Malaria free Big 5

Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge

Classic style, matched to a savage beauty

★★★★★ 5 star

Enquire about Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge

Jamala Madikwe reflects a classic sense of style that is sufficiently robust to match the savage beauty of the reserve around it. Five villas, adults only.

Organic glamour and opulent accents combine to ensure a distinctive and elegant flair. Tradition and eccentricity are tastefully united in an atmosphere that knows no equal.  
The waterhole sits just in front of the lodge close enough to follow every moment without leaving your seat.

Rooms

Luxury Villas at Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge

Luxury Villas

5 available
  • 160 m²
  • Sleeps 10
  • king-size bed

COCOONED BENEATH A CANOPY OF STARS

Jamala Madikwe gently embraces the lay of the land with just five freestanding luxurious villas. Each slice of paradise is fully air-conditioned and offers superlative luxury and intimate privacy combined with extravagant outdoor facilities which include individual rim-flow pools and salas, expansive wooden decks and private outdoor showers. The Jamala Madikwe villas exude colonial charm perfectly suited to a luxury safari experience.

VILLA FACILITIES

  • Views of our waterhole and open savannah
  • Lounge with fireplace
  • Dining area
  • Walk-in dressing room
  • Complimentary minibar and coffee/tea facilities
  • Air conditioned
  • Private rim flow pool and sala
  • Outdoor shower 

 

Gallery

Rates & specials

RateDetailsFrom
Luxury Villas - per person Special Complimentary welcome drinks Accommodation All meals as prepared by our award winning Chefs Selected local drinks which includes a personal selection of house wines, spirits, tea’s and coffees Early morning and evening game drives in an open game viewer, accompanied by an experienced guide All transfers to and from the lodge to the landing strip 15% VAT R21,945 sharing / night
Exclusive Use Special Complimentary welcome drinks Accommodation All meals as prepared by our award winning Chefs Selected local drinks which includes a personal selection of house wines, spirits, tea’s and coffees Early morning and evening game drives in an open game viewer, accompanied by an experienced guide All transfers to and from the lodge to the landing strip Exclusive Use’ will apply to either the use of all 5 R219,450 per 5 Villa / night - min 8 pax

RateDetailsFrom
Luxury Villas - per person Special Complimentary welcome drinks Accommodation All meals as prepared by our award winning Chefs Selected local drinks which includes a personal selection of house wines, spirits, tea’s and coffees Early morning and evening game drives in an open game viewer, accompanied by an experienced guide All transfers to and from the lodge to the landing strip R26,390 sharing / night
Exclisive Use Special Complimentary welcome drinks Accommodation All meals as prepared by our award winning Chefs Selected local drinks which includes a personal selection of house wines, spirits, tea’s and coffees Early morning and evening game drives in an open game viewer, accompanied by an experienced guide All transfers to and from the lodge to the landing strip Exclusive Use’ will apply to either the use of all 5 R263,900 per 5 Villa / night - min 8 pax

Rates are indicative and subject to availability and seasonal change. Confirm on enquiry.

Accommodation

COCOONED BENEATH A CANOPY OF STARS

Jamala Madikwe gently embraces the lay of the land with just five freestanding luxurious villas. Each slice of paradise is fully air-conditioned and offers superlative luxury and intimate privacy combined with extravagant outdoor facilities which include individual rim-flow pools and salas, expansive wooden decks and private outdoor showers. The Jamala Madikwe villas exude colonial charm perfectly suited to a luxury safari experience.

In-villa amenities

  • Savannah plains views
  • Private Pool & Sala
  • Outdoor shower
  • Lounge with Fireplace
  • Walk-In Dressing Room
  • Private Dining Area
  • Complimentary Minibar
  • Air Conditioning
  • Complimentary High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Line to management and other villas
  • In room safety deposit box
  • Hair dryer
  • Full length mirror
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Umbrellas
  • Slippers and robes

A Day on Safari

Enjoy daily game drives in pristine malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve. Madikwe Game Reserve is an ancient land where nature plays out her age-old theatre of life and death between hunter and hunted. Well positioned within the reserve’s treasure trove of animals, Jamala Madikwe reverberates with the call of birds and impish Vervet monkeys. The lodge offers incredible safari experiences including sighting of the big 5 and super 7. The ‘Big 5’ phrase referred to the five most dangerous animals in Africa to hunt. The term is still used today but without the hunting connotation. The “Super 7” phrase also includes the highly endangered Wild dog and Cheetah.

