Skip to content

Safari journey · South Africa

3-Day Big Five Safari in South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve

Stay at Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge and join sunrise and afternoon game drives, with time between outings to relax by the pool.

Plan this journey View route
Duration
3 days
3 stops
Stays
1 stay
Guide price
From US$2,426
per person
Best for
Mid-range tour
Shared tour

The journey

Journey overview

Embark on an authentic 3-day safari adventure in Madikwe Game Reserve. Guided by expert local guides, enjoy thrilling game drives spotting the Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo—as well as giraffes, zebras, and diverse birdlife. Stay in comfortable lodge accommodations and immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the African bush for an unforgettable safari experience.

  • Activities: game drives
  • Game drives: open-sided 4x4 vehicle
  • Getting around: minivan We can help select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself A transfer from and back to the airport is included
  • Mid-range tour
  • Shared tour
  • Can start any day
  • Cannot be customized
  • Suitable for single travelers
  • Minimum age of 3 years

Availability

Check availability

Check the listed stays for your travel dates. We’ll confirm the final arrangements before booking.

Listing last checked on 28 Aug 2026

Journey route

Route

The source map is unavailable; the complete stop order remains below.

Day by day

Your itinerary

01Day 1

Day 1

Arrival in Madikwe & Sunset Safari Adventure

Your journey begins with a comfortable transfer from Johannesburg to the spectacular Madikwe Game Reserve. Upon arrival, check in at Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge and take time to unwind amidst the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, set off on your first exhilarating game drive, guided by expert rangers who will help you track Africa’s iconic wildlife. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for a magical starlit dinner under the African sky, before settling in for the night in your luxurious accommodation.
  • Mid-range lodge located inside Madikwe GR
  • Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
02Day 2

Day 2

Sunrise Safari, Leisure Time & Sunset Game Drive

Start your day with a thrilling sunrise game drive, a prime time for wildlife sightings as the bush awakens. After your safari, enjoy a hearty breakfast back at the lodge, followed by a leisurely morning to relax by the pool or simply soak in the views. In the afternoon, savor a delightful high tea before heading out on your second game drive, where you’ll have another chance to spot the Big Five and more. End the day with a sumptuous dinner and share stories of the day’s adventures.
  • Mid-range lodge located inside Madikwe GR
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
03Day 3

Day 3

Final Game Drive & Return Journey to Johannesburg

Rise early for one last memorable game drive, offering a final opportunity to encounter the incredible wildlife of Madikwe. After returning to the lodge, sit down to a delicious breakfast before checking out. Your driver will then transfer you comfortably back to Johannesburg, where your safari adventure concludes. You’ll leave with cherished memories, stunning photos, and perhaps a longing to return to the African wilderness.
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Stays

Where you will stay

Accommodation is subject to confirmation for your dates.

What’s included

The exact inclusion list is confirmed for your dates before you commit.

Included in this journey

  1. Park fees (For non-residents)
  2. All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  3. All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
  4. A professional driver/guide
  5. All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  6. All Taxes/VAT
  7. Roundtrip airport transfer
  8. Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  9. Drinking water (On all days)

Not included

  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Rates and dates

Choose your dates and party

Use the published options below as a guide. We reconfirm the exact rate and availability before booking.

From

US$2,426

per person

Guide price

US$2,426 per person

Plan this journey

From prices use the lowest listed rate. Your dates and party size may change the price. Prices are a guide and will be confirmed for your dates and party before booking.

Before you plan

Journey details

Best for

Mid-range tour

Shared tour

Journey pace

1 stay

2 nights across 3 days.

Rooms

Confirmed with the quote

Your quote will specify the room category.

Listing updated

28 Aug 2026

Rates, timing and lodge availability are checked again for your dates.

Experiences on this journey

Big 5 Safari Adventure

Keep comparing

More journeys like this

Designed around you

Enquire about this journey

Share your dates and party. We will verify the complete stay sequence, then plan it directly or with the tour operator, keeping the published journey intact unless availability requires a change.

Plan this journey
Plan this journey