General Information for Thakadu River Camp
Thakadu River Camp, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
THAKADU RIVER CAMP
Thakadu River Camp is a 24-bed tented camp designed by Chris Rightford and Dave Gurney. Thakadu River Camp is set within the riverine canopy along the banks of the Marico River in the eastern sector of the Madikwe Game Reserve. The camp comprises 12 tented suites, each with their own viewing deck overlooking the Marico River.
Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the few reserves in southern Africa, which is malaria free. Located in South Africa along the Botswana border and 20 kilometres from Gaberone, the Reserve lies within a transition region between lowveld bushveld and the Kalahari thornveld. As a result the region is host to an incredible diversity of species from both ecosystems. Geographically the region has enormous volcanic intrusions known as Inselbergs, wide open plains and the riverine environment along the Marico River in the east of the reserve.
Thakadu River Camp is a wholly-owned, Community-based Tented Safari Camp in the Madikwe Game Reserve. The Tented Camp, located on the banks of
the Marico River, is an ecotourism partnership between North-West Parks, the Molatedi Community and the operator, The Madikwe Collection. The community has a 45-year lease to operate a commercial lodge with traversing rights across the Reserve. The concept is unique in South Africa in that the community owns the development, with substantial benefits accruing to the community itself.

FACILITIES
The main camp is located between the Marico River and a small tributary of the Marico. The main area comprises an open plan lounge, dining and reception area, with the pool and bar area offering views of the gully and river to the north. A traditional ‘lapa’ falls within a glade of natural riverine forest. The décor of the camp has a strong Afro-Asian Safari ambience to it, with use of natural stone, fibres, cloth and carpets as well as metal and wood featuring prominently throughout the camp. The influence of the river is very apparent, with the trees, birds and water providing a peaceful and tranquil mood within the camp.
ACCOMMODATION
Thakadu River Camp has 12 tented suites. They are large and spacious and are wonderfully decorated and appointed. Within the canvas frame, the interior is uniquely designed to incorporate a full bathroom. Each tent has a sliding door that opens onto a private deck overlooking the river. Of the 12 tented suites, 4 are family units, each with an extra sleeper couch catering for children.

SAFARIS
Madikwe is home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, including both black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. The camp is a superb walking and open vehicle safari destination where guests are accompanied by well-trained and informative rangers who are able to interpret the many encounters whilst on safari. Other activities include tracking, stargazing, bush dining and birding.
WHAT TO TAKE
Walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, sun block, cameras, binoculars, light clothing and bathing suit in summer and warm clothing and jackets in winter. Please also bring a warm rain jacket in summer as the evening drives in open vehicles can get rather cold. As the camp is located on the river it can be extremely cold in the middle of winter. Whilst the lodge has taken every precaution to ensure your comfort we would advise to bring extra clothing for the evenings.

CLIMATE
Summer - October to March
Rainy season with hot days and warm nights. Temperatures 25°C - 40°C.
Winter - April to September
Dry season with generally warm days and cold nights. Temperatures 0°C - 25°C.

CHILDREN
The camp caters for children. We do however recommend that children under the age of 6 years do not go on game drives. We have four tented suites catering for families where a Queen-size sleeper couch is available for children.

TARIFF INCLUDES TARIFF EXCLUDES
Dinner, bed and breakfast
Teas and coffees
Tourism marketing levy of R 10.00 pppn paid in camp
All safari activities Bar account
Return transfers to Madikwe airstrip Road transfers to and from the lodge
  R 30.00 Babysitters per hour
  Gate fee of R 50.00 per adult; R 20.00 per child
  Landing fee of R 100.00 per adult; R 50.00 per child
PAYMENT DETAILS
In order to confirm your booking, a 50% deposit is required. Please note that your booking will only be confirmed on receipt of your deposit. Balance is due one-month prior to travel.

CANCELLATION
Between six and four weeks of arrival - 50% of the total amount will be forfeited
Within four and two weeks of arrival - 100% of the total amount will be forfeited

HOW TO GET THERE
Daily scheduled flights are operated from Johannesburg Intertnational Airport to the Madikwe Airstrip with Federal Air/ Madikwe Air Charters. Private air-charters are organised on request. It is a 3½-hour drive from Johannesburg to Thakadu River Camp (please request a map on reservation). Please visit Directions for details on reaching us by road.

RESERVATIONS
Telephone +27 (0)11 805-9995
Facsimile +27 (0)11 805-0687
Email reservations@thakadurivercamp.com
Enquiry Go to our enquiry form
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