take exit 156 and get onto N4 to Rustenburg.
  • The N4 is a toll road so please be aware of toll taxes. Once on the N4 continue for 62 km. Take exit 225 for the R556 Sun City/Majakaneng.
  • Turn right at the top of the off-ramp towards Sun City.
  • It is advisable to fill up with fuel at the Sun Village, just after the Sun City entrance on the right.
  • After passing Sun City and the Sun Village on the right, continue straight until you reach a four-way junction.
  • Turn right to DERDEPOORT, follow the road for approximately 8 km/5 miles.
  • Turn left at the sign for BAPONG. Continue straight along this road. Please ignore all signs for Madikwe Hospital or Village etc.
  • After passing through MABESKRAAL (approximately 45 km/28 miles), you will come to a four-way stop where you must turn right to DERDEPOORT.
  • This newly-tarred/ sealed road continues for about 25 km/16 miles and has very few signs.
  • It then becomes gravel/dirt, with the Dwarsberg Liquor Store on your left, after which you continue for 58 km/36 miles.
  • Continue straight along the gravel road towards MOLATEDI village (do not take the next Derdepoort road to the right, continue straight).
  • Pass through the Molatedi village, over the Marico River and straight to the MOLATEDI GATE entrance into the reserve.
  • Here you will be directed the correct Lodge at Madikwe Safari Lodge.
  • Proceed into the reserve on the main road following the signs to the DERDEPOORT gate/MADIKWE SAFARI LODGE, approximately 33 km/20 miles.
  • Please note the reserve speed limit is 40 km/h or 25 miles/h.
  • Please contact the Lodge on +27183509902 to advise us when you have passed Sun City.
  • Please take note that the gate opens at 06h00 and closes at 21h00.

from: OR Tambo International Airport [JNB] - Direct Route

  • Depart ORT following the airport exit signs (R21 & R24).
  • Approximately 200m thereafter the road forks. Take the right fork towards R21 N Pretoria/R24 Johannesburg.
  • The road immediately turns sharply right. Stay in the left lane and follow the signs towards R21 N Pretoria while exiting the airport.
  • After exiting the airport, get into the left lane immediately and follow the R21 N Kempton Park/Pretoria signs.
  • After 300m, take the left off ramp following the R21 N Kempton Park/Pretoria signs.
  • Once on the R21 drive for 36.3 km.
  • After 34km you will see signs indicating exit 134 (N1 Noord, Pretoria/Polokwane/Johannesburg).
  • Take exit 134. Immediately thereafter the road forks. Take the right fork towards N1 North Polokwane.
  • Travel for 22.5km along the N1. After 20km look for exit 156 to the left (N4 Rustenburg). Take exit 156 and get onto N4 to Rustenburg.
  • The N4 is a toll road so please be aware of toll taxes, per car per gate.
  • Once on the N4 drive 236km. The N4 will go past Brits, Rustenburg, Marico and then you will arrive in Zeerust.
  • In Zeerust, be sure to refuel as there is no fuel available in the reserve.
  • Turn right at President Street onto the R47/R49 to Gaborone.
  • It is 90km/56 miles to the Abjaterskop Gate, where you will enter Madikwe Game Reserve. The gate is on your righthand side.
  • Here you will be welcomed by the gate staff, who will confirm your reservation and direct you to the correct camp at Madikwe Safari.
  • Now, you will travel on a gravel road (travelling time is approximately 45 minutes) towards Derdepoort for approximately 11 km/7 miles.
  • Turn left at the T-junction On your way, you will pass a signboard to Derdepoort Gate after 2 km/1.2 miles, and 1.1 km/0.68 miles later.
  • Just follow the directions to the Derdepoort Gate. After approx 5 km/3.1 miles, you will drive through the “Ambush Alley” mountain pass.
  • Here you will see a sign warning drivers to be mindful of klipspringers in the area.
  • Continue on the same road and after 5 km/3.1 miles, there is a crossroad where you will still continue straight.
  • Continue until you see the sign for Madikwe Safari Lodge (with the relevant Lodge name).
  • Please contact the Lodge on +27 18 350 9902 to advise us when you have passed the town of Zeerust.
  • Please take note that the gate opens at 06h00 and closes at 21h00.