Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuaries, spans 75,000 hectares in the North West Province, near the Kalahari Desert. Unlike many reserves, it is malaria-free, making it ideal for families and travellers seeking a worry-free safari experience. The reserve boasts a collection of luxury lodges offering an exclusive safari experience.
Renowned for its diverse landscapes and exceptional wildlife, Madikwe is home to the Big Five; elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard. Other wildlife include alongside cheetahs, hyenas, and an abundance of other wildlife with approximately 66 large mammal species and 350 species of bird.. One of its greatest highlights is its thriving population of endangered wild dogs, offering some of the best sightings of these rare and elusive predators in Africa. The reserve also supports both black and white rhinos, adding to its conservation significance.
Madikwe’s climate varies, with warm summers and afternoon rains from November to May, while June to October brings dry days and chilly nights. No matter the season, the reserve offers breathtaking scenery and exceptional game-viewing opportunities.
What to Expect at a Luxury Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve
- Off-road game drives in open 4×4 vehicles provide close-up wildlife encounters.
- Sundowner stops at scenic locations offer drinks and snacks while watching the African sunset.
- Guided bush walks provide an intimate exploration of nature, focusing on smaller wildlife, birdlife, and unique plant species.
- Lodges feature luxury amenities, including swimming pools, spas, viewing decks, and world-class restaurants.
- Exclusive accommodation options range from elegant suites to private villas with plunge pools and outdoor showers.
- Family-friendly lodges offer spacious suites, interleading rooms, engaging kids’ activities, and babysitting services.
- Adults-only lodges provide a peaceful, intimate, and secluded experience.
- Open-air boma dining under the stars features a roaring fire and traditional African cuisine.
- Wildlife viewing from the lodge lets guests observe elephants, antelope, and birdlife from private decks or nearby watering holes.
- Exceptional service and warm African hospitality ensure a personalized and unforgettable stay.
Molori Safari Lodge
Molori Safari Lodge is the epitome of an ultra-luxury safari, situated in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Renowned for its exceptional attention to detail and breathtaking views, the lodge seamlessly blends contemporary design with its natural surroundings.
The main lodge features expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness. Guests can unwind in the lounge, library, or cigar bar, while the elevated dining area serves exquisite meals under the stars. Other lodge facilities include an infinity pool, spa and gym.
Accommodation at Molori comprises five opulent suites, each individually designed with a focus on privacy and luxury. All suites are adorned with fine art and sophisticated interiors, offering a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort.
Highlights
- Ultra-luxury safari renowned for its exceptional attention to detail
- Uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness
- 5 opulent suites, including family units and a presidential suite
- Fine art and sophisticated interiors
- An elevated dining area serves exquisite meals under the stars
Jaci’s Tree Lodge
Jaci’s Tree Lodge offers a truly unique safari experience, perched high among the lush foliage of the riverine forest. This enchanting lodge appears to float above the ground, seamlessly integrating into its natural surroundings.
The main lodge is a masterpiece of architecture and design, concealed within the forest canopy. The Tlou Deck overlooks a waterhole frequented by wildlife, and for a more secluded adventure, the Naledi Treehouse allows guests to sleep under the stars while enjoying sunsets over the waterhole.
Elevated walkways connect the main lodge to the treehouse-style suites. Eight stunning treehouse suites, each raised on stilts are designed to complement the surrounding environment.
Highlights
- Unique lodge perched high among the lush foliage of the riverine forest
- Exquisite design and decor adorned in plush furnishings
- 8 stunning treehouse suites, each raised on stilts
- Tlou Deck overlooks a waterhole frequented by wildlife
- Naledi Treehouse allows guests to sleep under the stars
Mateya Safari Lodge
Nestled in the rocky outcrops of the Gabbro Hills, Mateya Safari Lodge exudes exclusivity and elegance. Known for its stunning location, the lodge offers breathtaking views over the reserve and nearby waterholes from its elevated vantage point.
The main lodge is an artistic haven, adorned with exquisite African art and chic décor. The lodge’s main area features an elegant lounge, a glass-walled dining room, and a deck overlooking the reserve. Guests can dine under the stars, in the wine cellar, or in the bush. Other amenities include a spa, gym, and gallery with African art.
The lodge’s five luxury suites are individually designed and situated around the hill to ensure privacy and spectacular views.
Highlights
- Nestled in the rocky outcrops of the Gabbro Hills
- Breathtaking views over the reserve and nearby waterhole
- Exquisite African art and chic décor
- Glass-walled dining room, and a deck overlooking the reserve
- 5 luxury suites are individually designed with rim-flow pools
Jamala Madikwe
Jamala Madikwe stands out as a boutique luxury safari lodge offering an intimate and personalised experience. Owner-run and set within the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, the lodge is known for its dedication to detail and exceptional service.
The lodge’s colonial-style décor is enhanced with African influences, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests can relax in the lounge or library, both featuring cozy fireplaces. Dining is a highlight at Jamala, with award-winning cuisine served in the dining room, the open-air boma, or the star deck.
