The Bush House - exclusive private game lodge in malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa - Game viewing drives to see the Big 5 - FAQ's and Weather

The Bush House

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the Weather like in Madikwe?

Our Summers are traditionally very hot and wet with Winter being dry and cold.

The seasons are comprised of the following months:
Spring           September
Summer       October to March
Autumn        April
Winter          May to August

This table shows the average temperatures, high and low, rainfall and sunshine hours.

NB We have used Gaborone as the reference point with it being 20kms from us.

Madikwe Game Reserve does not appear on the weather websites.

 

Month

 

Average
Highest
Temp ºC

Average
Highest
Temp ºF

Average
Lowest
Temp ºC

Average
Lowest
Temp ºF

Average
Rainfall
mm

Average
Rainfall inches

Sunshine
Hours

January

33°C

91.4°F

20°C

68.0°F

94mm    

3.76"

9
transparent

February

32°C

89.6°F

19°C

66.2°F

81mm  

3.24"

8
transparent

March

31°C

87.8°F

17°C

62.6°F

56mm   

2.24"

8
transparent

April

28°C

82.4°F

14°C

57.2°F

44mm  

1.76"

8
transparent

May

25°C

77.0°F

08°C

46.4°F

11mm   

0.44"

9
transparent

June

22°C

71.6°F

05°C

41.0°F

4mm    

0.16"

9
transparent

July

23°C

73.4°F

05°C

41.0°F

3mm   

0.12"

10
transparent

August

26°C

78.8°F

07°C

44.6°F

2mm  

0.08"

10
transparent

September

29°C

84.2°F

12°C

53.6°F

14mm  

0.56"

10
transparent

October

31°C

87.8°F

16°C

60.8°F

40mm   

1.60"

9
transparent

November

32°C

89.6°F

18°C

64.4°F

69mm  

2.76"

9
transparent

December

32°C

89.6°F

19°C

66.2°F

82mm   

3.28"

8

 

 

 

Do we need to dress for dinner?
Only if you want to. Our dress code is comfortably casual!

Am I going to see the Big 5?
It cannot be guaranteed that you will see all of the Big 5.However if you are staying a few nights the chances are very good you will see most if not all of the them. As Madikwe is not a zoo we cannot predict what sightings will occur when.

 

What do I bring with me?
Irrespective of the time of year the following must definitely be brought with you:

Camera with film or memory cards
Batteries
Binoculars or spotting scope
Hat
Sunglasses
Sun block
Any reference material you might want (eg bird or tree books) Jacket or sweatshirt for game drives **Any chronic medication- the nearest chemist is over 100 kms away


In Summer (September to April)
Rainwear
Insect repellant
Swimming costume

In Winter (May to August)
Beanie
Scarf
Gloves
Long johns/thermal underwear for game drives as it can be bitterly cold due to the wind chill factor (pantyhose also is a great chill deterrent!!)

 

If I want to find you on Google Earth what are the Bush House's co-ordinates?

S24 46" 00'
E26 10" 20'

 

Even though it is malaria free will can I still be bitten by mosquitoes?
In the summer months it is always advisable to use insect repellant as there is a good chance you might be bitten. If you are prone to bites and stings always bring an antihistamine cream or lotion along with you.

What is the Magnificent Seven?
It is the collection of the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) as well as the cheetah and wild dog.

Is your tap water safe to drink?
Yes, we pump water daily from our borehole. This water has been tested and certified safe to drink.

Should you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to email us

 

Hyena