Situated in one of South Africa’s largest and malaria-free sanctuaries; rich biodiversity of mammals, such as Africa’s Big 5, cheetah, wild dog, brown and spotted hyena, oryx, eland, springbok & ostrich; excellent birdwatching with over 350 bird species. Madikwe Safari Lodge diverse geology and broad mix of habitats; exceptional field rangers; intimate accommodation with sweeping views over the game-filled plains with the Dwarsberg range forming a purple-hued backdrop; unique area imbued in history.
Get closer to the raw wilderness than ever before, unchanged, untamed and untainted. So many people who look to South Africa for a safari know about Kruger but not so many know about the Madikwe Reserve. Our family are 4th generation owners of Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand, Kruger National Park and although this is the region we know best and is the premier wilderness reserve in Southern Africa the Madikwe Reserve should be considered for its own unique strengths and is the reason why we have recently partnered in this area.
Lodges
Our three lodges, Lelapa, Dithaba and Kopano comprise of 20 suites in total and give guests a choice to stay together as a group of family and friends, or to have a more private bush experience as a couple. Our staff know exactly how to make you feel welcome, comfortable and relaxed. If you curl up on your couch at home, that is what we encourage you to do with us at Madikwe Safari Lodge.
Lelapa Lodge: Lelapa which means family in the local dialect is exactly that. It has the spirit and comfort of being at a home and is the Lodge where we allow guests of all ages to stay.
Kopano Lodge: Kopano which means “small gathering” comprises only four suites with a beautiful common area offering an intermit and private experience.
Dithaba Lodge: Dithaba, meaning mountain in the local dialect, is located slightly higher up on the mountain and has incredible views over the open plans.
We have provided an easy reference table to make sure you make the best choice of Lodge for your stay with us and if you have any further questions please reach out to us (See CONTACT page) as the better informed you are about your stay with us the more you will get out of your safari.
Safaris
Get closer to the raw wilderness than ever before, unchanged, untamed and untainted.
So many people who look to South Africa for a safari know about Kruger but not so many know about the Madikwe Reserve. Our family are 4th generation owners of Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand, Kruger National Park and although this is the region we know best and is the premier wilderness reserve in Southern Africa the Madikwe Reserve should be considered for its own unique strengths and is the reason why we have recently partnered in this area.
We have listed below a little generic information about the Madikwe which may help you understand the difference in these regions however fundamentally if you are not insistent on seeing Leopard, are a little concerned about malaria in Kruger, are travelling with a young family or are looking to stretch your budget a little further then you should definitely be considering the Madikwe Reserve.
The other reason we suggest guests look to Madikwe is that if their main purpose for coming to South Africa is safari then combining Kruger with Madikwe is honestly the best of what South Africa has to offer in the luxury safari experiential market. We would suggest doing Madikwe first, never spending less than 3 nights at any one lodge and then going onto Kruger for again not less than 3 nights. Although the distance and logistics are a little complicated in connecting the two areas, trust me, it is worth the effort as you are combing two spectacular regions, each with their unique species and a safari experience which is arguable the best in Africa in terms of quality over quantity as on quantity we are not able to compete against East Africa.
Families
At Madikwe Safari Lodge, many of us have kids of our own, so we know and understand what an unforgettable experience it is for children to be in the bush. We therefore encourage you to bring your little ones with you on safari. We do, however, know that it’s daunting to do this for the first time, so we thought we’d give you some information to help you plan…
Children’s Policy:
Madikwe Safari Lodge– children of all ages welcome. Children under the age of 6 years have separate family safari game drive at 10am.
Children 0-5 years = stay free of charge Children 6-15 years = pay 50% off per person sharing rate and must share room with parents. Children 16 years and older will need to be in their own room and pay the adult rate.
Lelapa Lodge
Children of all ages are welcome. For safety reasons, children aged 3 years and younger cannot participate on game drives and gaming activities.
Children aged 0 - 5 years stay free of charge Children aged 6 -15 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate Children aged 16 years and older pay the full adult rate If two children under 15 are in a room on their own, the first child pays full adult sharing rate
Dithaba Lodge
Children are only accepted if the lodge is booked exclusively. If the lodge is booked exclusively, then the same policy as above (3.1.7.1) applies
Kopano Lodge
We regret that we are unable to accommodate children under the age of 16 years.
Children aged 16 years and older will be accommodated in their own room and will pay the adult rate.
PRIVATE LAND ROVER
ZAR 8,530.00 per day
Rates are quoted per vehicle “per night booked” from 2pm on first day to 11am the following day.
Minimum 2 day booking and subject to availability.
