Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge is situated in the heart of the malaria-free 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve. As well as elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo, the reserve is also home to wild dog, cheetah, plains game including gemsbok, springbok, zebra and giraffe, and over 340 species of birds.

Professional and skilled rangers deliver a world-class interpretive experience of the bush on morning and afternoon game-drives with no more than 8 guests in open safari vehicles.

Set on a gentle slope nestled between 2 rolling hills and overlooking Madikwe's game-filled plains, Madikwe Safari Lodge comprises of 3 separate, intimate lodges - Kopano, Lepala and Dithaba. Kopano Lodge is made up of just 4 suites, and is ideal for couples who want to enjoy their time on safari in seclusion. Lelapa Lodge has 12 suites (including family suites), and Dithaba Lodge is located on a hillside offering spectacular views over the open plains from each of the 4 suites here and can be booked on an exclusive basis with a minimum of 6 guests.

Each suite features a sitting area, a bedroom with circular fireplace, a spacious dressing area with personal bar, and an en-suite bathroom. French doors opening onto wooden decking lead to inviting private plunge pools.

The main guest areas in each camp feature cosy sitting and dining areas, as well as expansive viewing decks. In the evenings, dozens of lanterns cast a romantic light over these intimate and simply sophisticated areas.  Meals can be taken in the dining room, out on the deck, in the boma area or within the wilds of the bush. Romantic private dining experiences can be arranged or dinner can be a social occasion with guests eating around the large communal dining table.

Rates Include

All meals and refreshments on game drives; mini bar; Madikwe Airstrip transfers; all soft drinks and a selection of beers, spirits and house wines; two game activities daily which include a choice of game drives, bush walks, stargazing, wildlife lectures, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and bush dinners; Guest Conservation Contribution; and tea/coffee are included.

Children Policy

Lelapa Lodge: Children of any age are welcome. Dithaba and Kopano Lodge: Children aged 16 years and older are welcome, unless the lodge is booked exclusively then children of all ages are welcome. Children under 6 are not allowed on game drives, but shortened game drives (FOC) may be arranged with the lodge subject to availability of Land Rovers and rangers. Children aged 6 to 11 are allowed on game drives at the Lodge Manager's discretion. Babysitting services are available.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve.  Guests over 60 years old wishing to join a guided walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. A  guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.

Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Madikwe Safari Lodge will welcome your family with open arms.

Lelapa’s Eco House is the base for the kids’ activity programme. While parents are welcome to join, this is kids’ territory, with a plethora of activities to keep young minds engaged and stimulated. This is also a tech-free environment (no phones or screens).

The Safari Club is a fun-filled adventure that transforms kids into mini-guides, as the children’s activities crew explore the lodge in search of animal ‘spoor’ tracks, as well as surprise treasure hunts and other activities, like rock-painting, cupcake decorating and fun dress-ups, all of which happens around the Lelapa pool area. As the sun dips over the horizon, the kids all join the chef for pizza making and movies under the stars.

Lelapa’s family suites provide comfort and luxury for every age group - rooms are designed to allow for ample personal space while still encouraging togetherness. The kids en-suite bedroom is a cheerful place packed with games and toys to let the imagination run wild. Parents may end up feeling a little jealous!

Every mealtime in Madikwe Safari Lodge is one to look forward to. The experience for kids is no difference as the chefs prepare an array of healthy delights for kids. Dishes are not only tasty for kids but are creatively plated to delight young adventurous minds. The chefs do their best to minimize sugar with loads of tasty fruit and veg, but of course, no meal is complete without a choice of treats!

All of the holidays we prepare are tailor-made, but this might give you an idea of how Madikwe Safari Lodge can be included in you own dream holiday.

Madikwe and Mauritius Classic Honeymoon

11 nights

5 Star Accommodation

Heritage Le Telfair

Mauritius

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Game Reserve

Destination: Mauritius and South Africa.

