Madikwe Game Reserve is approximately 75,000 hectares and the fifth largest national park in South Africa. The reserve became a national park in 1991 and it belongs to one of the lesser known reserves in South Africa. In the reserve there are a number of luxury lodges and the area is malaria free. Madikwe is considered an exclusive safari destination largely due to the fact that no day visitors are allowed in the park. This makes the area less exploited with fewer vehicles.

In Madikwe Game Reserve there is a great chance to spot the Big 5 and it is quite common to experience “the Magnificent 7”, but is of course dependent on the season and skilled guides and trackers. Some lodges offer walking safari / bush walks with specially trained guides and during the walk you focus on “the Small 5” and learn more about plants and nature.

Upplev Sydafrika recommends accommodation at a private lodge, where the price is usually all inclusive, which includes all food (3 meals a day) and 2 guided game drives per day. In the Madikwe reserve, guides and trackers are allowed to drive off road to get close to the animals. There are many lodges to choose from and most are 5-star. The unique reserve is considered one of the best in Africa and offers fantastic safari experiences.

LODGES WE HAVE VISITED – READ MORE

Jamala Madikwe

Madikwe Hills Private Game Reserve

Madikwe Safari Lodge Lelapa Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge Kopano Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge Dithaba Lodge

Molori Safari

Mateya Safari Lodge

Extra ordinary Safari Lodges

Jamala Madikwe

The owner-managed and run Jamala Madikwe is located in the eastern part of the Madikwe Game Reserve. In addition to fantastic safari experiences, Jamala offers an extraordinary personal service and special attention to details. The kitchen has been awarded the Best safari cuisine in Africa 2014/2015 with award-winning chef Nico Verster in the kitchen. Under the African starry sky, world-class gourmet experiences are served. On the safari, only 6 people are applied in the vehicles.

Accommodation: The lodge consists of 5 luxury suites and can accommodate a maximum of 10 people. The suites are luxuriously colonially and African eccentricity furnished, all with a view of a water hole and the open savannah, ensuring interesting game and bird viewing from the comfort of the suite and lodge. All suites have their own fireplace, outdoor shower and private plunge pool. Children under 16 are welcome on request only. It is also possible to book the whole Jamala Madikwe exclusively and then children of all ages are welcome.

Price indication: from R15,765 per person sharing/night all inclusive, during high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season.

Madikwe Hills

Madikwe Hills is located in the middle of the Madikwe Game Reserve, beautifully situated on the heights. The lodge offers a genuine personal service and applies only 6 people in the vehicles on game drive. For a more secluded experience you can book the private Villa, Little Madikwe which is perfect for small groups and families between 4–5 people.

Accommodation: Main Lodge has 10 spacious and luxurious suites consisting of living room, fireplace, luxury bathroom, large bedrooms, nice terrace, outdoor shower and own plunge pool, all with beautiful views of water holes, ensuring interesting game and bird viewing from the comfort of the suite and lodge. One of the suites is a Honeymoon suite, specially decorated with an outdoor bath that is securely built under the African starry sky and overlooks a water hole. Madikwe Hills main Lodge allows children over 10 years.

Price indication: R16,000 per person sharing/night all inclusive, during high season. Little Madikwe cost R69,000 per night, maximum 4 people. Other prices may apply during low and peak season.

Madikwe Safari Lodges: Lelapa family lodge, Kopano Lodge & Dithaba Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge offers various lodges, appealing to different travellers. The three lodges are Lelapa Lodge, Kopano Lodge and Dithaba Lodge.

Accommodation: The larger Lelapa family Lodge consists of 12 suites, 4 of which are family suites. All suites have their own terrace, outdoor shower, private plunge pool as well as a large pool area and play area. The family suites have an extra bedroom. The lodges Kopano and Dithaba are smaller and more intimate with only 4 luxury suites, each with its own terrace, outdoor shower and private plunge pool. The two smaller lodges are well suited for companies that want more personal service and privacy. Children of all ages are welcome at Madikwe Safari Lodge.

Price indication: Lelapa Lodge cost R14,400 per person sharing/night. Kopano R16,500 and Dithaba cost R19,500 per person sharing/night all inclusive, during high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season. Kopano Lodge can also be booked exclusively

Molori Safari

Molori Safari is located in the inner parts of the reserve and is recognized as one of the more luxurious safari lodges in South Africa. Molori has its own gym and spa area as well as an observatory from where you can immerse yourself in stargazing. Extra special is the area where “the Hide” is located by a water hole, ensuring interesting game and bird viewing from the hide and for breakfast.

Accommodation: Molori consists of 5 unique suites, well located at a distance from each other to offer absolute privacy, luxury and relaxation. The suites consist of 2 premiere suites (Ngwedi and Lesedi), a 1 family suite (Sephiri) and 2 presidential suites (Metsi and Molelo). All suites are tastefully decorated and have floor-to-ceiling retractable glass walls facing a private deck and private pool. Kitchen, dining area, a studio, walk-in closet and guest bathroom are examples of additional luxury facilities at the Presidential Suites. Children of all ages are welcome.

Price indication: from R18,690 per person sharing/night all inclusive, during high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season, 2021.

Mateya Safari Lodge

Mateya Lodge is nestled in the rocky outcrop of the Gabbro Hills in Madikwe Game Reserve and its inspiration is taken from ancient ruins that testify to a journey made by the great queen Mateya. The memory remains today in the lodge in the form of a majestic bronze statue. Elegance and prestige are Mateya’s cornerstones. To celebrate a rich diversity history, Mateya Safari Lodge has acquired one of the world’s finest art collections from across the continent. Mateya Safari Lodge offers impeccable service and all the essential amenities to invigorate travelers. Mateya can accommodate a maximum of 10 people.

Accommodation: The lodge consists of 5 individually luxuriously tastefully decorated suites. All with views of water holes and savannah, ensuring interesting game and bird viewing from the comfort of the suite. The suites, each with its unique art, have an outdoor shower and a private pool and veranda. Children over 9 years are welcome.

Price indication: from R18,150 per person sharing/night all inclusive, during high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season.