Madikwe Safari Lodge

Give us your body for an hour and we will give back to you, your inspiration and creativity…
Immerse yourself in the tranquil oasis of the Madikwe Safari Lodge Spa, where the essence of Africa is infused in every treatment. Utilizing the unique and organic Terres D’Afrique products, our spa celebrates the purity and potency of African botanicals. Here, ethical sourcing and sustainability are paramount, honoring the land and communities that nurture these precious ingredients. Experience a harmonious blend of nature’s wisdom and scientific innovation, offering you a rejuvenating journey amidst the serene backdrop of the African wilderness.
Terres D’Afrique offers a range of luxuriously effective skincare products, focusing on the unique properties of African regenerative botanicals. The brand’s products are gender-neutral, vegan, and f ree f rom harmful chemicals, ensuring they cater to diverse skincare needs while upholding environmental responsibility and ethical standards.

MASSAGE THERAPIES

African Botanical Massage: 60 min (R1350) | 90 min | R1850
Detoxifying Pinda
A detoxing massage using TDA detoxing oil (buchu, black & pink pepper) and heated botanical pindas made of baobab seeds and indigenous botanicals. The combination of heat, deep & micro pressure, and lymphatic drainage movements, increases blood flow and drains lymph to the lymph nodes, helping eliminate toxins.

Scents of Africa Massage: 60 min R1350 | 90 min | R1850
Aromatherapy Massage
An aroma therapeutic massage featuring our preblended selection of 5 Terres d’ Afrique aromatherapy blends of African essential oils (uplifting, invigorating, energizing, calming, detoxing)

Deep Tissue Massage: 60 min R1350 | 90 min | R1850
Tension Release
A deep tension-releasing massage that uses pressure point techniques, focused on specific areas of stress, to ease and relax muscles, restoring blood flow and equilibrium.

Sensory Crystal Massage: 60min R1350 | 90 min | R1850
An invigorating and immune-boosting treat, featuring a constant alternation of hot and cold crystal balls to revitalize skin, senses, and circulation.

Dream sight Massage: 75min | R1750
Sleep Improvement
A deeply relaxing sleep-improvement massage that uses acupressure to stimulate the pineal gland, the body’s sleep center, and induce an allseeing, dreamlike bliss. Great for sleep conditions, jetlag, or restlessness.

BODY TREATMENTS
Our mud masks dig deep into nature’s bounty of mineral rich clays and potent botanicals to smooth, soothe, moisturize, and restore skin.
Myrrh Body Polish & Body Mask: 60 min R1350 | 90 min | R1850
Sugar, coconut shell and rooibos flakes combined with Namibian myrrh and baobab oil to softens and refreshes all skin types. A rich, creamy body butter diffuses powerful botanical extracts from Kigelia & Mafura to soothe and firm the skin.

FACIAL. TREATMENTS
Sun Kissed Facial: 60 min | R1350
(Hydrating & firming) While not a substitute for proper pre-sun protection,
successful aftercare with photo-protective botanicals helps to offset the negative effect of the sun’s UV radiation by reducing Inflammation & the negative effects of oxidative stress.

Radiance Facial: 60 min | R1350
(Cleansing & Detoxing) A refreshing and detoxifying combination of mineral mask, lymphatic drainage techniques and indigenous African botanicals help eliminate toxins and leave skin glowing with health and vitality.

Eternal Crystal Light: 60 min | R1850
(Anti-ageing) Illuminate your face and rediscover the light that shines within with this age-defying facial: a combination of icy cold jasper crystal wands, warm spice pindas, and potent active ingredients that reduce fine lines by literally ‘straightening’ the damaged collagen, while omegas help restructure and regenerate skin cells.

