Madikwe Safari Lodge

Rooms

There are 3 separate camps, each with its own communal sitting-dining area and winding pathways leading to individual thatched suites. Lelapa is the best for families - 4 of its 12 suites have separate bunk rooms for children. The main pool here overlooks a watering hole, so you can watch nature in action without leaving your sunlounger.

Smaller Kopano is adult-only and is made up of only 4 suites offering a more exclusive, intimate experience. Exceptional sunrises can be seen from these suites. Dithaba is also adult-only (unless taken exclusively by a group of up to 8 guests) but it’s the most secluded - it will feel like the whole reserve is yours. All camps are within a 5-10 minute walk of each other and have their own lounge areas and kitchens, but Dithaba is more elevated so has the best views of the bush and plain from above.

At Kopano there's also the option of the 3-bedroom Elela Villa, ideal for a group of friends or families with teens (over 12's only) looking for the ultimate private safari experience. It has a private pool and firepit terrace overlooking the plains, plus all meals, activities and a private car are included in the nightly rate.

Whichever camp you choose, all have bags of space and are similarly decorated in a natural organic style: semi-open plan with curved walls, earthy colours and rustic touches including thatch roofing and twig lamps that blend well with the surroundings. Kingsize beds are wonderfully comfortable and bunk beds for kids give a sense of fun. Indoor/outdoor showers, big bathtubs, wood-burning fireplaces, complimentary minibars and a wooden viewing deck plus your own plunge pool, they feel like a truly luxe sanctuary from the wilds.

We liked the novel details, too: ‘gym in a basket’ should you feel the need to burn off some calories, a personalised water bottle, bathrobes and a blackboard, which the charming housekeeper left us messages on every day!

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Coffee / tea making
• Fan
• Fireplace
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Minibar
• Plunge pool
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

It's a challenge to stop yourself over-indulging here! Tea, coffee and a snack are served before your morning game drive, then a hearty breakfast spread with lots of fresh fruit and hot options is laid on when you return. Then there's a light lunch with tasty salads, followed by afternoon tea, game-drive sundowners and finally a 3-course dinner. Everything is included in the rate, as are all drinks except premium brands. Other than breakfast, where you take your meals is your choice: by the pool, in the lush gardens, on your private terrace or even in the bush. If you can't decide, let the staff surprise you!

Considering you're in the middle of nowhere, the quality of cuisine is excellent and the menu changes daily. Dishes which stood out for us were a perfectly cooked Kingclip fish and a melt-in-your-mouth Kudu fillet. The Boma (bbq) dinner outside was a favourite, too, sharing experiences with fellow guests and your guides under a carpet of stars.

Kids are well catered for, with special (and healthy) menus, and with advance notice staff do their level best to satisfy every whimsy, allergy or food foible.

Features include:

• All meals included
• Bar
• Kids' meals
• Restaurant

Activities

Staff can tailor your day as you wish, but the typical routine includes sunrise and sunset game drives:

• 05h00 Wake-up call (06h30 in winter; May-Aug)
  
• 05h30 Tea/coffee/pastries and game drive departs (07h00 in winter)
  
• 09h00 Game drive returns, then breakfast is served (09h30 in winter)
  
• Time at leisure - bush walks, expert talks on local fauna and flora, bird watching, special photographic trips, relaxing by the pool, spa treatments, browsing in the curio shop
  
• 16h00 High tea (15h00 in winter)
  
• 16h30 Game drive departs (15h30 in winter); sundowners are served out in the bush
  
• 19h30 Game drive returns and dinner follows (18h30 in winter)
  
  Morning and evening game drives are in open safari vehicles with up to 8 people. Only three vehicles are allowed in the reserve at a time so you’re more likely to get up close and personal, and capture uncrowded shots. Wildlife is awesome and not just confined to the 'Big Five' (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino). There are giraffe, wildebeest, hyena, zebra, hippo, warthogs, crocodiles, a variety of antelope, over 300 bird species, and so much more. Our hearts raced when we witnessed lions leap for rare wild dogs, and we loved watching cheetahs bask in the sunshine.

  Activities on site or nearby include:

  • Birdwatching
  • Jeep safaris
  • Safaris
  • Walking safaris
  • Wildlife

Kids

Lelapa is one of the best safari camps in Africa for kids, and all ages are welcome (which is unusual). In addition to large family rooms, they offer family safari drives for over 2s and a daily programme of kids' activities from baking cookies to identifying bugs. Our daughter loved their Eco House with its fascinating display of animal skulls and excellent eco-activities. Watching animals visit the waterhole from the pool was also a winner. Children up to 5 yrs stay free of charge and those aged 6-15 yrs pay 50%.

Best for:

Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Lelapa is the family-oriented camp with 12 large suites - 4 of which have a children's bedroom with bunk beds.

Distances:

• Airport: 4.5 hours (Jo'burg)
• Hospital: 1.5 hours by car, quicker by air

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Madikwe Safari Lodge is set in the Madikwe Game Reserve, about 4.5 hours' drive northwest of Johannesburg.

By Air:
Fly into Johannesburg International Airport (also known as OR Tambo International Airport; 359km). From here, Federal Airlines operates a daily light aircraft shuttle to Madikwe landing strip (near the lodge). The flight takes 1 hour but is occasionally cancelled due to bad weather. You are met at the airfield for the 10-minute transfer to the lodge.

By Car
Our preferred option is to go overland. The lodge can arrange a private ground transfer from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport - it's an easy drive which takes about 4 hours.

Alternatively, you can self-drive, although if you're not experienced in driving through elephant territory, we wouldn't recommend it. For car hire see our car rental recommendations

Detailed directions will be provided when you book through i-escape.

More on getting to South Africa and getting around