SATELLITE MEETING:  aFRICAN SAFARI (OPTIONAL)

4 - 8 May 2025

4 night Satellite Meeting

Bordering Botswana in South Africa’s North West Province, Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth-largest reserve in the country and is home to a great number of animal species. It contains a wild dog reserve, and is inhabited by the world-renowned Big Five, as well as Brown Hyenas, Cheetahs, and Aardwolf. 

Visitors will also be surrounded by over 300 bird species, including vulture, ostrich, and the large kori bustard. The landscape is characterised by vast grasslands, woodlands, and the rugged Tshwene Tshwene hills - creating enthralling scenes that often attract photographers and artists. Visitors can look forward to sunset drinks overlooking the Madikwe Dam. Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the only reserves in South Africa that is malaria free.

This is one of the only places in Africa where you can see Aardwolf, Brown Hyena and Spotted Hyena together in one reserve. Aside from the excellent opportunity of seeing Africa’s Big-5, the Madikwe Game Reserve is also home to healthy Cheetah and Wild Dog populations, as well as Africa’s Secret-7: Aardvark, African Wild Cat, Civet, Large Spotted Genet, Pangolin, Porcupine and Serval. 

You’ll have Madikwe’s wide open pristine savannahs pretty much to yourself, as small groups of safaris are led by a personal professional guide during your stay.  Each sighting has a maximum of three vehicle capacity, while Madikwe also makes allowances for off-roading & tracking through the bush to ensure you get the best possible view of any major sighting.

Inclusions

  1. 3 x airfare
    1. Victoria, Seychelles to Johannesburg (scheduled flight)
    2. Johannesburg (OR Tambo) to Madikwe Safari Lodge (charter flight) *
    3. Madikwe Safari Lodge to OR Tambo (charter flight) *
  2. Transfer to/from airport to Lodge
  3. Accommodation 4 nights at Madikwe Lelapa Lodge (based on twin/double share)
  4. Full breakfast daily
  5. All meals, fees and activities
  6. Selected local beverages
  7. Laundry
  8. Conservation Levies
  9. Morning and evening safaris
  10. Tips for rangers and staff
  11. VAT and Tourism Levy
* charter flights are based on a minimum of 6 persons traveling.  Scheduled flights will be used if less than 6 persons which may result in an itinerary adjustment.

Cost

All based on twin/double share
Single supplement applies.		On or before 1 March 2024After 1 March 2024*       
Delegate               A$11,050A$12,950
PartnerA$4,100A$5,150

* bookings after the 1 March are subject to availability

Maximum of 12 couples can be accommodated in the Lodge.

To Book

If you have already booked for the main conference, please advise the Secretariat who can add in the additional registration.  Alternatively, CLICK HERE to register for the meeting.

Payment

  • 35% deposit within 21 days of booking
  • 40% of fees by 31 October 2024
  • Balance of fare by 15 February 2025

CANCELLATIONS

  • 60 days or more prior to arrival will incur a 20% cancellation fee
  • 46 - 59 days prior to arrival will incur a 50% cancellation fee or 30% postponement fee
  • 0 - 45 days prior to arrival - 100% cancellation fee

Conference Program

4 May5 May6 May7 May8 May
SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursday
ArrivalMorning ExpeditionMorning ExpeditionConferenceConference
Conference      ConferenceConferenceEvening ExpeditionDeparture              
DinnerDinnerDinnerDinner

Conferencing will include a total of 25 hours of face to face education in the course of the 5 days.  A program will be available in late 2024.  

Extending your stay (pre or post conference)

If you would like to extend your time in any part of Africa, the Conference Organiser can highly recommend the services of the following local agent:

Ashleigh Dempsey

T:  +27 10 476 2407

E:  ashleigh@walthers.co.za

Recommendation is given from personal experience from multiple trips organised, not only for her own private travel, but also friends and colleagues who also have the same glowing recommendations.

Things to note for travel 

  • Malaria precautions are recommended
  • From 25 March 2024, OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg are applying new rules for checked baggage. Only regular shaped bags will be allowed to be checked in - all bags must have at least one flat surface.  Round or irregular shaped, or bags with long straps will not be allowed.
  • However, in contradiction to the above regulations, the Charter flight luggage is restricted to 20kg per person in soft sided suitcases - hard bags can be stored at the Federal Airways lounge.
  • Suggested packing (remember, laundry services are available)
    • long pants and shirts.  It is suggested you keep away from blacks and any bright colours - greens, browns and neutral colours are recommended.  Dinner attire can be the same, but you may like to ensure you have a clean change of clothes.
    • Hat - with string tie, or fits firmly on your head
    • Comfortable walking shoes. Heavy hiking boots are not needed.  Socks for cold mornings in the vehicle.
    • Jacket (and neck scarf/wrap) - mornings can be very cold, and days very hot
    • Camera
    • Binoculars

(all photos to left were taken by Conference Organiser)

(Below are images of Madikwe Lodge)


COMM Conference Secretariat



PO Box 3049, Bonnells Bay, NSW 2264


       Tel: 02 4973 6573


Email: lwills@secretariat.com.au