SENSORY ADD ON’S
Additions to treatments booked.
Expand your sensory experience by adding one or more of the following to your treatment:

African Head Massage: 20 min  | R400

African Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage: 30 min | R600

Hot Stones: 15 min | R300 | 30 min | R600

Revive & Relax pressure point foot massage: 30 min | R600

SAFARI LODGE INDULGENCE PACKAGE
Indulge in a serene escape with our signature spa package: a 30-minute Myrrh Body Scrub, a 60-minute Scents of Africa Aromatherapy Massage, and a 30-minute Sunkissed Facial. Relax in the steam room and refresh in the plunge pool, all while sipping chilled champagne for the ultimate pampering.
Solo Indulgence: | R2950

Couples Indulgence: | R4950

KID’S SPA
Cubs Massage: 30 min | R400
Spoil the little ones with a spa treatment, tailor-made just for them.
Using natural and fragrant oils, this gentle massage nourishes the skin and promotes overall calmness and relaxation.

It doesn’t take much to be enamoured by Madikwe. Everything about this place is vast – its landscapes, its heavens, its wildlife. This is rugged Africa, and then some! Those with an adventurous spirit will feel like they have come home.

THE MADIKWE SAFARI LODGE BUCKET LIST

• Go on a bush walk
• Drink a glass of bubbles on safari while watching the sunset
• Take a self portrait at my favourite animal sighting
• Enjoy a body treatment, distracted only by the sound of the birds
• Have a glass of wine while enjoying a bit of retail therapy in the shop
• Join the Madikwe Facebook page and become part of the family
• Take at least one picture of an African sunset and sunrise
• Take a walk around the lodge and see how many trees I can identify
• Lie back and look up at the Milky Way and spot some shooting stars
• Learn 5 Afrikaans words and their meanings
• Spend some time in the Eco House, and learn something new
• Take a picture of my favourite team member
• Count how many animals I can identify at the Lelapa Lodge pool
• Learn 5 Setswana words and their meanings

Charter flight arrivals land directly at Madikwe Game Reserve, and passengers are immediately immersed in this wild

The uniqueness of Madikwe lies in its diversity – not only the complexity of biomes but the range of fauna and flora that is a result of the changing landscapes – all of which can be covered in a three-hour safari.

The Kalahari plains in the western sections of park transition into more recognizable lowveld savannah and acacia thickets, while the hillsides and riverine sections provide more wooded areas, providing the perfect environment for an extraordinary array of wildlife.

This is one of the only places in Africa where you can see Aardwolf, Brown Hyena and Spotted Hyena together in one reserve.

Aside from the excellent opportunity of seeing Africa’s Big-5, the Madikwe Game Reserve is also home to healthy Cheetah and Wild Dog populations, as well as Africa’s Secret-7: Aardvark, African Wild Cat, Civet, Large Spotted Genet, Pangolin, Porcupine and Serval.

You’ll have Madikwe’s wide open pristine savannahs pretty much to yourself, as small groups of safaris are led by a personal professional guide during your stay.

Each sighting has a maximum of three vehicle capacity, while Madikwe also makes allowances for off-roading & tracking through the bush to ensure you get the best possible view of any major sighting.

Morning Safari
As the golden light of sunrise glimpses over the eastern hills of Madikwe Game Reserve, our guests, feeling fresh after morning coffee, head out with their guide hearing melodious birds chirping with the excitement of morning, ready to explore the landscape for sightings.

The fresh chilled air adds to the suspense of what animals will likely be active in the coolness of the morning.

Our expert trackers are likely to get you close enough to big game that you’ll smell the musk or feel the vibration of a roar in your own chest.

No morning outing is complete without a stop for coffee & Amarula as well as traditional South African rusks and muffins.

Evening Safari
As the sun starts to drop and the shadows lengthen over the Madikwe plains, so the magic that slowly awakens the nocturnal creatures takes hold. Spectacular African sunsets are almost a spiritual experience with shades of blue, violet, pink, orange and red scattered across the horizon. The ideal opportunity to take relax with a sundowner and absorb the sights and sounds. 

Slowly the first stars start to appear and predators like lion, leopard and both spotted and brown hyena, use the moonlight to search for potential prey. Porcupines, bushbabies, honey badgers and other interesting animals awaken from their daytime retreats to being foraging. Gleaming green and yellow eyes give clues as to the animals’ whereabouts, as do alarm calls from monkeys or francolins disturbed as take higher positions for safety during the night.