Madikwe Game Reserve is know as one of the best conservation areas in all of Africa, at Jamala Madikwe you will get to experience this diverse and rich ecosystem with over 130 mammal and 300 bird species not to mention the vast landscapes of plant life that keeps the whole reserve alive and healthy for all its inhabitants.

Twice-daily game drives at dawn and dusk form the daily routine of your Safari day. You will witness sunrise and sunset under incredible African skies whilst enjoying the daily animal sightings. A typical game drive lasts approximately three to four hours and all game drives are included in our rates.

GAME EXPERIENCES

  • Morning and evening game drives
  • Big 5 game viewing
  • 130 mammal and 300 bird species

GAME DRIVE VEHICLES AND GUIDES

We have three exceptional game rangers at Jamala Madikwe, they hold FGASA qualifications, advanced rifle-handling as well as first aid training. These qualifications ensure guests an exceptional and informative game experience. Our greatest priority is guest safety. All guides receive ongoing training and evaluations monthly within Madikwe Game Reserve to ensure this.

PRIVATE VEHICLES
We ensure two safari vehicles daily with a maximum number of six guests to a vehicle depending on the size of the party. Private vehicles are subject to availability at an additional cost. Please contact us directly for availability and pricing

SOFA SAFARI
The term “Sofa Safari” does go hand-in-hand with the Jamala experience. There are very few places in Africa where you can sit and watch wild elephants play at a waterhole 20 meters in front of you. The Sofa Safari will evoke incredible emotion for any traveler young or old.

POOL SAFARI
A unique experience to Jamala Madikwe the pool safari. Refresh, relax and revitalize at our large swimming pool situated at the edge of the Jamala waterhole under an ancient Leadwood tree. The vantage point will offer incredible wild life sightings while you bathe in the glorious African sun. The pool deck also offers a wide range of drinks available from the open-air bar.

AWARD WINNING CUISINE AND COOKBOOKS
Dine alfresco beneath Africa’s ink-rich skies, cut with the brilliance of a million stars.  Food aficionados can indulge in modern gastronomic treats served with the chic colonial charm and grace that is unique to Jamala Madikwe.

Designs from our award winning chef Nico Verster titillate the senses with an array of sensual delights. Jamala Madikwe has been awarded numerous awards for its outstanding cuisine. Look out for the Jamala Madikwe Cookbooks, Savannah to Sea and Safaris and Spices by Nico Verster.

Breakfast is served daily at the main lodge after morning game drive and usually finishes around 11 am; no buffets here strictly beautifully plated food. Enjoy a relaxed high tea with numerous sweet and savory treats in the afternoon just before the evening safari. Upon return to the lodge indulge in an intimate table for two in one of our numerous beautiful locations.

DINING EXPERIENCES

  • Outdoor Boma dining area
  • Romantic watchtower dinner
  • Star lit pool deck dinner overlooking the Jamala Madikwe waterhole
  • Award winning cuisine
  • Degustation menus with wine pairings

DECK BAR GIN TASTING
Indulge at the `Jamala Bar in a classic gin and tonic tasting whilst enjoying waterhole views and crimson skies across the savannah plains.

WATCHTOWER
An extraordinary way to experience an afternoon at Jamala is to sit aloft the watchtower whilst observing spectacular scenes of mother nature’s bounty unfold. Numerous seating areas on top of the tower give you uninterrupted views across the Dwarsberg mountain range. The watchtower is the ideal place for an afternoon nap, sipping on champagne or enjoying a romantic private dinner.

WELLNESS FACILITIES ROYAL SPA AND GYM
The Jamala Madikwe spa is a tranquil space where you can reconnect mind, body and soul to nature. A calming and relaxing area where the daily worries can be forgotten. Our bespoke spa menu features signature treatments unique to Jamala to create an immersive experience, which is entirely African.

The Jamala Spa is proud of our South African heritage the Charlotte Rhys Spa product range includes Baobab Oil and Kalahari Melon Seed Oil as well as Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract. These products are Eco-Friendly and approved by Beauty Without Cruelty. The LaMelle skin care range contains ingredients that moisturize, protect, soothe, and reduce free radicals and pigmentation, it’s topical growth factors also increase new collagen development. The Spa is open daily between 8am and 5pm.

