One of the frequent questions is: How should I spend my time in South Africa, including the Madikwe Reserve in my travel itinerary?

There is no final answer because there is a lot to see in this country and everyone has different interests. 

Below are our suggestions for a one week itineray for South Africa.

Option 1: Johannesburg – Madikwe Game Reserve

Day 1-3: Johannesburg

Spend your first 3 days in Johannesburg and its surrounding, visiting Soweto, the apartheid museum, and the cradle of humankind. Discover the most vibrant spots for a great night out in Johannesburg.

Day 4-7: Madikwe Game Reserve

Organise your self-drive or transfer service from the airport to Rhulani Safari Lodge and do a 4 day/ 3 night safari in Madikwe Game Reserve. The safari tour will end on the last day after a morning game drive. Immediately drive or flight back to OR Tambo International airport after the game drive and fly home that night. Make sure to schedule your flight later in the evening as it will take ~5 hours to drive from Madikwe to Johannesburg.

Option 2: Cape Town - Johannesburg – Madikwe Game Reserve

Day 1-3: Cape Town

Spend your first 3 days in Cape Town and the surrounding regions. Instead of spending two nights in the wine country, make it a day trip by starting early in the morning as soon as the wine farms open (usually around 9am). Spend another day visiting Cape Point and seeing Cape Town’s sights.

Day 4-7: Madikwe Game Reserve

Take an early morning flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Organise your self-drive or transfer service from the airport to Rhulani Safari Lodge and do a 4 day/ 3 night safari in Madikwe Game Reserve. The safari tour will end on the last day after a morning game drive. Immediately drive or flight back to OR Tambo International airport after the game drive and fly home that night. Make sure to schedule your flight later in the evening as it will take about 5 hours to drive from Madikwe to Johannesburg.

Option 3: Sun City – Madikwe Game Reserve (Ideal for families with kids)

Day 1-4: Sun City

Drive from Tambo International airport to the North West Province (via N4 – R556) and spend four days in The Cabanas Hotel, from where can enjoy all the facilities of the Sun City Resort, including the pool areas, golf and tennis courts, and restaurants of all of the hotels in the resort (there a various excellent culinary experiences (The Grill Room, Malthos, Legends (with entertainment), Lily, Casa Bella).  The Palace of the lost city hotel, where the movie Blended was filmed, deserves a visit. It’s a paradise for children, as they can choose among a wide variety of activities, including Mini Quad, Mini Golf, Vortex Virtual Lounge, and Kamp Kewena kids club. 

Day 5-7: Madikwe Game Reserve

Organise your self-drive or transfer service via the R556 - R565 - N4 route* from Sun City Resort after breakfast and get to Rhulani Safari Lodge for lunch, then do a 4 day/ 3 night safari in Madikwe Game Reserve. The safari tour will end on the last day after a morning game drive. Immediately drive or flight back to OR Tambo International airport after the game drive and fly home that night. Make sure to schedule your flight later in the evening as it will take ~5 hours to drive from Madikwe to Johannesburg.

*Note: even though it’s not the shortest route, it’s recommendable to go back to national route N4 to avoid gravel roads.