CANCELLATION POLICY
31 - 60 days prior to arrival 25% cancellation fee on the value of the booking
0 - 30 days prior to arrival 100% cancellation fee on the value of the booking
DEPOSIT POLICY
Upon confirmation 50% deposit is due to secure the reservation, of which 10% is non-refundable 30 days prior to arrival Full prepayment
**********************************************
EXCLUSIVE MORE EXPERIENCES -Valid at: Lelapa Lodge ,Kopano Lodge & Dithaba Lodge only
2.1 SeeMORE Experience
Valid from 11 January 2018 - 17 December 2018 & 4 January - 30 April 2019 and subject to availability of rooms
Book three nights and receive 2 free nights in a More Quarter’s 1 Bedroom Luxury Apartment.
Must specify “SeeMORE Package” on enquiry. If not requested and stipulated at time of reservation with MORE, the package will not be honoured
Block Out Dates: 18 Dec 2018- 3 jan 2019; 1 - 15 Febr 2019
**********************************************
2.2 SafariMORE Experience
Valid at: Madikwe Safari Lodge
Pay for five night and get the sixth night free
Minimum 3 night stay at Madikwe Safari Lodge, and the free night will be offered at Marataba Safari Lodge or Marataba Trail Lodge (ie. Guests will stay 3 nights at Madikwe Safari Lodge & 3 nights at Marataba Safari Lodge or Marataba Trail Lodge)
- Valid from 11 Jan - 17 Dec 2018 & 4 Jan - 30 Apr 2019 and subject to availability
Valid for maximum 2 rooms /4 guests
The SafariMORE package can only be booked not on any other negotiated or discounted rates, or in conjuction with other package
Must specify “SafariMORE Package” on enquiry. If not requested and stipulated at time of reservation with MORE, the package will not be honoured
**********************************************
2.4 DiscoverMORE
Valid from 11 Janury 2018 - 17 December 2018 & 4 January - 30 April 2019 and subject to availability of rooms
Book a minimum of six nights at any MORE property / properties in one itinerary, and receive a further 5% off your contracted Rate.
Subject to availability of rooms
Valid for maximum 2 rooms/ 4 guests
The DiscoverMORE package can only be booked on your contracted rates and not on any other negotiated or discounted rates, or in conjunction with other packagesMust specify “DiscoverMORE Package” on enquiry and properties must be requested and booked at the same time. If not requested and stipulated at time of reservation with MORE, the package will not be honoured.
Lelapa, Kopano & Dithaba Lodge Rates Include:
Luxury accommodation in a suite with private plunge pool; All meals; Teas/Coffees; Mini bar in room; Inclusive drinks (all soft drinks and selection of local beers, spirits & house wines); Two game drives daily with FGASA qualified ranger; Game drive refreshments & snacks; Transfers to and from the Eastern Madikwe airstrip; Specified inclusive safari activities;
Rates Exclude:
Laundry; Snacks in room; Premium brand beers, spirits, cellar wines & champagnes; Cigars & cigarettes; All flights and transfers not specified;
Gratuities; Telephone calls; Curio shop purchases; Spa treatments); Madikwe Game Reserve landing fees (subject to change); Any additional extras will be for the guests account
Specialist Activities Included:
Game drives; Bush walks; Astronomy; Wildlife lectures; Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches & bush dinners; Children’s activities
Specialist Activities Excluded:
Cultural village experience; Private Land Rover; Any additional external services
PARK & CONSERVATION FEES
Park fees - R180 per adult per STAY | R105 per child per STAY
Landing fees - R240 per adult | R150 per child (provisional, subject to change)
Guest Conservation Contribution: R150 per adult per DAY | R75 per child (under 12 years) per DAY
SINGLE ROOM POLICY
An allocation of rooms/suites is kept for single travellers where a supplement will not apply. These rooms/suites are subject to availability.
A supplement of 50% of the adult rate will be applied if the single rooms/suites are not available.
Single supplements will not be waivered when a booking involves one of the MORE Experiences.
TRIPLE ROOMS & INTERCONNECTING ROOMS
3rd person sharing will be restricted to children under the age of 16.
Lelapa
* Three rooms at Lelapa have a sleeper couch which are suitable for triple rooms and booking of these rooms is subject to availability
* The rate for the third person in a triple room is 50% of the per person sharing rate (maximum 3 pax)
* At Lelapa Lodge there are two x 2 bedroom suites, where the second bedroom has two single beds for children only (under 16 years og age). There is an additional sleeper couch in the family suites.
Dithaba Lodge
* has sleeper couches only to be used for children if the lodge is booked exclusively
Kopano Lodge
* There are no triple or interconnecting rooms available at Kopano Lodge
* Minimum 6 pax if Dithaba Lodge is booked as exclusive use villa
***************************************************************************
Game Drive
Game Drives head out early morning at sunrise, and late afternoon just before sunset in search of the many animal species which call this place home. No more than 8 people at a time share in a private and intensely personal safari experience in the company of their Madikwe Guide.
