Madikwe Safari Lodge

At A Glance

Destinations
Children Under 12 Welcome

Accommodation Highlights

In the heart of Madikwe - a prime malaria-free safari reserve
Big 5, predators & 350 bird species
Great for family safaris with babysitting & kids' game drives
Separate wing for families with children
Great location with stunning views of the reserve
Excellent cuisine served beneath the stars

Overview of Madikwe Safari Lodge

South Africa, Madikwe

Madikwe Safari Lodge is situated in one of South Africa’s largest malaria-free wildlife sanctuaries – the Madikwe Game Reserve. This family-owned lodge consists of three different camps: Lelapa is for families with children under 16 while Kopano and Dithaba are for adults and couples only. All rooms have welcome safari extras like private plunge pools, outdoor showers and your own viewing deck over the reserve, which stretches 76 000 hectares to the border with Botswana and to the far-off Dwarsberg. Madikwe Safari Lodge is in the eastern portion of the reserve, which has the lowest vehicle density of all.

Children are especially well catered for: there is a dedicated late-morning kids’ game drive and little ones staying at Lelapa Lodge can undertake age-appropriate bush orientation courses, ‘bug CSI’, spoor and dung tracking, star gazing and messing about in the kitchen to make their own pizzas or delicious baked goods. The ecology house, which is home to a collection of skulls, horns, hides and so on, will teach children more about the age-old rhythms of nature.

Between morning and afternoon game drives, you can also go on guided bush walks, get your checklist out for bird watching (the best time of year is the Green Season stretch between October to April) or visit the spa for a revitalising treatment.

There are daily flights to the nearby airstrip and there is also a helipad for guests who prefer to chopper in. There is complimentary Wi-Fi access and satellite TV in most of the public areas of all three mini lodges.

Highlights & Activities

What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
In the heart of Madikwe - a prime malaria-free safari reserve
Big 5, predators & 350 bird species
Great for family safaris with babysitting & kids' game drives
Separate wing for families with children
Great location with stunning views of the reserve
Excellent cuisine served beneath the stars

Animal tracking experience

Bird watching

Bush dining

Children's activities

Game drives

Night drives

Specialist guides

Star gazing

Sundowners

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General Facilities

There are three intimate sitting areas in the camps, including the shaded seating area strewn with beanbags and cushions.

Grab a book from the well-stocked library or choose a travel book from the safari shop to read in front of the fireplaces inside and outside the lodge.

The Lelapa lodge has a communal swimming pool but all rooms, regardless of lodge, have their own private plunge pools. Satellite TV and Wi-Fi are accessible in the public areas of all camps.

Boma

Children's club

Children’s play area

Curio shop

Laundry service

Private garden

Spa

Swimming pool

Wi-Fi available

Dining

Tasty breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served in the lodge’s relaxed, communal dining area.

The nearby boma is often the setting for romantic star-lit dinners, while pizza ovens provide fun dining. A kosher menu can be arranged with prior notice.

Why Go2Africa​

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Our Africa Safari Experts live, work and travel across the regions they specialise in. Their recommendations come from first-hand experience and specialist regional knowledge, helping you make confident decisions and experience the Africa that's right for you.​

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Long-standing relationships with Africa's leading lodges, camps, guides and conservation partners mean better advice, exceptional experiences and trusted people on the ground when you need them most.​

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Home to 21 Condé Nast Traveller Specialists, more than any other African safari company, and recognised by Condé Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure and the World Travel Awards, our expertise is trusted by the travel industry and thousands of travellers worldwide.​

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As part of the B Corp-certified Nawiri Group, every journey helps strengthen landscapes, support local livelihoods and protect the people, wildlife and wild places that make Africa extraordinary through long-term partnerships across the continent.​

Thousands of Five-Star Traveller Reviews​

Thousands of verified traveller reviews across Trustpilot and Feefo reflect the exceptional experiences we create, with many travellers returning to Africa with us year after year and recommending Go2Africa to family and friends.​

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Traveller Reviews

  • AM
    Andre Mouton
    employee

    Madikwe Safari Lodge offers a luxurious, family-friendly environment with stunning accommodations, a top-tier spa, and vibrant energy.

  • SR
    Sasha Rawstorne
    employee

    Always exceeding expectations, Madikwe Safari Lodge offers an unparalleled experience in the Madikwe Reserve. With fine comforts of home, a focus on guest experience, one cannot go wrong with Madikwe Safari Lodge!

