Natures colour palate

A N   E X T R A O R D I N A R Y   D E S T I N A T I O N

The uniqueness of Madikwe Game Reserve lays in the land and its’ flourishing wildlife is proof of a thriving ecosystem.  Here, in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, exists a convergence zone between two ecotones; the Bushveld complex with its’ dense clusters of tree’s and tall shrubs in amongst the ore rich igneous complex in the West and Southwest sectors of the reserve, while the North and East are made up of Kalahari Thornveld; a type of semi-arid savanna in which grasslands with thorny acacia and certain species of thorny bushes predominate.

Royal Madikwe is nestled in an ancient geological basin, smack bang in the middle of these two ecotones, making it an extraordinary destination for a unique safari experience where one traverses across vast landscapes in discovery of the marvelous complexities that make up each of these ecotones, as well as their intertwined connectedness where species of fauna and flora from both zones coexist.  Here, at the meeting point of different ecotones, exists a rare occurance known as Polymorphism, where two or more clearly different morphs in the population of the same species is found.  A good example of this in Madikwe is the Yellow and Pink morphs of the Crimson-breasted Shrike which is ordinarily, as the name suggests, red in colour.

One cannot help but think of this as natures’ masterpiece.  An expression of the artful coexistence between two ecotones which are home to a flurry of wildlife, who are noticeably in great physical condition year-round, even in the dry season when there is little more than twigs and dry grass left for them to eat.   This is in part due to the variety of plantlife spread across the two ecotones, but also, the mineral rich environment they are immersed in. 

The open plains in the Northern and Eastern regions of the reserve are comprised of black cotton soil and limestone (calcite and aragonite) and dotted with dome shaped rocky formations, known as Inselbergs; from German Insel, “island,” and Berg, “mountain”. These Inselbergs are made up of mostly Gabbroic rock which contains high magnesium and calcium deposits, while both unbedded and bedded layers of Calcium and Magnesium rich Dolomite rock formations and ore rich Igneous complex line the ridges surrounding Royal Madikwe, giving way to the deep red hues of winding hardveld roads.

By now you may have guessed the reason for our exquisitly multi coloured Elephants.... 

As you might or might not know, Elephants mud-bathe and dust-bathe; acts involving the sucking up of dust or mud and spraying it all over their body, using their trunk, as a means of protection from the sun and to rid themselves of ticks and mites. 

...and there you have it! Depending on which part of the reserve the Elephants have visited recently, you will come across dark grey (Black cotton soil) Elephants, White (Limestone) Elephants and even Red (Iron rich red sands) Elephants. 

W I L D   I N S P I R A T I O N

Natures carnival of colours and textures inspire the calming palate of authentic interiors that merge so seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness.  Bedded layers of Lilac Gabbro, Igneous and Dolomite rocks protrude proudly along the pathways between our Villa’s like natural sculptures, while the rippled bark of Leadwood tree's and the softness of the drying grasslands bathed in the suns golden light creates a serene backdrop to our living spaces. 

If ever your inspiration runs dry like river beds in the winter months, time in nature will cleanse your energy and fill your cup like the first seasonal rains.

GET IN TOUCH

Explore the marvelous mysteries of the multi-ecotone Madikwe Game Reserve with us on a life changing safari retreat at Royal Madikwe.