Madikwe Game Reserve is South Africa's second largest game reserve and Makanyane is situated on 1,800 hectares of private ground within the reserve. The reserve is a joint venture embracing the North West Parks and Tourism Board, the private sector and local communities.

Established in 1991, Madikwe was the site of operation Phoenix - the largest translocation of game ever undertaken - with over 10,000 animals reintroduced into the reserve. Madikwe Game Reserve is more than just an incredible malaria-free safari destination, it is an internationally significant conservation initiative.

The species that populate Madikwe include lion, leopard, black rhino and white rhino as well as large herds of elephant and buffalo. The rare African wild dog (in the Tswana language, "Makanyane"), cheetah, spotted and brown hyena, giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope species also roam the reserve.

Over 340 bird species also make their home in Madikwe which sprawls across richly varied eco-zones, from rocky peaks, across open grasslands, to verdant valleys, each zone with its own distinctive inhabitants.