Vehicles will stop off in a scenic spot over the course of each drive to enjoy a hot or cool beverage under a vast African sky.
Madikwe, with its rugged terrain, bold colours and habituated wild animal species make for a Photographer’s Dream.
SUGGESTED DAILY PROGRAMME
SUMMER - PROGRAMME - WINTER
05h00 - Wake-up call - 06h30
05h30 - Tea/Coffee and game drive departs - 07h00
09h00 - Game drive returns, breakfast/brunch is served - 09h30
At leisure - Bush walk or activities of personal preference At leisure
16h00 - High tea - 15h00
16h30 - game drive departs - 15h30
19h30 - Game drive returns and dinner follows - 18h30
* Summer is from September to April, while Winter is from May to August
The Eco House - Kids Activities
The Eco-House is only a part of the Madikwe Cubz activities on offer but is such a highlight during a kids stay that we wanted to provide a little more information about what is offered. The center is managed by our Field Ranging team so there is continuity between the activities done outdoors to what we continue with as experiential learning done inside the Eco-House. The relationship is also continued so the kids don’t need to meet a new team of the staff and have the ranger taking them on safari and doing the learning. The center is a hive of activity where we are painting, drawing, making location specific models and arts and or getting to touch & smell some of the live specimens in the center. Parents have the choice to either engage in the learning with their kids or steal a few hours for themselves knowing their kids will never even know they are not by their side. This experience is unique to Madikwe Safari Lodge and has been done in consultation with the owner parents, guest parents, managers and North West parks, who have assisted in all the required permits for the live specimens.
Safaris & Game Viewing
Madikwe’s game viewing is of a very high standard, aided by the fact that all guides are in radio contact with one another, and provides regular sightings of zebra, Impala, wildebeest, giraffe, warthog, white rhino, lion, wild dog, elephant, white rhino, brown hyena, and spotted hyena. Leopard sightings in Madikwe have always been a topic of discussion but the sightings are becoming a lot more frequent as individuals are becoming more relaxed with the presence of vehicles in the area. Along with Buffalo and Black Rhino, Leopard are now seen fairly regularly in the reserve.
Weddings
We have hosted both intimate and larger safari weddings at our different private lodges, so we know what a memorable setting they can be for that special occasion. If you are considering getting married with us, please make contact so that we can start planning and tailoring the event early, as we know that each occasion is unique in its requirements. You can either come meet with us at the lodge, or we can communicate via telephone to start sculpting the perfect programme of events for your consideration. If you love being in nature and have an appreciation for the spirit of the African bush, we highly recommend a wedding at one of our private lodges.
Honeymoon
Follow your heart to the bush. Whether it’s your first breakaway as a couple or your second honeymoon, you want it to be an unforgettable experience. Romantic, idyllic, private and secluded – Madikwe Safari Lodge is the ideal setting to celebrate the start of a new life together or to fall in love all over again. The suites are private and spacious equipped with their own private swimming pools with great views over the surrounding landscape. In Winter, May through to August, the wood burning fireplace in each suite makes for once of the most romantic turndowns, falling asleep as the soft light flickers throughout the room. Surrender to the beauty and serenity of the bushveld and enjoy being pampered and looked after by our staff, while you get to relax and truly enjoy each other’s company. Surrounded by nature and all its charms, a honeymoon at Madikwe Safari Lodge is without a doubt one of the most romantic getaways you’ll ever experience.
More provides a transfer service between Marataba South Africa, Madikwe Safari Lodge and Sun City
This transfer is offered in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle
The transfer takes approximately 2 hours
The rate for this transfer is:
1-3 guests is (2018) ZAR 4 700 per vehicle (One Way) (2019) ZAR 5 420 per vehicle (One Way)
4-8 guests is (2018) ZAR 6 200 per vehicle (One Way) 4 -7 Guests (2019) ZAR 7 080 per vehicle (One Way)
More provides a transfer service between Cape Town International Airport and Cape Cadogan / More Quarters
This transfer is offered in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle which can seat a maximum of 8 guests
The transfer takes approximately 30 minutes
Our airport transfers incudle the below:
International newspeaper
Bottled water
Complementary Wi-Fi
All prices are in ZAR per way, including VAT
Transfer rates are subject to change
1-3 pax per vehicle ZAR 1 095.00
4-7 pax per vehicle ZAR 1 350.00
Recommended Route to Madikwe Safari Lodge
Note this route is recommended if you prefer to travel a shorter distance on a gravel road bearing in mind that you do not require a 4x4 vehicle.
