Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge is in the spectacular malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve. Traversing over 185 000 acres of true untamed Africa. Where the plains still teem with wildlife and the wild dogs roam freely amongst the ‘Big 5’ of Africa. (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino, and Leopard). And a range of more than 300 resident and migratory species of birds. The Reserve is bordered by Botswana on the northern boundary. And the Dwarsberg mountain range to the South.
Ingeniously set amongst boulders and age old Tamboti trees, the private game lodge is in the middle of Madikwe. Giving visitors a huge game drive advantage over other lodges that are on the borders of the reserve.
The central area is an important part of everyday life at the Lodge. From the threshold of majestic, age old East African doors, you immediately feel the cool breeze emanating throughout the central area.
The main deck overlooks the waterhole. The main swimming pool offers cool respite from the harsh African sun. And is a great way to relax with a cocktail in the afternoon.
An intimate, circular room at the Main Lodge has a television with a satellite decoder for anyone who has to watch an important sports game or news. There are also a few books for those who wish to read a bit on the deck of their suites.
The well stocked curio shop has an assortment of beautiful safari gear, gifts, and African memorabilia. More than half of the items in the curio shop come from Community Projects. Thereby helping and benefiting the local communities.
Complimentary WiFi is available in your suite, reception, and the Main Lodge.
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Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge Accommodation
The Lodge offers ten ultra luxurious 150m² glass-fronted suites. Scattered across the hillside. All of them have their own verandah and private plunge pools. A cozy living room with a huge slate clad chimney (perfect to snuggle up in front of an open fire on cooler nights) leads into the peaceful bedroom. With a gigantic pillow strewn four poster bed draped in generous layers of muslin. From where it’s possible to lie and gaze in wonder. As herds of wandering animals make their way to the watering hole.
Retreat to a sunbed in the shade of an acacia tree. Or grab a towel and jump into your private plunge pool for the ultimate relaxed game viewing. You’ll be amazed at what passes by just a hundred feet or so from your deck.
The cathedral like bathrooms are ultra luxurious. A large deep tub takes center stage in front of fold back windows that reveal the same wilderness views. A cavernous step up circular shower is built into the opposite wall. But that’s not all. Just outside the far door is an open air extension with a private outdoor hot water shower. Perfect after prolonged plunge pool dips.
As the sun goes down, there’s nothing better than a candle lit bath open to the elements. Some nights, you may even find a freshly run bath when you return to your room. With a trail of rose petals leading the way.
This is one of the best accommodation options in the Madikwe Game Reserve.
The Suites
Suite 1 & 2 are next to the main lodge with amazing views of a waterhole.
Suites 3 & 4 are right next to each other. This makes it comfortable for families of 4 when mom and dad want the teenagers to stay close by. These suites share a view of another waterhole.
Suite 5 is a romantic open plan room set high up on the hill with spectacular elevated scenic bush and waterhole views.
The Honeymoon Suite (Suite 6) is high up on the hill. The plunge pool offers a very private feeling surrounded by trees and rocks. The bathroom, with an outside claw foot bath tub and shower, has a breathtaking scenic view of a watering hole. It is quite a feat to tear yourself away for your game drives. Especially when you are treated to your private show of elephants in the waterhole below…
Suite 7 & 8 are high up on the hill. Quite far from Main Lodge with many steps to get to the suites. Therefore, they offer breathtaking scenic views. The resident leopard has been spotted drinking out of the pool of Suite 8 on a few occasions!
Suite 9 & 10 are on ground level with a watering hole close to the suites. This makes them a bird lovers paradise. They are also pretty far from the main lodge. They are fairly close together so good for groups of 4. Additionally, they can be joined with the Private Villa forming Little Madikwe private camp for up to 8 guests.
Little Madikwe
The ultimate in luxury and privacy, Little Madikwe boasts an opulent self contained 2 bedroom Private Villa (±390m²) sleeping 4 to 5 guests. If there are more people in your group, you can add suites 9 and 10, and accommodate up to 8-9 guests. Little Madikwe guests have their own game drive vehicle and game ranger. This means that Little Madikwe’s guests can enjoy private game drives at your leisure. For as long or as short as they wish.