  • CK
    Chevon Kolbe
    employee

    As we approached the relatively easy to find lodge we were greeted by the smiling faces of Madikwe Safari lodges staff. Our luggage was quickly sorted and taken away to our rooms, while our host encouraged us to sit down with him for a refreshing drink.

    After finishing our drinks we were escorted to our rooms which blew me away, the rooms were spacious, luxuriously decorated and has scenic views with a plunge pool in every room. Once our tour of the rooms were completed we were escorted to the front area of the lodge where our knowledgeable guide was waiting for us and we embarked on a very informative game drive until sunset.

    As we returned we were greeted by our horst who showed us to our table where we indulged in a delicious plated dinner. The night came to an end and we were escorted to our rooms once again for our safety and convenience. A prompt wake up call was received the next morning and we embarked on a morning game drive, spotting cheetahs, lions and various other game. We were all pleasantly surprised to find a table setup with hot beverages and crumpets in the middle of the wild. Truly my most memorable site inspections.

  • LV
    Lauren Vorster
    employee

    Madikwe Safari Lodge made me feel so at home with their friendly staff and tastefully designed rooms. Choose from one of three lodges, each uniquely suited for families, honeymooners, couples or friends in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve.

  • SB
    Stephane Bourdain
    traveler

    Thank you very much for your help for our trip. It was wonderful, we discovered and saw beautiful areas, met lovely people. Our three days in Madikwe were amazing…

  • CT
    Clay Tappan
    traveler

    Madikwe was our favourite and our guide, Michael, and all the staff there went above and beyond!

  • RS
    Roslyn Switzer-Hewson
    traveler

    We loved Madikwe Safari Lodge. Exceptional service and facilities and the most incredible life-changing safari that both our kids and us absolutely loved.

  • CB
    Charles Burgwyn
    traveler

    Toni took heaps of photos as we saw all of the Big Five at Madikwe. The transfers were all on time and the accommodation was excellent especially at Madikwe.

  • EG
    Elpitha Gournakis
    traveler

    Everything was fantastic!! Madikwe was incredible – my kids could not get enough of it – the lodge and the staff were phenomenal. The only thing that I would have done different is booked it for longer.. we all were really sad when it ended. But that’s ok it just means that we need to go back again.

  • JK
    Judy Kaminstein
    traveler

    I just wanted to let you know that trip worked out fine. The flights coordinated and the lodges were good. We really loved Madikwe and Selinda.

  • SS
    Sammy Saad
    traveler

    The Madikwe Safari Lodge was clearly the gem of the trip– super kids friendly, super ranger, incredible room, exquisite food, great staff, very niche and boutique and top-end all the way – all together, you can feel very comfortable recommending the place to your pickiest travelers; we loved it

  • MM
    Maile Madigan
    traveler

    I am settled back home and would love to provide feedback. I must say overall I was blown away by the experience. It was so incredible to see all the animals, eat great food, relax, meet great people. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I can’t think of a single suggestion to make it better.

    Madikwe Lodge was perfect. The people there were incredible and the place is beautiful. It was the nicest place we’ve ever stayed. The entire schedule and set up that they have is perfect with 2 game drives every day. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to go on a Safari in South Africa.

  • RK
    Ronald Kong
    traveler

    Madikwe Safari Lodge was great, the staff and management were very attentive to the grown ups as well as the kids. They keep our girls occupied with activities.

  • BW
    Brad Woods
    traveler

    The safari was amazing. Couldnt have been happier with it.

  • NR
    Nina reese
    traveler

    We had an AMAZING trip to Madikwe Safari Game Reserve and Cape town, South Africa. Our guides were all amazing and by the end our the trip. The country is beyond beautiful, amazing people and first rate customer service- some of the best in the world. I would be happy do it again in a heart beat and we hope to return many, many more times in the future.

  • CT
    Carol Thierry
    traveler

    Madikwe is fabulous. Everything is just first class – the staff, the service, the food – everything. We had an excellent guide and I think we saw just about every type of animal there is to see.I cannot recommend Madikwe highly enough. The experience for my grandchildren was amazing.

  • JY
    Jane Yule
    traveler

    Just a quick note to say we had an absolutely fabulous time at Madikwe. Thank you so much for the good advice you gave us about choosing the location. The flights, accommodation, transfers and accommodation in Jo’burg were all fabulous. The Madikwe Safari Lodge was especially first rate, and all the staff really efficient and friendly and our Ranger was great. We would definitely recommend Go2Africa to any friends or family.

