South African Birding
The Waterberg is home to an incredible diversity of bird species. Besides residents, migratory species move through during the rains and the escarpment cliffs are home to the world's largest breeding colony of the critically endangered Cape Vulture.
Area
Madikwe and the northwest
Type
Active
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
1-2 Hours
Marakele National Park is home to more than 280 bird species. There is no bad time to visit the area as birding is good throughout the year. However, the best season for diversity is between November and April when the seasonal migrants arrive.
The cliffs of the Waterberg escarpment are home to 800 breeding pairs of the critically endangered Cape Vulture. This is the largest colony in Africa, an incredibly important site in the future existence of this remarkable bird. Witnessing columns of the heaviest African raptor soaring on thermals above the escarpment on their 3 metre wingspan is a remarkable sight.
Other notable birds found here are the little bee-eater, the black crake, the African harrier hawk, the jackal buzzard and the mocking cliff-chat, just a snapshot of the great variety.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationTswalu Loapi
Lying on the edge of the Kalahari, Loapi offers luxurious accommodation offering 6 individual tented homes designed for exclusive use.
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View AccommodationMorukuru Owner's House
Morukuru is a collection of exclusive-use properties in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The Owner's House is one of the villas situated along the bank of the Marico River.
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View AccommodationMarataba Mountain Lodge
Marataba Mountain Lodge is a luxurious secluded retreat with just five eco suites offering guests peace and solitude, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of the Marataba reserve, a Big Five wildlife reserve within the Marakele National Park.
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View AccommodationLittle Madikwe Hills
Separate from Madikwe Hills main lodge is Little Madikwe which is a totally private and luxurious retreat able to sleep up to four people in its two bedroom suite, located in the Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa.
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View AccommodationMolori Safari Lodge
Molori Safari Lodge is the ultra exclusive safari lodge located in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The lodge has five stunning suites and two breathtaking Presidential Suites offering an almost unsurpassed level of luxury in the bush.
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View AccommodationMorukuru Farm House
Despite being the youngest of the Morukuru Family, the Farm House has stood in its secluded location in the centre of Madikwe for many years. Completely remodelled, the Farm House is the new jewel in the Morukuru crown.
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View AccommodationLeobo Private Reserve
Leobo Private Reserve is an exclusive, luxury bush retreat situated in the Waterberg region of South Africa. The reserve is only available on an exclusive use basis and guests can enjoy an array of activities, all arranged for them at the drop of a hat.
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View AccommodationAnt's Hill
Ant's Hill is a six-bedroom lodge perched on the edge of a cliff with amazing views over the malaria-free Waterberg Reserve. The lodge has a very East African feel and prides itself on its flexible approach to activities and mealtimes.
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View AccommodationMarataba Safari Lodge
Marataba is located in a 23,000 ha private concession adjoined to the vast, malarial-free Marakele National Park in South Africa's Limpopo Province. The Camp is set in the bushveld, on a quiet river with dramatic views of the Waterberg escarpment.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceActivities at Marataba Mountain Lodge
The stunning malaria free Marataba reserve is home to just two lodges Marataba Safari Lodge and Marataba Mountain Lodge. This vast wilderness allows guests to enjoy a vast variety of exciting and interesting activities in the African Bush.
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View ExperienceThabametsi Treehouse Sleepout
Spend a night out under the stars in the natural beauty of the Marakele National Park in the Thabametsi Treehouse. Offering complete exclusivity, privacy and stunning views, this Treehouse offers luxury and comfort for an unforgettable night.
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View ExperienceGame Drives & Bush Walks
The Madikwe Game Reserve is an incredible 'Big 5' wilderness area. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, white and black rhino, and the critically endangered Africa wild dog are just some of the amazing sightings you can enjoy in this 75 000 hectare reserve.
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View ExperienceFamilies on Safari At Madikwe Safari Lodge
Madikwe Safari Lodge wants to create an environment for children & parents where they can tailor their stay based on exactly what everyone feels like doing or what opportunity may presents itself at the time.
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View ExperienceActivities at Ant's
Ant’s has got to be one of the most child friendly safari lodges found in Africa, the friendly staff will give your children and family a life-changing experience from grandparents right down to babies.
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View ExperienceActivities at Madikwe Safari Lodge
It doesn’t take much to be enamoured by the landscape of the malaria free Madikwe reserve. Search for the Big 5 on daily game drives or indulge in a selection of therapeutic body treatments, Madikwe Safari Lodge is able to cater to a variety of different activities to help you get the very best out of your stay in this stunning reserve.
Call us on +65 6028 0820 to start planning