Bush Walk
There is a lot to love about vehicle-based safaris – you can cover more ground and potentially see more game, however, being on foot in the African bushveld is an adrenaline pumping experience that affords guests the opportunity to take in the finer details often missed on a game-viewer.

It is an experience that truly awakens the senses being fully immersed in nature, being able to smell, hear and physically touch the surroundings. You are literally walking in the animals’ footsteps!

Seeing any of the bigger mammals on a vehicle is a very different experience from seeing them on foot, which can only be described as exhilarating. You will form a deep connection with nature and an appreciation for the natural miracles that occur every day.

Birding
Madikwe Game Reserves diversity of flora and condensed biomes, as well as unique location attracts over 350-species of bird to the region. An absolute birders paradise!

A weekend visit in summer is likely to render 180 to 200 species, while a winter visit could yield around 120 to 150 species during your stay. Specials that occur in the dry plains on the reserve include Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Kori Bustard, Temminck’s Courser and White Stork. Double-banded Courser and Burchell’s Courser have also been recorded, while the Bronze-winged Courser is commonly seen during the summer months in the more wooded areas.

The aptly named Southern Pied Babbler is an ever present and commonly seen around the lodge, along with other bushveld species such as Paradise Flycatcher, Acacia Pied Barbet, Green-winged Pytilia and several Waxbill species. Madikwe is an haven for raptor species, with several species of Eagle, Goshawks, Vultures (several endangered) and Goshawks regularly seen.

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.

Uniquely tailored safari adventures for kids

Madikwe Safari Lodge is a malaria-free big-5 game reserve & one of South Africa’s top family-friendly safari destinations. Being a family-owned lodge, we strongly believe in quality family time, creating unforgettable memories in nature that get passed from generation to generation. Our experienced child-minders also allow parents to enjoy some relaxing time to themselves, while children are treated to an array of activities, both fun and educational.

The Eco House
Lelapa’s Eco House is the base for our kids’ activity programme. While parents are welcome to join, this is kids’ territory, with a plethora of activities to keep young minds engaged and stimulated. This is also a tech-free environment (no phones or screens) as we reignite the love of nature and the beautiful wonders of the outdoors.

Kids Safari Club
The Safari Club is a fun-filled adventure that transforms kids into mini-guides, as our children’s activities crew, explore the lodge in search of animal ‘spoor’ tracks, as well as surprise treasure hunts and other activities, like rock-painting, cupcake decorating and fun dress-ups, all of which happens around the Lelapa pool area. As the sun dips over the horizon, the kids all join us chef for pizza making and movies under the stars

Who gets top bunk
Family Suites
Lelapa’s family suites provide comfort and luxury for every age group – rooms are designed to allow for ample personal space while still encouraging togetherness. The kids en-suite bedroom is a cheerful place packed with games and toys to let the imagination run wild. Parents may end up feeling a little jealous!

An taste adventure
Family Dining
Every mealtime in Madikwe Safari Lodge is one to look forward to. The experience for kids is no difference as our chefs prepare an array of healthy delights for kids. Dishes are not only tasty for kids but are creatively plated to delight young adventurous minds. Chef’s do their best to minimize sugar with loads of tasty fruit and veg, but of course, no meal is complete without a choice of treats!

Your private African safari

Head out on safari each morning and afternoon. Start and finish every day out in the wild in search of animals big and small. Whether leopard or chameleon, rhino or dung beetle, no two drives are the same!

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 six people at a time (for Kopano & Dithaba lodges) share in a private and intensely personal safari experience in the company of their Madikwe Guide. At Lelapa Lodge up to 8 guests are accommodated per safari vehicle.

Madikwe, with its rugged terrain, bold colours and habituated wild animal species make for a Photographer’s Dream. Wild Dogs are a signature species of the Madikwe Game Reserve.

Suggested Daily Programme

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;
• Wi-Fi in public areas
• Inclusive of 15% VAT

Rates Exclude

• Laundry;
• Premium brand beers, spirits, cellar wines & champagnes;
• Cigars & cigarettes;
• All flights and transfers not specified;
• Gratuities;
• Telephone calls;
• gallery purchases;
• Spa treatments;
• Madikwe Game Reserve entrance/ conservation fees;
• Guest conservation contribution, and landing fees if arriving by air;
• Any extras will be for the guests' accounts.

