Why you'll love it here
- Embrace a Malaria-free destination in South Africa’s wilderness
- Choose from three separate luxury lodges, all with different characteristics
- Spot the patched coat of the rare African wild dog stalking the reserve
- Book an exclusive lodge with a group of up to eight people
Greig
Travel Specialist
Included in your holiday
- Lounge passes and meet & greet service in UK airports
- Transfers to and from your hotel
- All flight luggage allowances
- Personal concierge service
- 24/7 assistance when travelling
- Full ATOL protection
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
Rising from vast savannah plains, framed by the Dwarsberg hills and winding Marico River, Madikwe Safari Lodge sets you right in the beating heart of Africa’s wilderness.
This luxury lodge offers the ultimate safari experience, with family-friendly accommodation, game drives, bush walks, spa treatments and boma dinners under the stars. Meaning ‘Africa in its majesty’, there are few other safaris that compare to 75,000 hectares of beautiful Madikwe.
Choose from three exclusive camps scattered across the Madikwe Game Reserve, each enclosing luxury suites, with private decks and plunge pools, welcoming couples and children alike. Lelapa Lodge is designed with families in mind, offering optimum space and a range of children’s activities. Kopano Lodge is nestled away in the wilderness; offering a small, intimate feel, it’s a great spot for a couples’ escape. Lastly, the Dithaba Lodge resides in the hills, its elevation offering striking views across the reserve. Whether you’re sat by your flickering fireplace, relaxing by your plunge pool or admiring the views from your deck, you’ll feel at the heart of this stunning reserve.
The great outdoors is readily accessible, and there are plenty of ways to make the most of it. Enjoy thrilling sunrise and sunset game drives, helmed by expert guides with a myriad of fascinating facts and stories to share. Venture out on a bush walk to get up close and personal with the mighty creatures of the plains. Or, take a birding tour to spot Africa’s low-flying natives.
Back at base, you can indulge in a soothing spa treatment on your private deck, overlooking the greens and golds of the sweeping plain. When it comes to mealtimes, dine outdoors for unforgettable experience; opt for breakfast and evening meals in the bush, private dining beside the pool or a traditional barbeque with all the safari crew around a cosy campfire.
Room Options
There are 20 suites at Madikwe Safari Lodge, spread across three luxury camps set in separate areas of the reserve. Each camp takes a different approach to safari living, with something to suit everyone.
Lelapa Lodge
Lelapa, Setswana for ‘family’, shows commitment to its name in its wide, open spaces that encourage quality family time. These luxury spaces include a bar, spa, swimming pool and a kids’ club, plenty to keep all ages entertained. There’s a whole host of children’s activities, as well as babysitting facilities and suites with inter-leading rooms. The lodge can house a maximum of 24 people.Kopano Lodge
Kopano, which translates as ‘small gathering’, is nestled in a remote, off-the-beaten-path location. It’s an intimate retreat, with four private luxury suites settled in blissful seclusion. Each suite has a private plunge pool and direct access to the elegant common room. The lodge can house a maximum of eight people.Dithaba Lodge
Huddled up in the hills, the Dithaba Lodge is the perfect spot to capture stunning sunrise and sunset views of the reserve. It’s great for a romantic couples’ getaway or a seriously special family home-from-home. The lodge can house a maximum of eight people.Activities & Entertainment
Game drives
Madikwe has a relatively low concentration of safari vehicles, making it great for game viewing. With no obstructions, venture across the plains alongside your expert guide in search of the big five. Head out in the morning to watch the animals hunt for their breakfast. In the evenings, return in the dying light of the stunning African sunset to see nocturnal species come to the surface. Porcupines, bushbabies and honey badgers are among the creatures of the night.
Bush walks
Bush walks offer a more intimate and multi-sensory safari experience than game drives. Being on the ground, you can get closer to the game, and spot some of the finer details that would pass you by in a vehicle. Immerse yourself in the wilderness, breathing in the sights, sounds and smells that add colour and texture to the plains.
Bird watching
Twitchers can make the most of Madikwe’s vast range of birds with a bird watching tour. Over 350 species have been seen soaring through the region, the majority appearing during the summer months. Head out onto the plain to spot the likes of yellow-throated sandgrouse, kori bustard, Temminck’s courser, double-banded courser and white stork.
Spa
While the scenic setting at Madikwe Safari Lodge is enough to help you unwind, the indulgent spa therapies on offer take your relaxation to another level. Enjoy a range of treatments as you gaze out onto the plains, from massages to facials. All products used are 100% organic.
South Africa travel information
- Time zone: +2 GMT
- Flight time: 11-12 hours
- Recommended airlines: Emirates, British Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways
- Currency: South African Rand
- Tipping guideline: 10-15%
- Health considerations: There is a risk of malaria in certain areas of South Africa, including the Kruger National Park. However, transmission occurs typically between the months of September and May only. In June, July and August, the risk is considered to be very low. There is a low to very low risk of malaria in the rest of South Africa throughout the year.There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, however, yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Capital: Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein
- Population: 61,020,221
- National languages: 11 official languages including English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, and Xhosa
- Electricity and plugs: Type C, D, M, N, 230V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
- UK passport visa requirements: You don't need a visa for South Africa if you have a British passport - for a maximum of 90 days
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our South-africa experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Greig
Travel Specialist
South Africa travel guides
Want some more help planning your holiday to South Africa? Read our expert guides to find out everything you need to know about where to stay, dine and explore on your Inspiring Travel escape.
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Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
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For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware