In South Africa the average number of sunshine hours is amongst the highest in the world. In the summer the temperature varies from 10°C (50°F) at night to high 30's°C (high 90's°F) in the heat of the day. Winters are mild with a daytime temperature that is normally above 20°C (68°C). At night it gets considerably colder with the temperature dropping below -2°C (27°C). Temperatures tend to drop dramatically just after sunset.

Madikwe Game Reserve is approximately 3200 feet above sea level.

Spring - September to November

Temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 30°C (86°F) during the day and from 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F) during the night.

Spring is the height of the dry season. Many of the trees begin to blossom in September as the days become hot again. The first blossoms that appear are usually those of the Black Thorn (Acacia mellifera), followed by the Camel Thorn (Acacia erioloba) and then the heavy scented Blue Thorn (Acacia erubescens). In October there may be thunderstorms in the afternoon as the bush anticipates rain and the grasses begin to grow again.

By November the chance of afternoon showers becomes greater. The bush now generally appears green, with the migrating birds arriving to take advantage of the abundance of summer. Some species like the Yellow billed kite (Milvus migrans), usually the first to arrive, may have come from as far away as the middle east, while others such as the Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina picta) will have come from central Africa. Because the bush is still generally very dry, game tends to concentrate around major waterholes and rivers, making game viewing in these areas particularly good.

Summer - December to March

Temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to high 30's°C (high 90's°F) during the day and from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F) during the night.

The hot days are often interrupted by spectacular afternoon thunderstorms that are as brief as they are intense. Rain seldom interrupts game drives, although protective ponchos are provided just in case. A clear indication that summer has arrived is the piercing call of the Woodlands Kingfisher echoing along the river valleys.

During December and January many of the antelope species give birth to their young. Young impala, having just got the hang of all four legs, become a familiar sight as they frolic through the lush grass, their mothers keeping a watchful eye for the ever present predators. The bush is now many shades of green, the trees covered with thick foliage, the grass long and dense.

The total amount of rainfall during the entire season varies between 300 mm and 600 mm. February is the hottest month of the year. Depending on the amount of rain, the well-known maroela fruits ripen during February and March, providing a feast for the elephants. The heat is less intense towards the end of March and the chance of rain lessens. As summer ends, the migratory birds start to leave - normally the first to depart is the European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster), which may migrate as far as Russia.

Autumn - April to May

Temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 30°C (86°F) during the day and from 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F) during the night.

In April the bush begins to get dryer, the vegetation becoming less dense and the grasses begin turning brown under the sun. The temperatures start dropping at night but the daytime is still warm. Scattered thunderstorms are still occasionally experienced in the afternoon. The Bushwillows start changing their colours from green to yellow and brown.

May is the most definitive of the transformation from summer to winter and the turning point of the year. The temperature difference between night and day becomes more pronounced, the evenings require warmer clothing, but the days are delightful. The deciduous trees start to lose their leaves and the bush has a more open feel to it, with the visibility through the trees improving.

Winter - June to August

Temperatures range from 5°C (41°F) to 25°C (76°F) during the day and from below -2°C (27°C) to 10°C (50°F) during the night.

June and July are the mid-winter months, not only the coldest time of the year, but by now most of the surface water has dried up. It is during the winter that the bush really opens up and allows for the easiest game viewing. The cooler days can result in predators being far more active during the day than they are during the rest of the year. Elephants, rhino and buffalo make daily journeys to available water to drink. The cold nights mean that many of the nocturnal animals become active far earlier, making a sighting of them more likely.

August in Madikwe is a very dry month, restless wind shaking the last of the leaves from the deciduous trees. The days begin to be warmer with animals tending to congregate around the few remaining water filled pans and dams, providing excellent game viewing. However, the nights are still chilly and warm clothing is highly recommended.