Specialist Activities Included:

• Game drives;
• Bush walks;
• Stargazing;
• Wildlife lectures;
• Bush breakfasts;
• picnic lunches & bush dinners;
• Kids Adventure Safari Club experiences at the new Eco House.

Specialist Activities Excluded:

• Private open safari vehicle hire
• Any additional external services
• exclusive bush breakfasts and dinners
• baby sitting

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 wavered when a booking involves one of the MORE Experiences.

Triple Rooms & Interconnecting Rooms

Lelapa

• 1 room 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)
• 3rd person sharing will be restricted to children under the age of 16.
• Four family suites where the second bedroom has two single beds for children only (under 16 years of age). There is an additional sleeper couch in the family suites for a 3rd child.

Dithaba Lodge

• Has one sleeper couch only to be used for child if the lodge is booked out exclusively

Kopano Lodge

• There are no triple or interconnecting rooms available at Kopano Lodge

Child Policy

Lelapa Lodge

• Children of all ages are welcome.
• For safety reasons, children aged 5 and younger are not permitted on game drives and safari activities. A family game drive is offered for younger children after breakfast. A private vehicle can be arranged at an additional cost of R8500 per day upon request, and will not be limited to occupants over 6 years old.
• Children under 16 years old are not permitted to go on bush walks.
• Children 0-5 stay free of charge.
• Children 6-15 are charged at 50% of adult per person sharing rate.
• Children 16 and older are charged at full adult per person sharing rate or at a full single supplement if staying in their own room.
• If two children under 16 are in a room on their own, one child is charged for at the full adult per person sharing rate and the second child will be charged according to their age.
• Please note that a maximum of 4 people is permitted in a family room with the exception of an additional child under 2 years old (a cot will be provided) and a maximum of 2 people in a suite.

Kopano & Dithaba Lodge:

• We regret we are unable to accommodate children under 16 years of age.
• Children 16 years or older will be accommodated in their own suite and are charged at the full adult per person sharing rate or single supplement rate.
• Children are only accepted at Kopano and Dithaba Lodge if booked out exclusively - then Lelapa Lodge policy applies.

Elela Villa:

• We regret we are unable to accommodate children under 12 years of age. Special requests will be considered upon booking and will be subject to certain Ts&Cs
• Children under 16 years of age will not be permitted in the Kopano lodge main area unless the lodge is booked out exclusively with the Elela Villa.
• A private vehicle is included in the rates for Villa.
• The Villa accommodates a maximum of 6 guests and a minimum of 1 guest.

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

• For all bookings made within 45 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 45 days of travel
• A 50% deposit is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 45 days prior to arrival. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).

Check-in is from 14h00 and check-out is by 11h00.

There is no better way of demonstrating your love and appreciation, than marking those milestones than the inspiring, intimate and adventure filled setting that is Madikwe Safari Lodge. Nature has created the perfect picturesque surroundings for you and your loved ones to celebrate the occasion. Whether it be a birthday, engagement, wedding, honeymoon or anniversary, we provide the ultimate setting, spiced up with excellent food, service and a sprinkle of spoils.

Congratulations & Celebrations
Celebrating Magical Milestones
We measure our successes through our accomplishments and each achievement is deserving of a celebration to look back and acknowledge those moments that lead us there. The style in which you choose to celebrate is up to you, while the arrangements of making your vision come to life is left to us, allowing you to enjoy every moment!

The Perfect Wedding Day
Celebrating your wedding day is one of the most important and rewarding day’s in a couple’s life. Madikwe Safari Lodge offers a variety of wedding packages to take care of all arrangements, from accommodation, catering, décor as well as a dedicated professional wedding coordinator to ensure no details are overlooked, while you get to relax and absorb the magic of your special day.

Your Romantic Honeymoon
The African bushveld, in particular, the irresistible charm of Madikwe creates an unrivaled enchantment and romance. We treat our newlyweds to the ultimate combination of secluded intimacy and alluring adventure. Each occasion is personalized to your own desires and suites and game drives are enhanced with special surprises.