Mafikeng Game Reserve
North West Province
The Mafikeng Game Reserve is situated right next to Mafikeng, the capital of the North-West province, and consists of just under 5000 hectares of Kalahari thornveld. The park’s main circuit takes only two hours to drive at an easy pace making this reserve an excellent location for day trippers. Visitor facilities include braai / picnic areas, chalets and a well-established restaurant.
The reserve is a very successful breeding park for white rhino and also introduced the rhino tagging system to try and combat ivory poaching. Aside from rhino, the park also features many other animals including buffalo, giraffe, zebra, gemsbok and red hartebeest among others. The populations of these animals rise quickly as there are no big predators, almost guaranteeing sightings.
Many species of bird also reside in the reserve and can be seen most commonly along the banks of the Molopo River when it is flowing. Some species include secretary birds, waxbills, finches and vultures.