Madikwe Safari Lodge isn’t actually a lodge. It’s three distinctly different lodges in one. We’ll explain all shortly.

But first, to get here, you’ll need to head north from Johannesburg for four hours toward the border with Botswana. In the North West Province you’ll find the Madikwe Game Reserve which extends for 750 square kilometres with flat plains, rocky hills and huge mountains.

In the 1990s, over 8,000 animals were released into the reserve. Three decades on and the area is now teeming with such a wide variety of wildlife, it’s home to the Big 5 as well as springbok, wild dog, ostrich, hyena and more than 350 species of bird.

That’s a truly remarkable transformation in a relatively short space of time, and it was only a matter of time before someone built accommodation that would allow visitors to enjoy the best of the wildlife the reserve has to offer.

Enter the Madikwe Safari Lodge/s.

3 separate lodges

Each of the trio of lodges that make up this Madikwe camp has its own name and identity:

The Dithaba Lodge (which means mountain) – is located further into the mountains than the other two lodges, its higher angle offering the best views of the plains below.

The Kopano Lodge (it translates to ‘small gathering’) is home to 4 suites with a more private and exclusive look and feel.

The Lelapa Lodge (family) is indeed designed to appeal to families, with 2 bedrooms and bigger rooms, plus wi-fi in the communal areas. The camp runs the Mack & Maddie Adventure Safari Club for children of all ages.

Although we’ve outlined some of the differences between the lodges, they do all share common features. Each has an open plan living and dining area filled with comfortable wooden furniture and embellished with traditional lanterns, a stone fireplace and thatched ceiling, all of which combine to create a cosy feel.

Whichever lodge appeals to you most, inside your accommodation, as well as your bed and ensuite bathroom, there’s a place to dress. It’s all kept cool by a combo of ceiling fans and air conditioning. Outside, you’ll find a big private veranda with plunge pool and shower. As you’d expect, all villas are built in places that afford guests the best views of the Madikwe Game Reserve.

Eating, drinking and relaxing

Meals are served in the boma, on the viewing deck, or in a traditional dining area. If you’re loved up, you can book a romantic eating experience, although most guests choose to dine together around the big communal dining table. Order a pampering session in your suite if that’s what you want. Treatments are delivered by qualified therapists.