Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge is in one of South Africa’s largest malaria free sanctuaries; Madikwe Game Reserve. It is on a gentle slope nestled between two rolling hills in the central eastern region of Madikwe Game Reserve. Overlooking the game filled plains with the Dwarsberg Hills in the distance and the Marico River nearby.

Meals at Madikwe Safari Lodge cater to all tastes; always flavorsome and sophisticated; with a South African flair; but still keeping it simple for everyone’s enjoyment. Kosher dining is also available on request.

Immerse yourself in the tranquil oasis of the Madikwe Safari Lodge Spa. Here, ethical sourcing and sustainability are paramount. The products used are gender neutral, vegan, and free from harmful chemicals. Ensuring they cater to diverse skincare needs while upholding environmental responsibility and ethical standards.

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Madikwe Safari Lodge Accommodation

The luxury Madikwe Safari Lodge features just 20 x suites and the Elela Villa in three intimate camps. These are Lelapa Lodge (12 x suites), Kopano Lodge (4 x suites and Elela Villa), and Dithaba Lodge (4 x suites). Kopano and Dithaba Lodges are ideal for private safari getaways. Or because all three lodges are within walking distance of each other; book them all for a special wedding or celebration for up to 32 x guests.

All the suites at the three lodges are of the same caliber and are approximately 100 m² / 1080 ft²; have an indoor bath and shower, and outdoor shower; a double bed which is convertible to twins; air-conditioning, ceiling fan, en-suite bathroom, safe, minibar, telephone, hairdryer, and a range of deluxe amenities.

Madikwe embodies the warm, bold heart of this spectacularly rugged corner of Africa. With huge circular fireplaces at the heart of every suite. And big glass doors to blur the boundary between inside and out. Spacious wooden decks embrace an inviting private plunge pool in all the suites.

Lelapa Camp

Lelapa literally means ‘family’ and there is no restriction in terms of age or generation. This camp is ideal for a full family experience. Each of its 12 x luxury Suites has a private lounge, viewing deck, and plunge pool. Four Family Suites also incorporate a second children’s bedroom, stocked with toys and games. While the lodge epitomizes contemporary African design, its atmosphere is luxuriously laid-back.

Kopano Camp

The intimate and romantic camp is influenced by African design aesthetics; comprises just 4 x luxury Suites and the all new Elela Villa. Kopano Camp is ideal for honeymooners. It can also be booked out on an exclusive basis. For a get together of friends or family. Each Suite provides personal space and is an ideal position from which to spot the animals coming by.

Elela Villa

Discover unparalleled luxury at Elela Villa (210m2 / 2260ft2). An exclusive three bedroom sanctuary offering an intimate wildlife experience. Perfect for families, small groups, or couples desiring privacy and opulence in a breathtaking natural setting. The villa has its own private game drive vehicle.

Villa Features
Main lodge viewing/dining deck
Fire terrace, hosting fireside drinks under the stars
Indoor dining room, with a fireplace
Guest lounge, with a fireplace
Access to the new wellness centre (spa)
Complimentary WiFi
Madikwe Safari Lodge Gallery (at Lelapa Lodge), retailing rare and beautiful keepsakes. As well as everyday essentials

Dithaba Camp

Dithaba means ‘mountain’ in Setswana; which is apt as the lodge enjoys a slightly more elevated location, allowing for spectacular panoramas over the open plains. The camp has only 4 x luxury suites. Each is a couple or solo traveler’s retreat. Or together, an exclusive home base for a friend or family group while on safari. The lodge incorporates natural design elements. Each Suite provides space to unwind and watch animals cross the plain.

Which lodge to choose at Madikwe Safari Lodge?

All the camps at Madikwe Safari Lodge offer the same high standard of guiding, food, and hospitality. The difference is in the atmosphere you prefer, who you’re traveling with, and the kind of safari you have in mind.

Lelapa is warm and sociable. Perfect for families with younger children, multi-generational groups, and travelers who enjoy connection.

Kopano is intimate and peaceful. Ideal for couples, honeymooners, and solo guests who prefer a quieter space without children around.

Dithaba is elevated and secluded. Suited to friends, older families, or guests wanting more privacy, space, and big horizon views.

Elela Villa is a fully private retreat for families or small groups who want their own guide, chef, and dedicated team. And complete exclusivity.

