Madikwe Safari Lodge, South Africa

Location

Madikwe Safari Lodge is situated in the heart of South Africa's wildlife-rich, 76,000-hectare Madikwe Game Reserve, a malaria-free, big-5 reserve on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, a region of beautiful, untamed wilderness just four hours by car from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Madikwe is spread across three sophisticated and intimate lodges offering a choice of styles to suit all requirements.

Lelapa Lodge – It means family in the local dialect, and that's precisely at who Lelapa Lodge is aimed, welcoming guests of any age and providing a cosy, comfortable home-from-home for families who want to experience the fun and excitement of a South African safari. Suites here are welcoming and spacious, with a private wooden viewing deck, private plunge pool, outdoor shower, lounge area, fireplace and luxury ensuite bathroom.

Kopano Lodge – With just four suites and no kids allowed, Kopano Lodge is the perfect place for couples seeking an intimate, private safari experience. The suites are much the same in terms of size, layout and amenities as those at Lelapa Lodge, with a private plunge pool and viewing deck offering sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.

Dithaba Lodge – Dithaba is the local word for mountain and this is reflected in the lofty location of this small yet infinitely stylish lodge, which boasts breathtaking views across the open plains below. This lodge also has just four suites and is perfectly suited to groups of friends or large families looking to book an exclusive Madikwe safari experience. That being said, individual suites, which feature two viewing decks, a private plunge pool and living area, can still be booked here on an adults-only basis.

Facilties 

Cradled between two rolling hills with views across the expanse of game-filled plains towards the Dwarsberg Hills, this reserve offers excellent birdwatching and ranger-accompanied game drives to view the Super Seven - adding cheetah and the endangered African wild dog to the already famous Big Five. Animal sightings are limited to just three vehicles to maintain the feeling of exclusivity.

Unlike many luxury safari lodges, Madikwe can claim to be truly child friendly. The Eco-House, an educational centre run by the park's rangers, is a great place for younger children to learn about the reserve's flora and fauna, enjoy painting, drawing and model making, while giving mum and dad a well earned break and the chance to enjoy the lodge's other start attraction, the luxurious spa.