We all know well enough now that First Lady Michelle Obama has been traipsing around our great continent, Africa. She’s left again, for the White House, but last week saw her in South Africa and Botswana promoting youth leadership, education, and health and wellness.
Hubby Barack is missing out, especially with the Missus venturing in open-air Toyota Land Cruisers in South Africa’s sprawling Madikwe Game Reserve, scouting lions, giraffes, elephants and other animals with the rest of the family – which included daughters Malia, 12, and Sasha, 10, Michelle’s mother, Marian Robinson, and a niece and nephew.
We hate for you to be excluded, Barack, so here’s the lowdown of the lovely Madikwe… some background information for when the wife shows you her travel snaps:
Madikwe Game Reserve
The Madikwe Game Reserve is situated against the Botswana border in the North West Province, 90 kilometres north of Zeerust, four hours’ drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria. It is one of South Africa’s prime safari destinations. And don’t worry, Barrack, it’s malaria free so the family will be safe!
Other than the animals mentioned above, at Madikwe, Michelle could also have found leopard, buffalo, rhino, wild dog, cheetah, several plains game species and over 360 species of bird. The reserve covers around 75,000 hectares and is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. So you’re in for not just a diverse range of game but topography too.
Fitting with Michelle’s philanthropic efforts on this official Africa trip, Madikwe, created in 1991, not only preserves the flora and fauna of the area, but also provides a sustainable environment for the local people.
WHERE TO STAY:
There are a variety of spectacular lodges to choose from in Madikwe, all with own distinct character and atmosphere. We recommend Madikwe Hills, which is set on a hill among huge boulders and an old Tamboti tree and includes eleven suites. Also great is Royal Madikwe – an exclusive retreat in the heart of the bush that accommodates a maximum of 10 guests, ensuring complete privacy.
For other accommodation options, please feel free to chat to our knowledgeable Rhino Africa travel experts. Contact us here for enquiries and to plan your own tailor-made trip to Madikwe.
WHAT TO DO:
- Open vehicle day time game drives
- Night drives
- Guided bush walks
- Bird watching
- Conference venue
And, President Barack, should you like to know more about the family’s other African destinations, visit our blog about Botswana and Cape Town. See snaps of them here, caught in the act enjoying Africa without you.
Feel free to visit too…
(photos of Madikwe Hills accommodation)
Hi friends @ Rhino Africa, your blog is looking wonderful!
Can you let the lions have a little taste of America?
I wish she would have taken me along. Hopefully, her hubby will be less distracted and get some work done here in the US to help me get back to work!!