Built from stone, canvas, rosewood and thatch, the 8 treehouse-style lodges raised four to six metres up from ground level on stilts manage to blend in with the surrounding forest. So, crucially, you don’t feel like an imposter in this beautiful natural landscape when you stay here.

The creators of the Tree Lodge complex have gone to great lengths (and heights) to ensure this human development doesn’t have too much of a negative impact on the natural habitat of its wildlife residents. From the elevated walkways to the pool to the main lodge, everything feels at one with its environment.

And because there are only 8 suites, plus the Naledi Treehouse (hold on for more about that), you never get the sense of the place being over-run by people. This is still very much a home for wildlife. And what a vast array of plant and mammal species you’ll get to see on the regular trips that take place from the Tree Lodge out into the Madikwe Game Reserve.

Social safari

As a Tree Lodger, you’ll get to join other guests on safari in the capable hands of an expert guide who’ll know what’s what and where to go to see the showstoppers of the wild. You can enjoy it all from the comfort of a game viewing vehicle with capacity for 6 to 8 people. Black rhino and leopard are rare sightings anywhere, but they’ve been spotted recently in the Madikwe Game Reserve by guests staying at the Tree Lodge, so keep your eyes peeled and fingers crossed.

Your suite awaits…

After days out, you’ll have a luxury suite in the trees to come back to. The bed is a kingsize which can be arranged as twins if you prefer. Ensuite bathing facilities come in the form of a large free-standing hand crafted stone bath and a choice of showers, one inside, the other an outdoor jungle shower. Which you choose will no doubt depend on the weather.

Your suite has air conditioning and ceiling fans which can work in tandem to ensure the temperature in your suite hits the sweet spot for you. There’s high speed wifi, a phrase that seems at odds with the relaxing, slow pace of life around here. And you can stay refreshed without leaving your room with the help of the Safari bar, mini bar, and Kalahari Cooler bag.

Terrapin and Tlou

You have the opportunity to get your own angle on what’s happening in the reserve from your private viewing deck. More unique viewing spots are available in the communal areas of the complex. The Terrapin Hide and Tlou Deck are two places that only people staying at Jaci’s can use to view game. The former is at water level in the centre of the lodge’s very own waterhole. From here you get a fascinating 270º view of what’s happening on and just under the surface.

Other shared facilities include the swimming pool and surrounding lounge areas, plus the dining room. If you time it right, you could enjoy your meal while watching a herd of elephant refresh themselves at the nearby waterhole.

A night in the Naledi?

And what of the Naledi Treehouse we mentioned earlier? You can book this ‘escape within an escape’ for the chance to sleep out in style under the stars. It’s billed as the ultimate in luxury safari accommodation – so you’ll likely have to make your reservation early to experience it!

Well worth knowing

Jaci’s is the first and most likely still the only safari lodge in the area that uses hydrogen power as a fuel source, reducing the destination’s carbon footprint.