11 night itinerary including Mauritius and Madikwe Game Reserve.

Price Per Person From GBP 3,665USD 4,764ZAR 82,644EUR 4,398

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*Prices are per person and are based on today's exchange rates. Exchange rates are subject to change and are updated daily.

Prices exclude international flights - ask us if you would like to include these.

Guest Rating: 4.8 / 5.0 based on 12 ratings

Directions For Drivers

PLEASE NOTE: The main gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:00. Guests who arrive after this time will not be allowed to self-drive to the lodge. The lodge will send a representative to escort guests to the lodge at an additional cost. SUGGESTION: Refuel at Sun Village/Zeerust as there is no fuel available inside the reserve. DO NOT follow your GPS after Zeerust/Sun City - it will take you on the wrong roads.

From Johannesburg Airport via N4 tar road: Follow the R21 north, to Pretoria (Tshwane) through Kempton Park. After 40 km follow N1 north to Pretoria (Tshwane), Pietersburg (Polokwane). After about 12 km, take N4 west into Pretoria (Tshwane), to Rustenburg or Hartebeespoort Dam. Follow the N4 to Hartebeespoort Dam.

Take the N4 to Zeerust past Brits, Rustenberg, and Swartruggens. Zeerust is approximately 220 km from Pretoria. In Zeerust turn right on the R47/R49 to Gaborone/Madikwe Game Reserve. After +/- 90 km you will see a sign on the right for the Abjaterskop Gate of the Madikwe Game Reserve.

Once you are in the reserve, follow the signs to the lodge. Allow about 30-60 minutes to drive from the gate to the lodge.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

From Sun City via N4 tar road: Turn right from as you leave Sun City onto the R565. After a few km you will come to a junction with the R565 to the left, and the R556 signposted straight ahead. Turn left here to keep on the R565 signposted Phokeng and Rustenberg, and it is 38 km from here to the junction with the N4 tar road.

When you reach the N4, turn right onto the road (signposted Swartruggens and Zeerust) and continue for around 130 km on this road to Zeerust. In Zeerust turn right on the R47/R49 and follow the directions as above.

From Johannesburg or Sun City via gravel roads: There is a gravel road from Sun City to Madikwe - this route is a lot shorter than the current tar road route, however as the roads are gravel and the signs to Madikwe are rather inconsistent, we would not really recommend this route to customers.

Should you wish to return to Sun City or Johannesburg using the gravel roads, the lodge will be able to supply you with a map and directions.

General Information For Guests

All rooms have a fan, an outdoor and indoor shower, air conditioning, a fireplace, telephone, room safe, mini bar, and a hair dryer.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.

Activities available include game drives (6 guests per vehicle), bush walks, wildlife lectures, stargazing and local community experiences.

Visa, MasterCard and Diners credit cards are accepted.

A laundry service is available.

If you are arriving/departing via FedAir, the lodge is a 10 minute drive away from the airstrip.

Lelapa Lodge - Consists of 12 suites each with a private plunge pool. The Family Suites have a second bedroom with bunk beds and sleeper couch. The main lodge area has a communal pool. The lodge is suitable for children of all ages and for disabled travellers (with assistance). Children activities and babysitting services are available.

Kopano Lodge - 4 suites each with a private plunge pool. No communal pool area. The main lodge area has an open plan lounge and dining area. Children of 16 years and over are welcome. Not suitable for disabled travellers. Only 6 people per game viewing vehicle.

Dithaba Lodge - 4 suites each with a private plunge pool. Best suited to a group of friends or family members. The main lodge area has an open plan lounge and dining area. Children of 16 and over are welcome unless the lodge is booked exclusively. Not suitable for disabled travellers. Only 6 people per game viewing vehicle.

Please be advised that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), terrestrial UAVs, as well as aerial UAVs (or drones) is prohibited. This policy includes the lodge's own staff as well as professional photographers.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve.  Guests over 60 years old wishing to join a guided walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. A  guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.

Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

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