A villa attendant takes care of your every need! This Private Villa also boasts a large swimming pool. It offers extended amenities to groups of guests wanting to truly get away from it all on a wildlife safari in Africa.
A diverse wine selection, gourmet kitchen, and lounge complete the picture. Your sumptuous gourmet experiences are enjoyed in Little Madikwe’s beautifully decorated and enchanting dining room. All are prepared in the ‘state of the art’ gourmet kitchen by your private chef. You can even pick up a few culinary tips while you watch your meal being prepared! You set your own meal times too.
It is ideal for families and small group safaris. This secluded environment and outstanding service is also an ideal game reserve retreat for corporate groups needing to get away and focus. Whether with the objective of strategizing, or simply spending time relaxing together as a team. There is free internet and presentation facilities and the outstanding, yet discreet, service ensures that corporate teams can stay focused on their work.
Madikwe Family Safari
The African bush is a unique and exciting playground for the youngsters. An intriguing experience for all ages. Madikwe Hills goes the extra mile to ensure your kids leave educated and enlightened. A comforting fact for families with young children is that the Madikwe Game Reserve is one of a few game viewing areas in Southern Africa that is malaria free.
Madikwe Hills Main Lodge caters for children over 10 years. While kids of all ages are welcome at Little Madikwe. From experienced sitters for the babies and fun activities for the kiddies. To informative Junior Ranger programs creating an awareness of this special bush environment, Madikwe Hills creates memorable family experiences. Allowing you time to truly indulge in time “me time” as well as family time.
The Junior Rangers learn all the different interesting aspects of the bush through a range of fun exercises. Kids enjoy a hands on experience by touching elephant dung, looking at tracks, and finding out HOW to track. Learning about termites while standing right next to a large termite mound etc. This is an exciting and educational experience for all ages.
The Junior Rangers are given “funwork” not “homework”. A booklet they can complete before or during the afternoon drive. Each child receives a certificate stating they are a Junior Ranger of Madikwe Hills. This program can be run for 1 – 2 hours in one day. Or if the guests are staying for more than two nights it can broken up into two days.
Movie nights are also a highlight when kids enjoy a night of traditional movie fun. With popcorn and snacks, in their pajamas. The fun never stops at Madikwe Hills.
Wining and Dining
The bar entices guests to enjoy a pre-dinner drink and a fireside chat with your friendly game rangers and managers. The dining room offers a silver service experience of memorable proportions. With beautiful artwork on the walls and cutlery and crockery fit for a king. Fine cuisine is accompanied by superb South African wines. An extensive wine cellar is next to the dining room. The cellar is a treat for the avid wine connoisseur as well as the learning amateur.
Fusion food mixed with the finest in African ingredients and decadent local and international flavors. Turning simple ingredients into cuisine of great visual appeal. The traditional Boma evenings are always a highlight.
The chef also goes to great lengths to accommodate guests with specialist dietary requirements (allergies, vegetarian and plant based diets etc). Kosher foods can be arranged on request. You will experience a variety of different healthy venison meats (venison is free range and organic!). Delicious meals will be tailored around individual needs.
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge Activities
Traversing over 75 000 hectares, Madikwe Game Reserve is where the plains still team with game, and the acacia savanna symbolizes a paragon of beauty. Madikwe Hills is in the middle of the Reserve, giving you a huge advantage on game drives.
The malaria free Madikwe Reserve is home not only to the ‘Big 5’ of Africa, but also to a wealth of other fascinating creatures. Including the rare Wild Dog. Wildlife can be viewed on game drives, walking safaris, and from the privacy of your suite deck.
Game Drives & Bush Walks
Explore the wonders of the African bush in ‘state of the art’ open game vehicles with bucket seats ensuring your optimum safety and comfort. Knowledgeable and professional field guides conduct early morning and late afternoon, or evening game drives in search of Africa’s big game and smaller wildlife. On morning game drives, should you be feeling energetic, you may choose to experience an up close and personal glimpse of the African bush on foot with a gentle bush walk through the bush back to the Lodge. This experience provides exceptional close encounters with the smaller inhabitants of this wilderness. Due to the heat in summer, winter is the best time for walking safaris.
