Skip the busy roads and fly straight into the wild. A Madikwe charter flight takes you from city to safari in just one unforgettable hour, offering panoramic views, total privacy, and seamless comfort.
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A private charter flight may lift off from a bushveld airstrip, taking safari guests on a scenic journey to Madikwe.
Charter planes bypass long roads so you can be on safari almost as soon as you land.
In about an hour from Johannesburg (OR Tambo or Lanseria), you’ll touch down on Madikwe’s own 1 200-metre airstrip.
These flights are customised for you – you choose the time, aircraft and extras.
Passengers enjoy exclusive use of the plane with in-flight refreshments, catering to dietary needs, and even comfy blankets or pillows for the short trip.
Many operators also provide meet-and-greet service and lounge access at the airport, so the whole experience is smooth and relaxed from start to finish.
Charter flights are arranged through safari tour operators like MoAfrika Tours. When you book your Madikwe safari with us, we can help organise a private flight for your party.
We are happy to quote you based on your dates, group size and preferred departure airport.
Since private charters are tailored to you, plans often require a bit of lead time, but they offer great flexibility.
We will coordinate logistics like airport transfers, so that everything from departure to arrival is handled seamlessly.
Most charter flights to Madikwe depart from Johannesburg-area airports. OR Tambo International and Lanseria Airport are common departure points, and some companies even use Grand Central in Midrand.
Federal Airlines, for example, operates from a private facility at OR Tambo. The flight heads north over the North West Province directly to Madikwe. On return, the plane can also bring you back to any major airport.
Madikwe Game Reserve has two landing strips (east and west) to handle charter and shuttle flights. Most small aircraft land on the western airstrip (near Wonderboom Gate). From there, it’s usually a 15–20 minute transfer by road to the main lodges on the western side of the park. Some charters (especially helicopters) use a helipad or the eastern strip closer to lodges on that side.
In any case, you’ll be greeted shortly after landing and driven to your camp, making the final journey quick and easy.
A charter flight from Johannesburg to Madikwe takes about one hour. This short hop is a big time-saver compared to the 3 to 4-hour drive by road. You’ll climb out of the big city, cruise over bushland and farmland, and then approach Madikwe with open savannah views ahead.
The flight is smooth and scenic; many people find the aerial perspective a memorable part of the safari experience.
Charter flights are more expensive than road transfers or scheduled flights, but prices vary with aircraft and group size.
As an example, a helicopter charter one-way can be around R45 000 (about $2,650) for up to six people. A small fixed-wing charter plane (like a Cessna) seating 4–6 might run on the order of R50 000 to R70 000 (around $3,000–$4,100) one-way.
By contrast, FedAir’s scheduled shuttle flight is only about R3 250 ($215) per person one-way. A private road transfer for a small group costs roughly R7 000 ($450) one-way.
So chartering is an investment in speed and privacy. See the following comparison:
| Travel Option | Approx Travel Time | Typical Cost (One-Way) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road Transfer (car) | ±4 hours | From ±R7 000 ($450) per vehicle | Scenic drive; can be long and tiring |
| Scheduled Shuttle Flight | ±1 hour | From ±R3 250 ($215) per person | Fixed schedule, shared small aircraft (up to ±10 seats) |
| Private Charter Flight | ±1 hour | From ±R50 000+ ($3,000+) per flight | Exclusive: choose schedule, aircraft and on-board amenities |
| Private Charter (helicopter) | ±1 hour | From ±R45 000 ($2,650) per flight | Door-to-door to lodge helipad, very flexible timing |
Typical inclusions on a Madikwe charter flight are a meet-and-greet at the airport, dedicated check-in, lounge access, free parking and baggage storage. On board, you’ll find snacks, drinks and often light meals served at your seat.
The plane’s crew handles everything, and ground staff will transport your luggage and drive you the short distance to your lodge. Baggage limits are lower than on jumbo jets: usually about 20kg of checked bag plus a small 5kg carry-on per person, all in soft-sided bags.
If convenience and time are important, a charter flight is hard to beat. You won’t share your flight with strangers, so the schedule is up to you.
For groups, families or executive travellers, this means less waiting and more flexibility. A charter also means no overnight drive or long layovers – you can often leave in the morning and be on safari before lunch. Even if costs are higher, many find the savings in travel time and stress are well worth it.
Some companies offer helicopter charters to Madikwe. This option is usually priced per flight and not per person. Helicopters are handy for very flexible schedules and may use lodge helipads, saving ground time.
If you want the thrill of flying low over the bush, a helicopter leg is a unique splurge.
Plan to arrive at the airport about 30 minutes before departure. You’ll meet your crew, stow bags and enjoy the lounge facilities if provided. Dress comfortably but safely – no loose items or sandals during takeoff/landing, and remember a light jacket for the plane’s air-conditioned cabin.
Check with the operator about luggage rules. On arrival at Madikwe, staff typically greet you right at the plane and transfer you to your lodge vehicle.
Flights land on Madikwe’s private airstrips (east or west of the reserve) or lodge helipads. Most fixed-wing charters use the main western airstrip.
The flight takes about 60 minutes.
Prices vary by aircraft and passengers. Expect tens of thousands of Rand per flight for a small plane for a few passengers.
Yes, Madikwe is in a malaria-free zone, making it a safe choice for families and first-time safari visitors.
Yes, Federal Airlines offers daily shuttle flights from OR Tambo. These are cheaper but fixed-schedule and shared with other lodges.
If a flight is cancelled, operators generally help rebook or arrange alternative transfers (road or the next available flight).