  • JS
    Jeff Sinteff
    traveler

    It was good, very good, as every day was a new adventure for us. I think for the 8 days that we had, the planning was good Sun City was great and Madikwe was just wonderful! Fully different places as you know but plenty for the eyes in both places.
    Madikwe was certainly the place to go, and everything was over the top. The services, the people, the food, and obviously the game drive were perfect. Including the design of the lodge and the accommodation. Really fantastic, and quiet, so much quiet, relaxing Days were passing really quickly, too quickly!
    Well, we have now around 2000 photos that we will have to look at. Thanks again and I sure that we will spend some holidays again in South Africa in the future, visiting others places, so keep in touch

  • JS
    Jeff Sinteff
    traveler

    It was good, very good, as every day was a new adventure for us. I think for the 8 days that we had, the planning was good Sun City was great and Madikwe was just wonderful! Fully different places as you know but plenty for the eyes in both places._x000D_
    Madikwe was certainly the place to go, and everything was over the top. The services, the people, the food, and obviously the game drive were perfect. Including the design of the lodge and the accommodation. Really fantastic, and quiet, so much quiet, relaxing Days were passing really quickly, too quickly!_x000D_
    Well, we have now around 2000 photos that we will have to look at. Thanks again and I sure that we will spend some holidays again in South Africa in the future, visiting others places, so keep in touch

  • AC
    Amanda Charles
    traveler

    Madikwe was amazing, we absolutely loved every minute!

  • AS
    Anthony Saben
    traveler

    It was a wonderful experience. We were a bit worried about going to a camp where there would be young kids but it still turned out okay. Thanks for all your help.

  • KS
    Kristin Sherard
    traveler

    Madikwe and Sun City were our first stops and were fabulous!

  • ST
    Sonia Torrento
    traveler

    Madikwe Safari. This was superb. Again, lovely staff, from Lebo in reception to our waiter Patrick and of course, our ‘Ranger Extraodinaire’ Andre. He had a gift with the kids who adored him and even introduced us to his almost 4 year old lovely daughter. As from experience in previous camps, the rooms were fine, we felt safe in the camp and the food was delicious too. The chefs were truly passionate about their food. We did leave Ariana one whole afternoon with a sitter (housekeeping lady called Reginah) so Andre and I could safari together with Lucas. Ariana was delighted. She baked cookies, played and did not only have Reginah looking after her but anyone who was around, including Peter the lodge manager! The safari was great – it was Lucas’ first and on his very first game drive he saw cheetah! Andre said that past safaris have really taken him away from daily London life and this one did the same. We felt like we had been away for weeks after only 2 days!

  • LL
    Luc Larocque
    traveler

    We had a wonderful time in South Africa and can't thank you enough for the wonderful experience. It was a trip of a lifetime and I think it will be hard to beat. Madikwe was out of this world! We cannot say enough about the services, the food, and the safaris. We left reviews on TripAdvisor as well, top notch!

  • EN
    Ed Newns
    traveler

    My wife and I spent 4 nights in the Dithaba lodge and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The room and facilities where excellent. Every time we returned to our room it was like we had never been there before. Thank you Sylvia. The lodge was run by Kebe who seemed to know what we needed before we did ourselves. The relaxed holiday was also due to Moses and Patrick. The look out deck was great sitting there with a beer looking at the animals stroll by. However what really makes a safari holiday is the animals and we were so fortunate to have Kenneth as our ranger he seemed to have the knack of knowing exactly where the animals were going to be. One afternoon we saw theBbig 5 within a couple of hours and 4 cheetahs just after they had killed a young zebra. The highlight however had to be the black rhino we saw on our final morning. On two nights we had boma dinners which were excellent as we’re the other two evening meals. However lunch and breakfast were a little below par compared with other safari lodges we have stayed at. One last suggestion do have a look at the Eco Lodge even if you don’t have children it is most interesting and Kenneth’s lecture on the trees of Madikwe is both informative and enjoyable.

  • SW
    Sheila West
    traveler

    Even though the holiday kept surpassing itself this lodge and the overall experience was for me the best part of the holiday. Everything about the lodge down to the smallest detail would have to rate as perfection. Food, service, safari… the very best.

  • SD
    Sonia Dalus
    traveler

    The Madikwe safari lodge exceeded all our expectations,it is really a paradise on earth.The suite was very big and intimate and the service personalized and welcoming. The game drives were amazing (we were very lucky to see the wild dogs kill a wildebeest )and our ranger Anna was very knowledgeable and her love for animals and the passion for her job made us feel in harmony with nature. Every member of the staff at the lodge was very helpful and very professional.

