Travel Information

The easiest and most time-efficient way to reach Madikwe Safari Lodge is by scheduled flight with Federal Air from Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport).

Federal Air operates daily flights directly into Madikwe Game Reserve’s Eastern Airstrip, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour. On arrival, guests are met and transferred to the lodge by road (around 10 minutes), which is included.

For guests who prefer to travel by road, self-drive and private road transfers are also possible. Driving from Johannesburg takes approximately 4.5–5 hours, followed by a scenic drive through the reserve to the lodge.

At a glance:

• Fastest & easiest: Fly with Federal Air
• Most flexible: Self-drive or private road transfer
• Transfers from airstrip: Included

Yes. Our reservations team is happy to assist with booking your scheduled Federal Air flights to and from Madikwe Game Reserve.

Once your accommodation is confirmed, we can coordinate the flight booking on your behalf and ensure that timings align smoothly with your safari experience. Final flight details and confirmations will be shared with you before your trip.

Federal Air flights operate from a private terminal near OR Tambo International Airport, with a complimentary 7-minute shuttle transfer provided from/to the main terminal.

We will require a copy of your passport, as well as your incoming and/ or outgoing flight details.

Yes. Federal Air operates small charter aircraft, so strict luggage limits apply to ensure safety and proper weight distribution.

Each passenger may bring:

• 1 × 20kg checked bag
• 1 × 5kg hand luggage

Soft-sided luggage only is required (duffel-style with one flat side). Hard suitcases, large rigid bags, and items such as golf clubs or bulky sporting equipment cannot be accommodated on scheduled flights.

These guidelines help ensure safe operations, comfortable seating, and on-time departures for all passengers. If you’re unsure about your luggage or travelling with specialised items, our reservations team is happy to advise in advance.

Yes. Federal Air operates from a private terminal located near OR Tambo International Airport.

Guests flying with Federal Air do not depart from the main terminal, but a complimentary 10-minute shuttle service is provided from the main OR Tambo terminal to the Federal Air lounge. The transfer is quick and seamless, allowing for a smooth transition between commercial flights and your safari connection.

Clear instructions and timings are shared ahead of travel to ensure an easy arrival experience.

Yes.

If you are flying with Federal Air, you will be met on arrival at Madikwe Game Reserve’s Eastern Airstrip by a member of the Madikwe Safari Lodge team, who will transfer you to the lodge on a short complimentary drive (approximately 10 minutes).

If you are arriving into or departing from OR Tambo International Airport, Federal Air will have a representative to meet you off your inbound flight for your complimentary shuttle between the main airport terminal and their private departure lounge. Clear instructions are shared in advance to ensure a smooth connection between your international or domestic flight and your safari transfer.

Our reservations team is always on hand to assist with timing and logistics, ensuring your journey is seamless from arrival to departure.

Yes. Madikwe Safari Lodge is easily accessible by road and the drive is straightforward with the correct directions.

From Johannesburg, the journey takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on your departure point. Once inside Madikwe Game Reserve, allow around 45 minutes to reach the lodge, travelling at the reserve speed limit of 40 km/h.

Guests who choose to self-drive are advised to:

• Enter the reserve via Molatedi Gate (recommended)
• Respect gate opening hours and wildlife right of way at all times
• Use Google Maps only to reach the reserve gate
• Avoid Waze, as it may route vehicles onto unsuitable roads
• Follow the lodge’s detailed directions for the final approach, as GPS navigation inside the reserve is unreliable

For those who prefer not to drive, private road transfers can be arranged with trusted third-party providers for a relaxed, door-to-door journey.

Yes. Madikwe Safari Lodge is easily accessible by road from Botswana, with the most common route via Gaborone and the Kopfontein / Tlokweng border post.

From Gaborone, the drive takes approximately 1 hour, depending on border crossing times. After entering South Africa, you will continue on the R49 and enter Madikwe Game Reserve via Abjaterskop Gate, before following the lodge’s in-reserve directions to reach Madikwe Safari Lodge.

Important to note:

• Please allow extra time for border formalities and ensure you have valid passports and vehicle documentation
• Gate hours for Madikwe Game Reserve must be respected
• Once inside the reserve, allow approximately 45 minutes to reach the lodge
• GPS navigation inside the reserve is unreliable
• Waze should not be used, as it may route vehicles onto unsuitable roads
• Follow the lodge’s official directions document carefully, especially once inside the reserve

When planning your journey to Madikwe Safari Lodge, timing is important to ensure a smooth arrival and to make the most of your safari experience.

If you are flying with Federal Air, we recommend aligning your international or domestic flights into and out of OR Tambo International Airport with the scheduled Federal Air departures. Allow sufficient connection time between flights to accommodate airport transfers and check-in at Federal Air’s private terminal.

If you are travelling by road, please plan your journey so that you arrive at the Madikwe Game Reserve gates during opening hours. Once inside the reserve, allow approximately 45 minutes to reach the lodge, travelling at a maximum speed of 40 km/h, with wildlife always having right of way.

Additional considerations:

• Game drives typically depart in the late afternoon; arriving earlier in the day allows time to settle in and potentially join a drive
• Late arrivals may miss scheduled activities, although the team will assist where possible
• Departures should be planned to allow for a relaxed check-out and onward travel, particularly when connecting to flights

Our reservations team is happy to assist with recommended timings and logistics to ensure your arrival and departure are as seamless as possible.

Yes. When entering Madikwe Game Reserve, all guests are required to sign in at the reserve gate as part of the standard access process.

In addition to your lodge accommodation rates, Madikwe Game Reserve charges a once-off entrance fee, as well as a nightly conservation levy. If you are arriving by air, a landing fee also applies. These fees support the ongoing conservation and community initiatives within the reserve.

Reserve fees may either be prepaid with your accommodation or added to your extras account and settled on departure.

Visit our Rates and Promos’ page for a schedule of fees

Madikwe Game Reserve gate hours are from 06:00 to 18:00.
All arrivals must take place within these hours. If you anticipate arriving later, this must be arranged in advance, as access after gate closing times is only permitted under special, pre-approved circumstances.