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Madikwe Safari Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Secluded location in Madikwe Game Reserve
- 3 large lodges
- Superb vehicle and walking safaris
- Great for families and large groups

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Overview

Madikwe Safari Lodge offers three top notch, independently run lodges set out amidst the vast, rugged landscapes and open skies of the malaria-free and wildlife-rich Madikwe Game Reserve. Located in a quiet spot in the central-eastern part of the reserve, the lodges are reached via a four hour drive or short flight from Johannesburg and are a great choice for families or groups travelling together. The properties all have a 'home from home' feel, offering warm hospitality alongside welcoming accommodation and superb vehicle safaris and bush walks. There are private pools, a bar and a spa to make use of during down time between safari activities.

While all three lodges have private plunge pools, en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, and wood-burning fireplaces for the colder months, each has its own appeal. Kopano Lodge combines modern design with a traditional homestead feel and houses 4 suites that accommodate up to 8 people aged 16 and over, along with a shared TV lounge. Dithaba Lodge is perched on a hillside overlooking the expansive reserve, and also offers 4 suites and a communal TV area. Lelapa Lodge has a contemporary African feel and welcomes guests of all ages, with a good variety of designated children’s activities and a child-minding service on offer. Lepala has a particularly sociable atmosphere and houses a communal swimming pool and a total of 12 suites, with the two Family Suites incorporating a second children's bedroom with bunk beds and a sleeper couch. Kopano and Lelapa Lodges both offer disabled access, and note that Wi-Fi may only be available in Lepala Lodge.

Activities naturally centre around the incredible wildlife in the area. Early morning and evening vehicle safaris cover significant distances and reveal lion, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, antelope and the endangered Cape hunting dog - sightings of rhino and leopard are not unheard of. Guided bush walks are offered in the early morning or after breakfast and last around 1 1/2 to 2 hours depending on the fitness level of the group - this is a particularly good way to witness the Madikwe Reserve's stunning birdlife. Cultural visits to a local village are also possible, along with private vehicle safaris and a Rhino Conservation experience (both at additional cost).

Children are more than welcome. The best lodge for families is Lepala, although bookings at Kopano and Dithaba can be made for children under 16 if the lodges are booked out exclusively. The Eco-House is an on site educational entertainment centre where children can draw, bake in the kitchen, make pizzas, go dung tracking and learn about the local wildlife. Children's pool games and supervised swimming is offered in the communal Lepala pool. While children under 6 years of age are not permitted on the standard vehicle safaris, special family safaris can be arranged for families with children aged 3 to 5 years which last around one hour. Note that the lodges are all in a wild, rural setting and located on fairly high ground, so children must remain under adult supervision at all times.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

  • Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair

    MissingAlistair A reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger on 28 April 2023

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