Mafikeng Game Reserve

Mafikeng Game Reserve

The North West Province's central region is home to Mafikeng and the Mafikeng Game Reserve. The reserve covers an area of 4800 Hectares comprising of a mix of Kalahari thornveld, acacia bushveld and scrub. Although the reserve is home to approximately 2 000 head of plains game there are always opportunities to spot the principle species which include white rhino, buffalo, gemsbok, and giraffe. Also listed are large populations of springbuck, zebra, kudu, red hartebeest, black wildebeest, ostrich and warthog.

When the rains arrive in the summer months, the Molopo River begins to flow, which attracts birds such as waxbills and finches, as well as waders and other migrant species. Birding enthusiasts will want to keep an eye out for Cape, lappet-faced and white-backed vultures as well as the reserves breeding pairs of secretary birds. This brings us to the fact that it is also an important breeding centre in the region, the Mafikeng Game Reserve has programmes to conserve the white rhino and the Cape buffalo. An absence of predators means that antelope populations rise quickly, so the park is also involved in game capture and relocation to ensure a healthy and balanced eco-system. It is interesting to note that Mafikeng Game Reserve pioneered electronic tagging in an effort to stop rhino poaching.

The Mafikeng Game Reserve is an ideal day trip playing an important role in educating visitors about conservation. Game viewing in the reserve is exceptionally easy when visitors follow a self drive loop through the park that takes no more than two hours. The wide open plains and seasonal rainfall almost guarantee visitors animal sightings at the parks man-made water points. Day visitors can also enjoy the facilities which include braai and picnic sites, an entertainment lapa, and an educational programme for kids.