Madikwe Family Safari

Children of all ages are welcome at Madikwe Safari Lodge’s Lelapa Camp and Elela Villa. Kopano Camp and Dithaba Camp are ideal for small family gatherings on exclusive-use safaris. Or with children of 16 years and older. Children 12 and over are allowed at Elela Villa.

Based at Lelapa Lodge, the Eco House children’s entertainment and education center keeps kids very busy. With the wonders of the natural world. As well as sporting and creative activities, during their stays. Just some of the fun includes:
Family morning game drives;
Bug CSI;
Spoor casting in Plaster of Paris;
Scavenger hunts;
Pool games;
Board games;
Rock painting;
Cookie baking in the kitchen;
Toasting marshmallows in the boma; and
Stargazing.

Parents are welcome to join in or sneak a few hours for themselves. Or; relax at the pool or get a Spa treatment; knowing your kids are in good hands.

For children between the ages of two and six; the mid-morning safari drive of one or two hours is ideal. Children older than six can accompany their parents on the morning and evening game drives.
After the game drive, older kids can take part in thrilling bush orientation and bush skills courses. All with knowledgeable and highly trained rangers.

Children between the ages of zero and five years stay free of charge. While children aged six to fifteen pay 50% of the per person adult rate. Teenagers aged 16 years and older pay the full adult rate.

Madikwe Safari Lodge Wildlife Experiences

Madikwe Game Reserve is a diverse combination of bushveld and the semi-arid Kalahari. This 76 000 hectare (187 800 acres) Reserve boasts the Super Seven. After adding cheetah and the endangered African wild dog to the already famous Big Five.

The Madikwe region is rich in history, having seen the passage of the famed warrior Mzilikazi. As well as explorers, traders, and missionaries that included Dr. David Livingstone and Sir Cornwallis Harris. Renowned South African writer Herman Charles Bosman celebrates the area in many of his books. Today, the park is run as a joint venture between the North West Parks Board, the private sector, and the local communities.

The superb safari experience only varies in temperature and not in the quality of the game viewing. This makes Madikwe an excellent year round safari destination. The rich biodiversity of mammals; such as Africa’s Big Five, cheetah, brown and spotted hyena, oryx, eland, springbok, and ostrich. The African wild dog is Madikwe’s signature species as it is now flourishing; however; it is still one of the continent’s most endangered species; largely due to habitat loss.

Diverse geology and a broad mix of habitats provide excellent bird watching. With over 350 bird species, including several endemics to the Kalahari. The best time for birding is from October until April.

Morning Safari

As the golden light of sunrise glimpses over the eastern hills of Madikwe Game Reserve, guests head out with their guide hearing melodious birds chirping with the excitement of morning. Ready to explore the landscape for sightings.

The fresh chilled air adds to the suspense of what animals will likely be active in the coolness of the morning.

Expert trackers are likely to get you close enough to big game that you’ll smell the musk or feel the vibration of a roar in your own chest.

No morning outing is complete without a stop for coffee & Amarula as well as traditional South African rusks and muffins.

Evening Safari

As the sun starts to drop and the shadows lengthen over the Madikwe plains, so the magic that slowly awakens the nocturnal creatures takes hold. Spectacular African sunsets are almost a spiritual experience with shades of blue, violet, pink, orange and red scattered across the horizon. The ideal opportunity to relax with a sundowner and absorb the sights and sounds.

Slowly the first stars start to appear and predators like lion, leopard and both spotted and brown hyena, use the moonlight to search for potential prey. Porcupines, bush babies, honey badgers and other interesting animals awaken from their daytime retreats to being foraging. Gleaming green and yellow eyes give clues as to the animals’ whereabouts. As do alarm calls from monkeys or Francolins disturbed as take higher positions for safety during the night.

Bush Walk

There is a lot to love about vehicle based safaris. You can cover more ground and potentially see more game. However, being on foot in the African bushveld is an adrenaline pumping experience that affords guests the opportunity to take in the finer details often missed on a game viewer.

It is an experience that truly awakens the senses being fully immersed in nature, being able to smell, hear and physically touch the surroundings. You are literally walking in the animals’ footsteps!

Seeing any of the bigger mammals on a vehicle is a very different experience from seeing them on foot, which can only be described as exhilarating. You will form a deep connection with nature and an appreciation for the natural miracles that occur every day.