The Jamala Gym is complimentary for all our guests. Equipment includes treadmill, elliptical, exercise bike, free weights, and TRX training.

SPA EXPERIENCES

  • Full body detox, detox body polish and detox massage
  • Full body relaxation, relaxing full body and head massage including aromatherapy, swedish, deep tissue and hot stone massage
  • Manicure / Pedicure / Facials / Waxing
  • Jamala masculine experience, for him
  • Jamala experiences, including hot stone massage and mineral clay
  • Jamala experience, with detox sea salt scrub and deep tissue massage

PHOTOGRAPHY
Every vantage point around Jamala offers a chance to capture that dream Safari image. Numerous areas around the lodge will give you access to the private waterhole where a plethora of animals congregate. Photographers will enjoy uninterrupted scenery and endless opportunity to capture Africa’s most impressive species interacting in their natural environment.

CURIO BOUTIQUE
We offer hand crafted and bespoke items in the Jamala Madikwe curio boutique. If you need a small bronze or a bespoke piece of jewelry for that special loved one we can assist. We keep numerous African Artifacts and other worldly items perfect for any special occasion or that last minute gift from Africa.

VILLAS
Each slice of paradise is fully air-conditioned and offers superlative luxury and intimate privacy combined with extravagant outdoor facilities, which include individual plunge pools and salas, expansive wooden decks and private outdoor showers. The Jamala Madikwe villas exude colonial charm perfectly suited to a luxury safari experience.

The 5 Villas at Jamala offer exceptional luxury accommodation with large spaces and remarkable waterhole and savannah views. We believe that Safaris should be both comfortable yet opulent, no detail spared.

VILLA FACILITIES
Views of our waterhole and open savannah
Lounge with fireplace
Dining area
Walk-in dressing room
Complimentary minibar and coffee/tea facilities
Air-conditioned
Private pool and sala
Outdoor shower

Terms

Single Supplement-50% surcharge will apply

Rate Includes

  • Complimentary welcome drinks
  • Accommodation
  • All meals as prepared by our award winning Chefs
  • A personal selection of house wines, spirits, teas, coffees and soft drinks
  • Early morning and evening game drives
  • All transfers to & from the lodge to the landing strip

Rates Exclude

  • Gate Entry or Flight Entry 
  • Daily Conservation Levy 
  • Subject to change & NWPB terms and conditions. Charged with accommodation.
  • Spa Treatments
  • Imported Champagnes, Premium Wine & Spirits

Child Policy

  • Children under 16 by special arrangement
  • Under 16 requires the use of a private vehicle – subject to availability and to be confirmed on enquiry, additional charges apply
  • Exclusive use, no arrangements required

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations must be in writing and will be accepted from date of notification.

  • 61 days or longer prior to arrival date - 25% of reserved fee is applicable
  • 60 to 15 days prior to arrival –50% of reserved fee is applicable
  • 14 days and less - 100% of reserved fee is applicable
  • Flights booked via FEDAIR is subject to their cancellation policy.
  • In the event of a 100% cancellation fee, Jamala Madikwe will undertake to reimburse
  • 90% of the levied fee, should the villa be resold for the period in question.
  • Once cancellation is accepted, the inventory is returned to Jamala Madikwe for re-sale. and possible re-imbursement. No transfer of bookings or substitutions will be allowed.
  • Please ensure adequate travel insurance is in place.
  • Cancellations and curtailment beyond our control is subject to above terms.

Payment Policy:

  • As per industry standards, a deposit is applicable to secure a booking.
  • Full prepayment or balance payments: 30 days prior to arrival.
  • If booking is 30 days or less - full prepayment is required to confirm.

