Thakadu River Camp is a five star wholly community-owned tented safari camp within Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province. The camp is set within the riverine canopy along the banks of the Marico River and comprises twelve tented suites, each with their own viewing deck overlooking the river. The tents are large and spacious and are wonderfully decorated and appointed. Within the canvas frame, the interior is uniquely designed to incorporate a full bathroom. Each tent has a sliding door that opens onto a private deck overlooking the river. Of the twelve tented suites, four are family units, each with an extra sleeper couch catering for children

Thakadu is an eco-tourism partnership between the North West Parks and Tourism Board, the Molatedi community and The Madikwe Collection. This pioneering partnership concept is an innovative approach to community development in South Africa whereby (in the case of Thakadu) the community owns the assets and outsources various operational aspects with a skills transfer objective.

The Molatedi community has a 45-year lease to operate a commercial lodge with traversing rights across the Madikwe Game Reserve. As a result, benefits accrue back to the community itself both in terms of economic gain as well as capacity development.

This approach to socio-economic development has become more prevalent within eco-sensitive areas and is consistent with the objectives of the people of the local area who believe that not only should the environment be preserved, but also the surrounding communities.

“Achieving FTTSA certification is a true credit to the great things that Thakadu River Camp has achieved. We are very proud.”
Kate Naughton, PR and Marketing Manager of the Madikwe Collection