Accommodation is provided in five luxurious villas, each designed for comfort and privacy. The villas feature expansive wooden decks with plunge pools, outdoor showers, and salas.
Highlights
- Owner-run offering an intimate and personalised experience
- Uninterrupted views of the waterhole and savannah
- Outdoor dinning experiences with award-winning cuisine
- Lap pool and viewing deck with an open-air bar.
- 5 luxury villas with expansive decks, private pools & salas
Rhulani Safari Lodge
Rhulani Safari Lodge combines traditional African charm with modern luxury, creating an inviting retreat in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve. With its prime location near a waterhole, the lodge offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing right from its main deck.
The lodge’s communal areas are warm and welcoming, featuring a cozy lounge, dining room, and bar area. Outdoor spaces include a sparkling swimming pool and a traditional Boma where guests can enjoy starlit dinners around a crackling fire. A unique feature of Rhulani is its underground hide, providing a close-up and safe vantage point for observing wildlife at the waterhole.
Rhulani offers seven luxurious chalets, each with its own private plunge pool, shaded deck, and en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower. For families or small groups, the family suite includes two bedrooms and private spaces.
Highlights
- Prime location near a waterhole
- Starlit dinners around a fire in a traditional African Boma
- Underground hide offers a unique wildlife viewing.
- 7 Luxurious chalets with private decks and plunge pools
- 1 Two-bedroom bedrooms with private spaces
Etali Safari Lodge
Etali Safari Lodge is an eco-friendly safari lodge designed to harmonise with its natural surroundings. Known for its tranquil and authentic atmosphere, Etali Safari Lodge promises excellent service and a first class safari experience.
The main lodge features an infinity pool, a library, and a spa that uses locally sourced ingredients for its treatments. Dining at Etali is an exceptional experience, with gourmet meals served in the main dining area, on private decks, or in the bush under the stars. The lodge also offers views over a waterhole right in front of the main deck, attracting a variety of wildlife throughout the day.
Accommodation consists of eight luxurious suites, each designed with privacy and comfort in mind. The suites feature private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto shaded decks.
Highlights
- Luxury offering with an authentic atmosphere
- Breath-taking views and scenery
- Overlooks a waterhole frequently visited by wildlife
- 8 Luxury suites with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and private pools
- Exceptional outdoor bush dinners under the stars
Tuningi Safari Lodge
Tuningi Safari Lodge is a family-friendly safari lodge that combines rustic charm with modern luxury. Set in a picturesque valley within the Madikwe Game Reserve, the lodge is designed to offer a warm and intimate safari experience.
The main lodge features an open-plan layout with a lounge, bar, and dining area that flow onto a large deck overlooking a waterhole. Guests can enjoy delicious meals under the African sky in the traditional Boma, or relax by the infinity pool while watching elephants and other wildlife.
Accommodation includes four Luxury Suites and two Family Suites, all offering spacious living areas, en-suite bathrooms, and private decks.
Highlights
- Set in a picturesque valley
- Warm and intimate safari experience
- Large communal deck overlooking a waterhole
- 4 Luxury Suites and 2 Family Suites
- Unique dinning experience in the traditional open-air Boma
Kopano Safari Lodge
Kopano Safari Lodge is a luxury retreat in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, renowned for its intimate atmosphere and personalised safari experience.
Blending contemporary design with African influences, the lodge offers a warm and inviting setting. The main lodge features a cozy guest lounge with a fireplace and library nook, an elegant indoor dining room with a fireplace, and a spacious raised viewing deck overlooking the bush. A highlight of any stay is the incredible outdoor dining experience, where guests enjoy fireside dinners under the stars on the Boma terrace.
Designed to resemble a traditional homestead, Kopano accommodates guests in just four exclusive Luxury Suites, ensuring a secluded and private experience.
Highlights
- Intimate atmosphere and personalised safari
- Raised viewing deck overlooking the bush
- Fireside dinners under the stars on the Boma terrace
- 4 exclusive Luxury Suites
- Each suite feature a wooden viewing deck and plunge pool
Dithaba Lodge
Dithaba Lodge is an intimate luxury safari retreat in the Madikwe Game Reserve, set in a secluded hillside location with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
The main lodge seamlessly blends natural design elements with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Guests can unwind in the indoor lounge and dining room, both featuring cozy fireplaces. The boma fire sets the stage for unforgettable bush dinners under the stars, while the Star Deck provides a serene space to relax and take in the night sky.
Accommodation consists of just four Luxury Suites, each designed as a private sanctuary overlooking the vast reserve. With only four suites, Dithaba Lodge is an ideal exclusive-use option for families or small groups seeking a secluded and personalised safari experience.
Highlights
- Intimate retreat set in a secluded hillside location
- Breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness
- 4 Luxury Suites, accommodating 8 adults
- Each suite features a wooden viewing deck and plunge pool
- Ideal exclusive-use option for families or small groups
Useful Information
If you are planning a safari at Madikwe Game Reserve, we recommend reading these articles to find out when to go and where to stay.
For personal planning assistance and advice contact out team.