  • GS
    Graham Sher
    traveler

    Madikwe was fabulous, in every way. As you know we were 22 people there and they made our party feel very special. The whole gang loved it (my Uncle Les complained about everything, but he always does). There was nothing to fault there. If I had any comment, it was that we did not find enough comfortable space to sit between safari drives – they don’t have a huge patio in the sun at Madikwe Safari Lodge, and no communal pool (other than the plunge pools at each hut). The service and the drives and everything was great. Food was good.

  • HN
    Howard Nochomovitz
    traveler

    Overall, the trip was great, especially Madikwe

  • GS
    Graham Sher
    traveler

    Madikwe was fabulous, in every way. The service and the drives and everything was great.

  • SR
    Susana Ramos
    traveler

    All the trip was great!!! Everything was excellent and went on without any inconveniences. The hotels, especially the lodge at Madikwe. It was so beautiful and the people very, very kind. Also the safari was amazing.

  • MM
    Michelle Mangos
    traveler

    Madikwe Safari Lodge: Well to be honest our holiday just kept getting better and better from this point!! From the greeting onwards (from Solomon and staff with drinks and wet towels) to our departure we had an absolutely amazing stay… so much food and all fabulous! I am still trying to shed the extra kilos!

  • KH
    Kerry Hoadley
    traveler

    Madikwe was excellent and the Madikwe Safari Lodge was wonderful. The value was very good particularly when we got the third night for free (stay for three, pay for two!). Very caring and efficient staff and the accommodation & food were both excellent.

  • PR
    Patrick Ryan
    traveler

    Everyone loved it.

  • MR
    Miranda Rijks
    traveler

    We particularly loved Madikwe. We have never experienced such attention to detail and warm hospitality from a team of staff. It was truly magnificent – we could have stayed there forever!! The camp was even without power for most of our stay – but it simply didn’t matter as it seemed to add to the authenticity of the experience.

  • PL
    Patrick Lenehan
    traveler

    Madikwe was really wonderful. Such abundant wildlife! Other guests told us that Botswana had even more but we were thrilled. And the service was truly excellent.

  • PB
    Peter Bauer
    traveler

    Was a great experience. The service was very good despite the fact that we had a power cut after the first evening. The candles and petroleum lamps enhanced the romantic athmosphere and made us forget the heavy rainfalls.

  • MC
    Michael Chia
    traveler

    Definitely a place to be recommended. We had a great time at the safari and definitely you need 3 days to get a real feel and experience.

AM
Andre Mouton
employee

Madikwe Safari Lodge offers a luxurious, family-friendly environment with stunning accommodations, a top-tier spa, and vibrant energy.

SR
Sasha Rawstorne
employee

Always exceeding expectations, Madikwe Safari Lodge offers an unparalleled experience in the Madikwe Reserve. With fine comforts of home, a focus on guest experience, one cannot go wrong with Madikwe Safari Lodge!

CK
Chevon Kolbe
employee

As we approached the relatively easy to find lodge we were greeted by the smiling faces of Madikwe Safari lodges staff. Our luggage was quickly sorted and taken away to our rooms, while our host encouraged us to sit down with him for a refreshing drink.

After finishing our drinks we were escorted to our rooms which blew me away, the rooms were spacious, luxuriously decorated and has scenic views with a plunge pool in every room. Once our tour of the rooms were completed we were escorted to the front area of the lodge where our knowledgeable guide was waiting for us and we embarked on a very informative game drive until sunset.

As we returned we were greeted by our horst who showed us to our table where we indulged in a delicious plated dinner. The night came to an end and we were escorted to our rooms once again for our safety and convenience. A prompt wake up call was received the next morning and we embarked on a morning game drive, spotting cheetahs, lions and various other game. We were all pleasantly surprised to find a table setup with hot beverages and crumpets in the middle of the wild. Truly my most memorable site inspections.

LV
Lauren Vorster
employee

Madikwe Safari Lodge made me feel so at home with their friendly staff and tastefully designed rooms. Choose from one of three lodges, each uniquely suited for families, honeymooners, couples or friends in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve.

SB
Stephane Bourdain
traveler

Thank you very much for your help for our trip. It was wonderful, we discovered and saw beautiful areas, met lovely people. Our three days in Madikwe were amazing…