Payments must be received timeously

Jamala Madikwe is beautifully positioned within the Madikwe Game Reserve. Located in the North West Province, the reserve is home to the greatest diversity of wildlife in the southern region:

  • Fourth largest reserve in South Africa at 75,000 hectares
  • Full traverse rights over the 75,000 hectares
  • MALARIA FREE and home to the BIG FIVE
  • Renowned for it’s successful WILD DOG programme and sightings
  • Includes both Black and White Rhino, Brown and Spotted Hyena, Cheetah and a plethora of other wildlife
  • Extremely Low Impact Ratio: 1 bed to every 150 hectares • Just 3.5 hours by road from OR Tambo / Lanseria Airports to the reserve
  • Daily flights into the reserve is operated by Federal Air
  • Options for private charter flights by way of aircraft or helicopter
  • Several transfer companies provide services to and from Madikwe

Season:

October – April (RAINY SEASON)

Day Temperatures can vary but are usually hot and humid averaging 30°C, The highest rainfall months are between November and February.

May to September (DRY SEASON)

The winter months in Madikwe can be dry and cold with night temperatures dropping to 2°C and Day temperatures averaging 23°C. Be sure to bring warm clothing.

Villa's: 5

  • Guests: 10 maximum - (2 Guests sharing per Villa)
  • Exclusive Use: Applies to the use of all 5 Villas / or 8 guests or more
  • Child Policy: No children under 16 years of age without prior arrangements
  • Private vehicle required for bookings with children 6 - 16yrs. Subject to availability and additional charges apply for private vehicle usage
  • Exclusive Use Child Policy: Exclusive use, the child policy falls away
  • Rates Policy: Date range validity as indicated. Rates are subject to change 
  • Check in / out and departure time: Check in 14h00 / Check out and departure 11h00
  • Early arrivals and late departures by arrangement only
  • Charges applicable.


Deposit Policy

  • For all bookings made within 30 days of travel
  • Full payment Is required within 48 hours of your booking. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).
  • For all bookings made more than 30 days of travel
  • A 50% deposit Is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).

Things to bring on Safari

  • A good pair of binoculars
  • A camera or video camera
  • Hats, sunglasses and sunblock
  • Appropriate clothes for weather conditions
  • A torch or headlamp
  • Safari guides or bird books are always handy
  • International converter plug for electronics

Levies are inclusive of VAT and subject to change without prior notice. They will be charged by the respective lodge to the guest's overall bill and paid at check-out.

Arrival / Departure times: Check in time 14h00 and Check out/ departure time 11h00.
Early check in and late check out subject to availability and charges may apply.

We recommend that adequate travel insurance be arranged for the duration of your holiday.

Experiences

Five villas. One malaria-free reserve. Every day shaped around you. Twice-daily game drives, guided bush walks, photography sessions, wildlife encounters from the deck - at Jamala Madikwe, every experience is rooted in the reserve and the people visiting it.

A Safari Like No Other
At Jamala Madikwe, every detail is designed to make your stay extraordinary. Our refined approach to luxury invites you to discover the unspoiled wilderness of Madikwe Game Reserve, while our unwavering commitment to personalised service ensures every need is met with care and attention.

Refined Elegance Meets Untamed Nature
Exclusivity is at the heart of Jamala Madikwe. With only five villas, we offer unparalleled privacy, a quiet sanctuary where you can unwind and connect with nature on your own terms. Each villa is an intimate retreat for those who want both tranquillity and adventure, without having to choose between them.

A Unique Safari Experience
Guided game drives go out at dawn and dusk, when the reserve is alive with activity. Our expert rangers take you deep into the wilderness for close encounters with the Big Five and a wealth of rare species, putting you right in the heart of Madikwe’s unspoiled bushveld.

Game Drives
Twice-daily game drives with experienced rangers take you deep into Madikwe Game Reserve. Morning and evening safaris offer different perspectives, with opportunities to see the Big Five and a wide range of wildlife in their natural habitat.

Bush Walks

Explore the reserve on foot with a trained guide. Bush walks offer a slower, more detailed way to experience the landscape, focusing on tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife often missed on drives.

Birding

Madikwe Game Reserve is a rewarding place for birding, with over 350 recorded species found across its open plains, riverine areas and seasonal water sources.

Guests can enjoy sightings throughout the year, both on safari and from around the lodge.

The Photography Safari
Designed for those who want to capture the experience, with guidance on positioning, lighting, and timing to help you make the most of each sighting.

The Sofa Safari
From the comfort of the lodge, watch wildlife gather at the waterhole just beyond. With uninterrupted views, this is one of the most effortless ways to experience the bush

A Pool Safari

The pool deck looks out over a waterhole that draws a steady stream of wildlife throughout the day. Elephant, Buffalo, Plains Game – the sightings here are remarkable.

