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The Batlokwa Boo Kgosi Traditional Community of Molatedi Village originated
from a place inside the current Madikwe Game Reserve known as
Tshwene-Tshwene around 1886. The arrival of white settlers in the area and
their demands for taxes prompted the community to move to an area outside
the control of the settlers. At the time of the move from their ancestral
home around Tshwene-Tshwene, they were led by Sebolao, (Rangwaneakgosi -
meaning ‘paternal uncle’) the paternal uncle of Mloloe, who was still a
youngster. The name Molatedi came about as a result of this community
promising their brother, Gaberone that they would follow him from their
ancestral home around Tshwene-Tshwene into Botswana. However they decided to
move to the eastern side of the Marico River and settled in what is now the
Molatedi Village in 1886, and where they have resided ever since. Gaborone
moved to the present site of Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.
Numerous programs covering skills development, empowerment and training have
started during the reign of Kgosi Bafshoe Frans Mogalenyana Matlapeng. The
involvement of various institutions and organizations including Mafisa
Consulting facilitated in unpacking and structuring the business opportunity
for community development in Madikwe Game Reserve as offered by North-West
Parks & Tourism Board. The concept and idea of a community lodge was
presented and Sebolao Development Trust was formed as a legal entity
representing the community of Molatedi. The Trust is made up of members of
the community. The trust has also engaged the services of Potchefstroom
University to assist with the training of trustees regarding their roles and
responsibilities. The Nature Workshop provided the expertise regarding the
design, development and on-going operational input for Thakadu River Camp.
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Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the few reserves in
southern Africa, which is malaria free. Located in South Africa along the
Botswana border and 20 kilometres from Gaberone, the Reserve lies within a
transition region between lowveld bushveld and the Kalahari thornveld.
The Camp Thakadu River 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 Marico
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. Safari activities
Madikwe is home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, including both
black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild
dog.
The camp is a superb open vehicle safari destination where guests are
accompanied by well-trained and informative rangers who are able to
interpret the many encounters whilst on safari.
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