Madikwe Game Reserve

In 1991, "Operation Phoenix" began, beginning seven years' of animal translocations to Madikwe. Today, this South African reserve boasts the Big Five (both black and white rhino). In addition, the reserve has a variety of plains game, unique birdlife, and several rare species like wild dog, cheetah and brown hyena. Previously old cattle farms, Madikwe is now a true wilderness of open plains with acacias, sweet grasses and rock outcrops. A plus for some travelers is that this 465-square-mile reserve is malaria-free. All camps and lodges offer day and night drives in open vehicles, and most also offer bush walks.