The Boma

Evenings can be spent in the boma, where dinner is served under the open African sky. A relaxed setting, open fire, and shared stories create one of the most memorable parts of the stay

Gin Tasting

Enjoy a classic gin and tonic tasting at the Jamala Bar, with waterhole views and crimson skies across the savannah plains.

A relaxed way to settle into the evening after safari.

Dinner beneath an open sky
Private dining experiences can be arranged in unique locations around the lodge. A quieter, more personal way to end the day

Curio Boutique
A small, considered selection of locally made jewellery, art, and textiles – pieces that reflect the region and travel well.

Royal Spa

The Jamala Royal Spa offers bespoke treatments rooted in South African heritage - designed to restore the mind, body, and soul to nature.

Open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

Unwind between activities with access to the spa and fitness centre. Treatments can be arranged to suit your schedule, offering a moment of calm within the rhythm of the safari.

The Jamala Royal Spa
The Jamala Royal Spa is a calming retreat within the lodge – a place to be still while the reserve moves outside. Treatments are bespoke and unhurried, drawing on South African ingredients and a menu that is entirely African in character.

Signature treatments are unique to Jamala Madikwe – not adapted from a generic spa menu, but developed around the philosophy of reconnecting guests with the natural world they came to experience. The experience is intimate by design: small, personalised, and shaped around you.

Rest the body
Return to stillness
Our spa offers a full menu of treatments, available by prior arrangement. All treatments are performed by qualified therapists in the tranquil surroundings of the Jamala Royal Spa, a space designed to reconnect you with the rhythm of the bush.

Full Body Detox
Full body detox treatment
Detox body polish
Detox massage
Full Body Relaxation
Full body relaxation massage
Full head massage
Aromatherapy
Swedish massage
Deep tissue massage
Hot stone massage
Beauty Treatments
Manicure
Pedicure
Facials
Waxing

For Him
A curated treatment experience designed specifically for him

– results-focused, restorative, and tailored to the male form.

Jamala
Experiences
Includes:
  • Hot stone massage
  • Mineral clay treatment

Jamala
Experiences
Includes:

  • Detox sea salt scrub
  • Deep tissue massage

Location

 
The malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve is a 75 000 ha region of untamed beauty. A natural splendour located in South Africa’s North West province.This wild terrain boasts a tapestry of awe-inspiring landscapes that encompass vast open plains, dense bushveld and towering rocky peaks. All of which offers sanctuary to  a kaleidoscope of creatures, including the ‘super seven’.
 
Air Transfers
 
Scheduled flights to and from Madikwe Game Reserve are available, twice per day.  These flights are operated by national carrier Federal Air. Departures from OR Tambo International Airport are scheduled for 10h00 and 13h00 respectively.  Flight duration is approximately 1 hour.  Flights from Madikwe Game Reserve depart at 11h30 and 14h30 respectively. Flight schedules are subject to change.
 
Helicopter and Private Charter
 
Guests preferring helicopter or privately chartered flights are welcome to make reservations by way of the Jamala Madikwe personnel.
 
Road Transfers
 
Several transfer companies provide chauffeur operated vehicles into and from Madikwe Game Reserve and the travel duration is approximately 3½ hours. Jamala Madikwe personnel can make reservations for either of these options on your behalf.

Facilities

 
Panoramic views, exotic sounds and wild perfumes of the bush are hallmarks of the Jamala Madikwe Experience. From its genteel position beneath a canopy of age-old Leadwood trees, the deck-fringed lodge gives way to views of open savanna lands and a watering hole that plays host to Africa's wildlife.
 
► Dining
 
Designs from award winning chef Nico, titillate the senses with an array of sensual delights. Dine alfresco beneath Africa's ink-rich skies - cut with the brilliance of a million stars. Food aficionados can indulge in modern gastronomic treats served with the chic colonial charm and grace that is unique to Jamala Madikwe.
 
Game Drives
 
Madikwe is an ancient land where nature play out her age-old theatre of life and death between hunter and hunted. Well positioned within the reserve's treasure trove of animals, Jamala Madikwe reverberates with the call of birds and impish Vervet monkeys.

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