Starting at Oliver Tambo International Airport. Head southwest on O R Tambo Airport Rd toward To Parking Rd;
O R Tambo Airport Rd turns slightly left and becomes Short Term Parking Rd; Turn right toward Exit 46, take exit 46 on the right to merge onto R24 toward Johannesburg; take the exit onto N12/R24; take exit 113 for N3 S/N12 toward M2/Kimberley/Germiston/Durban; keep right at the fork, follow signs for N3 N/N1/Pretoria; continue onto N1 Western Bypass heading South West, direction Krugersdorp. Turn left onto the N14 highway, following the Krugersdorp signposts; travel in a south-westerly direction;
At the four-way stop, turn right onto the N14 towards Ventersdorp; at the T-junction, turn right towards Ventersdorp/Hekpoort; the road then splits again – take the left fork towards Ventersdorp;
Follow this road until you get to a four-way junction; here you will turn right towards Rustenburg;
Pass through the town of Magaliesberg and take the left fork in the road – the R509 to Boons and Derby (approximately 53 km/27 miles);
Proceed through Derby towards Koster for approximately 17 km / 11 miles;
In Koster, turn right towards Swartruggens (R509) for 34 km / 21 miles;
Turn left at the stop street onto the N4 to Swartruggens, Groot Groot Marico and Zeerust (In Zeerust, be sure to refuel as there is no fuel available in the Reserve);
Turn right at President Street onto the R47/R49 to Gaborone;
It is ± 90 km / 56 miles to the Abjaterskop Gate, where you will enter Madikwe Game Reserve
Here you will be welcomed by the friendly gate staff, who will confirm your reservation and direct you to the correct camp at Madikwe Safari lodge;
Now, you will travel on a gravel road (travelling time is approximately 45 minutes) towards Derdepoort for approximately 11 km / 7 miles; at the T-junction, turn left;
On your way, you will pass a signboard to Derdepoort Gate after 2 km / 1.2 miles, and again 1.1 km / 0.68 miles later – just follow the directions to the Derdepoort Gate;
After approximately 5 km / 3.1 miles, you will drive through the “Ambush Alley” mountain pass; here you will see a sign warning drivers to be mindful of klipspringers in the area;
Continue on the same road and after 5 km / 3.1 miles, there is a crossroad where you will still continue straight;
Continue until you see the sign for Madikwe Safari Lodge (with the relevant Lodge name), where you turn right, off the main road and continue to the Lodge.
WELCOME, well done and ahead lies a great few days on safari so time to relax and we will take care of everything from here on in!
Please Note
It is safe to drive so don’t worry about driving through the rural areas as the locals sense of community and the importance your security is very highly regarded;
Please advise us of your estimated time of arrival and note Winter (May to September) game drives leave at 15h30 & Summer at 16h30 so try make it to us before then.
Please drive carefully and be aware of village pedestrians, their children and domestic animals;
There are always a number of speed traps with traffic police along the way, so please be sure to follow the speed restrictions;
The elephants at Madikwe Game Reserve must be treated with respect, so please keep a safe distance and don’t get out of the vehicle for any reason as one is never aware of who may be watching!;
Madikwe Reserve entrance fees are payable per person directly at the Lodge and will be added to your extra’s bill.
Please take note that the gate opens at 06h00 and closes at 21h00. Please advise the Lodge if you will be arriving outside of these times so that the relevant arrangements can be made.
Terms and conditions for SA residents.
Madikwe Lodge Rates Include:
* Luxury accommodation in a suite with private plunge pool;
* All meals;
* Teas/Coffees;
* Two game drives daily with FGASA qualified ranger;
* Game drive refreshments & snacks;
* Transfers to and from the Eastern Madikwe airstrip;
* Specified inclusive safari activities.
* Wi-Fi in public areas
Madikwe Lodge Rates Exclude:
* Laundry;
* Beverages;
* Cigars & cigarettes;
* All flights and transfers not specified;
* Gratuities;
* Telephone calls;
* Curio shop purchases; Spa treatments);
* Any additional extras will be for the guests account
Madikwe Game Reserve landing fees: R 280 per adult/R 140 per child
Madikwe Game Reserve entrance fees: R 210 per adult/R 105 per child
Please enter the message you'd like to send to Madikwe Safari Lodge
Tariff name | Resource/property type | Min people | Max people | Valid from | Valid til | Minimum days | Maximum days |
---|
Here's a list of some of the great things you can purchase while making a booking at this property.
Sunday, 14 August 2022 | 18 | 6 | Clouds |
![]() |
Monday, 15 August 2022 | 18 | 1 | Clouds |
![]() |
Tuesday, 16 August 2022 | 20 | 5 | Clear |
![]() |
Wednesday, 17 August 2022 | 25 | 7 | Clear |
![]() |
Thursday, 18 August 2022 | 15 | 5 | Clear |
![]() |
Friday, 19 August 2022 | 18 | 3 | Clear |
![]() |
Saturday, 20 August 2022 | 21 | 4 | Clear |
![]() |