Birding

Madikwe Game Reserves diversity of flora and condensed biomes. As well as its unique location which attracts over 350 species of bird to the region. An absolute birders paradise!

A visit in summer is likely to render 180 to 200 species. While a winter visit could yield around 120 to 150 species during your stay. Specials that occur in the dry plains on the reserve include Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Kori Bustard, Temminck’s Courser and White Stork. Double-banded Courser and Burchell’s Courser have also been recorded. While the Bronze-winged Courser is commonly seen during the summer months in the more wooded areas.

The aptly named Southern Pied Babbler is an ever present and commonly seen around the lodge. Along with other bushveld species such as Paradise Flycatcher, Acacia Pied Barbet, Green-winged Pytilia and several Waxbill species. Madikwe is an haven for raptor species. Such as several species of Eagle, Goshawks, Vultures (several endangered) and Goshawks.

The best time for a safari at Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe is a true year round safari destination. The “best time” really depends on the kind of experience you prefer. Each season offers a different kind of magic. It simply comes down to what you enjoy most.

May to September (dry season / winter)
Clear skies, mild temperatures, and excellent game viewing. The vegetation thins out and animals gather around waterholes. This makes sightings especially reliable.

October to April (green season / summer)
The reserve becomes lush and vibrant. With dramatic skies, summer storms, newborn animals, and superb birding. Sightings can be fast moving and full of energy, with predators taking advantage of young prey and thick vegetation.

April and October (shoulder months)
Often considered some of the best weeks of the year . Warm days, beautiful light, and a balance of greenery and visibility.

How to get to Madikwe Safari Lodge?

Driving to Madikwe Safari Lodge is relatively easy for the slightly adventurous. Federal Air operates daily flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Madikwe airfield. The airfield is 10 minute’s drive from the Lodge.

We can arrange all your transfers for you too.

Madikwe Safari Lodge Rates

Please use these for indicative purposes only as they could be less

Madikwe Safari Lodge Rates Include

Luxury accommodation.
⁠All meals, teas, coffees, game drive refreshments and snacks.
⁠Inclusive drinks and selected snacks (all soft drinks and a selection of beers, spirits, and house wines).
In room mini bar.
Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, and bush dinners (weather and occupancy dependent).
Two game drives daily with a FGASA accredited field guide, and guided bush walks.
Kids’ Adventure Safari Club experiences at the Eco House at Lelapa Camp.
Eastern Madikwe Airstrip transfers.
⁠WiFi in public areas.

Madikwe Safari Lodge Rates Exclude

Madikwe Game Reserve entrance fee, guest conservation contribution, and landing fees (if arriving by air).
Premium brand beers, spirits, cellar wines, and champagne.
Flights and transfers to and from Madikwe Game Reserve.
⁠Spa treatments.
⁠Safari Boutique purchases.
Private safari vehicle hire.
⁠Exclusive bush breakfasts and dinners.
Babysitting services.
Laundry.
Telephone calls.
Gratuities.

Madikwe Safari Lodge Special Offers

Stay 4, Pay 3

Get a free night on safari at Madikwe Safari Lodge with our Stay 4, Pay 3 offer. Pick which lodge at Madikwe Safari Lodge you would prefer.

Honeymoon Offer

For newlyweds on their honeymoon! Spend 3 nights at any of the luxury camps and one of the happy couple gets 50% off their accommodation rate.

Valid for 1 year after your wedding date.

Return Guests Offer

Repeat guests will be gifted 10% off their accommodation rate.
Valid for repeat guests who have visited the lodge within the last 5 years.
Excludes traveling companions who have not stayed at Madikwe Safari Lodge before.
Can be combined with other promotions and special

All specials are valid until 20th December 2026.

Magical Milestones and Safari Weddings

The style in which you choose to celebrate is up to you. While the arrangements of making your vision come to life is left to us, allowing you to enjoy every moment!

Celebrating your wedding day is one of the most important and rewarding day’s in a couple’s life. Madikwe Safari Lodge offers a customized wedding packages to take care of all arrangements. From accommodation, catering, and decor. As well as a dedicated professional wedding coordinator to ensure no details are overlooked. While you get to relax and absorb the magic of your special day.