Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge is in one of South Africa’s largest malaria-free sanctuaries; Madikwe Game Reserve is run as a joint venture between the North West Parks Board, the private sector, and the local communities.

A diverse combination of bushveld and the semi-arid Kalahari; this malaria-free 76 000 hectare (187 800 acres) Reserve boasts the Super Seven; adding cheetah and the endangered African wild dog to the already famous Big Five. Madikwe is famed for Operation Phoenix, the world’s largest game translocation exercise; successfully introducing more than 8 000 animals of 28 species, including lion, elephant, buffalo, and white rhino, since 1991. It is also home to more than 350 bird species, several endemic to the Kalahari.

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.

Set on a gentle slope nestled between two rolling hills in the central-eastern region of Madikwe Game Reserve; Madikwe Safari Lodge overlooks 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.

Madikwe Safari Lodge Accommodation

The luxury Madikwe Safari Lodge features just 20 suites in three intimate camps; Lelapa Lodge (12 suites), Kopano Lodge (4 suites), and Dithaba Lodge (4 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 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, ensuite bathroom, safe, minibar, telephone, hairdryer, and a range of deluxe amenities.

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

Lelapa Lodge

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

Kopano Lodge

The intimate and romantic camp, influenced by African design aesthetics; comprises just 4 luxury Suites and reminds one of a traditional homestead. Kopano Lodge is ideal for honeymooners and can also be booked out on an exclusive basis; for a get-together of friends or family. Each Suite’s private lounge, viewing deck, and private plunge pool; provide personal space and are ideal positions from where to spot the animals coming by.

Dithaba Lodge

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. Dithaba Lodge has just 4 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’s construction, incorporating natural design elements, is uncomplicated, and each Suite; with its own lounge, plunge pool, and viewing deck; provides space to unwind and watch animals cross the plain.

Madikwe Family Safari

South Africa Family Safaris

Children of all ages are welcome at Madikwe Safari Lodge’s Lelapa Lodge. Kopano Lodge and Dithaba Lodge are ideal for small family gatherings on exclusive-use safaris; or with children of 16 years and older.

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

The superb safari experience only varies in temperature and not in the quality of the game viewing; making 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 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. The best birding period is from October until April.

Getting to Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge Rates

Rates are based on the best available rates on the day so please use these for indicative purposes only

Single room rates available on request.

Madikwe Safari Lodge Special Offers

Get a free night on safari at Madikwe Safari Lodge with our Stay 4, Pay 3 which is valid until 19th December 2021.