Wildlife Photography
Those with a passion for wildlife photography will be able to get various tips from their ranger on taking the perfect safari picture, while on their game drive. The rangers are avid fans of photography. Many of them having entered renowned international and local competitions with great results. The rangers will be happy to assist in any way they can.
Wellness
Enjoy a unique spa treatment based on the study of Africa, Africology, which encapsulate the behavior, experiences, and the healing potential of Africa. Set the mind at ease and embrace the energy of the bush. Experience the soul of Africa, not just through an emotional, but also physical wellness. Africology brings ancient wisdom to today’s world. By using some of South Africa’s indigenous healing plants, namely Rooibos, Aloe Ferox, Marula, and African potato.
The fully equipped, air-conditioned gym at Madikwe Hills allows guests to keep up with their fitness regime or is a place to release the guilt built up after indulging in mouth watering delights. It has a treadmill, spinning bike, rowing machine, fitness flyer, weights and bench, dumbbells, barbells, and aerobic mats.
How to get to Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve is located in the North West Province. It is roughly a 3 – 3 1/2 hour drive from Johannesburg to the park entrance. And then a further hour onto your accommodation within the park. Charter flights on light aircraft can be arranged. These take approximately 45 minutes with a complimentary transfer from the airstrip to the lodge.
The estimated driving time from Gaborone to Madikwe is 1 to 1½ hours.
The best time to visit Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
Madikwe is in the north of South Africa. It experiences cold, dry winters and hot, wet summers. The green season runs between November to April and the dry season from May to October.
Generally, game viewing is more rewarding towards the end of the dry season. As wildlife congregates around permanent water and the veld is less dense, making animals easier to see. The green season is marked by afternoon thunderstorms, vibrant green landscapes, and excellent bird watching.
When you choose to visit will ultimately depend on your budget and your interests for your safari. Such as birding, lowest risk of malaria, and your vacation schedule.
It’s good to know that Madikwe is a year round malaria free destination. Therefore precautions are not necessary. The slightly more arid climate on the border of the Kalahari Desert means the summer days are not as humid.
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge Accommodation Rates
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge Rates | Per Person Sharing | Child |
| 1st January 2025 – 31st December 2025 | R 17 300 | R8 650 |
Little Madikwe Hills Private Camp Rates | Villa Per Night (up to 4 adults) | Extra Person |
| 1st January 2025 – 31st December 2025 | R 74 500 | R 17 300 |
At Madikwe Hills, your game viewing experience is enhanced by having only 6 guests per game vehicle, one room per row.
One child (10 -16 years) sharing a suite with 2 x paying adults pays 50% of the adult sharing rate. The child will be included in the adult’s row in the vehicle.
#Please Note:
There is no single supplement for the first single suite in any reservation. The second single suite or more pays a 50% supplement on the per person sharing rate. Single occupied rooms might share a row on the game drive vehicle with one other person.
Rates for the additional suites 9 & 10 at Little Madikwe are the same as the Madikwe Hills Main Camp rates
Rates include:
Luxury accommodation.
Two game drives per day.
Three meals daily.
Tea / Coffee.
A wide selection of local beverages, house wines, and spirits.
High tea canapes & snacks.
Selection of Fruit Juices.
Laundry service.
Road transfers from the Madikwe Airstrip to the lodge.
Rates exclude:
Curio shop purchases.
Cellar wines and premium spirits.
Telephone calls.
Spa treatments.
Park Entry Fees – Road & Air (Entrance and landing fees are subject to change without prior notification).
Lodge transfers.
Airport Tax.
Conservation Fee.
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge Accommodation Specials
Stay 5, Pay 4
Stay for 4 nights, and get the 5th night for FREE. This can be combined with a stay at Leopard Hills (Sabi) & Kings Camp (Timbavati).
Stay 8, Pay 6
Stay for 6 nights and get the 7th & 8th nights for FREE. This can be combined with a stay at Leopard Hills (Sabi) & Kings Camp (Timbavati).
A great example of this is our 8 night South Africa Luxury Trilogy Safari that includes Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge.
We also do weddings at Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge.
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