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THAKADU RIVER CAMP
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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FACILITIES
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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.
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ACCOMMODATION
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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.
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SAFARIS
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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 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.
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WHAT TO TAKE
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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.
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CLIMATE
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Summer - October to March
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Rainy season with hot days and warm nights. Temperatures 25°C - 40°C.
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Winter - April to September
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Dry season with generally warm days and cold nights. Temperatures 0°C - 25°C.
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CHILDREN
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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.
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TARIFF INCLUDES
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TARIFF EXCLUDES
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Dinner, bed and breakfast
Teas and coffees
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Tourism marketing levy of R 10.00 pppn paid in camp
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All safari activities
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Bar account
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Return transfers to Madikwe airstrip
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Road transfers to and from the lodge
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R 35.00 Babysitters per hour
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Gate fee of R 50.00 per adult; R 20.00 per child
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Landing fee of R 100.00 per adult; R 50.00 per child
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PAYMENT DETAILS
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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.
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CANCELLATION
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If a booking is cancelled after confirmation, the deposit will be forfeited. In addition, the following fees will be levied: |
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The scale of charges expressed as a percentage of the total price is as follows: |
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Four weeks before arrival -
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75% of the total amount
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Two weeks before arrival -
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100% of the total amount
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HOW TO GET THERE
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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.
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RESERVATIONS
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