Tuningi Safari Lodge

*Only 1 child (2–12 years old) is permitted to share a Luxury Suite with 2 full paying guests (maximum capacity 2 full paying guests and 1 child).
*Children between 2–12 years will pay the child rate when sharing 1 Luxury Suite with 2 full paying guests (not the Family Suite).
**The maximum capacity of a Family Suite is 4 guests; only one child (2–12 years old) may share on an extra bed in the room (maximum capacity 4 full paying guests + 1 child).
**Children between 2–12 years will pay the child rate when sharing 1 Family Suite with 4 full paying guests (subject to occupancy and availability).
One child sharing with one parent will be charged as 2 adults (2 full paying guests per room).
Creating triple suites in a Luxury Suite or adding an additional child to the Family Suite will be subject to availability based on occupancy (please contact Reservations).
Please Note: No single supplement for the first single suite confirmed in any one reservation. Second single suite or more pay a 50% supplement on the per person sharing rate.

Tariffs Changes: 

• All rates are subject to change. 
• Rates are quoted in South Africa Rands and are inclusive of 15% VAT.

Rates Include

• Luxury accommodation,
• three meals daily,
• a wide selection of local beverages, 
• house wines & spirits, 
• tea/coffee, 
• two game drives daily and children’s program.

Rates Exclude

• Transfers,
• airport departure taxes,
• cellar wines and premium spirits, 
• telephone calls, 
• curio purchases, 
• gratuities, 
• additional activities, 
• wellness treatments, 
• laundry, 
• baby sitting services and park entry and conservation fees listed under FEES (subject to change)

Children:

• Adding an additional child to Family Suite will be subject to availability based on occupancy  (please contact Reservations).
• Children from the age of 6 are welcome.
• There is a children’s programme available for one hour a day.
• Children in own room or family unit are charged full rate.

Arrival | Departure

• Guests may arrive any time from 14h00, and rooms are to be vacated by 11h00.
• Early check in/ departure subject to supplements.
• Wonderboom gate opens at 06h00 and closes at 18h00.
• Please phone the lodge directly if you are going to arrive later than 15h00

Flight | Air Transfers | Private Charters

• There are daily scheduled Madikwe Air/Federal Air flights from O.R Tambo Airport (JIA).
• Private Charters & road transfers are available on request.
• Please note we require a 25% deposit in order to secure a ground or air transfer

Payment

• A deposit of 20% of total accommodation change is required to confirm a provisional reservation and full payment is required 45 days prior to arrival.

Peak Season Terms and Conditions  

• 20 December until 5 January  
• All booking over Christmas and New Year's Eve can be only be secured once a 25% non-refundable deposit has been paid 

Cancellation

• 45 - 31 days - 50% of full amount
• 30 - 15 days - 75%  of full amount
• 14 day or less - 100% of full amount

Exclusive Safari Experiences in the Madikwe Game Reserve

At Tuningi Safari Lodge, guests can immerse themselves in the African wilderness through an exciting range of safari experiences. Track Africa’s iconic wildlife on morning and afternoon game drives, observe animals up close from our sunken hide, or discover the reserve’s rich birdlife with our expert guides.

• Big 5’ Malaria-free Game Reserve
• Traversing Over 75 000 ha of Vast Plains
• Legendary Wild Dog Sightings
• Two Game Drives Daily
• Spectacular Game Viewing
• Qualified Passionate Guides
• Custom-designed Deluxe Game Viewing
• Tea, Filter Coffee & Biscuits on Morning Drive
• Drinks & Canapés on Afternoon Drive

Big Five Safari Game Drives

Lion, elephant, buffalo, white and black rhino, leopard and the rare and endangered wild dog are just some of the unique sightings in the 75 000 hectare ‘Big 5’ Madikwe Game Reserve. Tuningi Safari Lodge’s game rangers are highly qualified and have sound knowledge of the fauna and flora within the Madikwe Game Reserve and pass on this knowledge and passion to guests during their game drives.

Morning & Afternoon Game Drives

Africa’s big game abounds in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Each day brings something different, as you explore the endless fascination of Africa’s wildlife in an open, state-of-the-art Land Cruiser with a roof for sun protection in the summer months. Whether it is a leopard on the hunt, lions roaring at twilight, dung beetles going about their business, or birds building a nest – all can offer an amazing experience!

Underground Hide

Situated just steps from our boma, the underground hide at Tuningi Safari Lodge offers a rare opportunity to view wildlife up close. Just steps from an active waterhole, it’s an experience that transcends the boundaries between observer and observed, allowing guests to view wildlife like elephants, zebra and buffalo quenching their thirst.

During the time between your scheduled activities you can relax and soak up the African bush around the camp and enjoy some game viewing at the active waterhole from the viewing deck or the underground hide.
Spend some time at one of the two sparkling pools with a good book or indulge yourself with a pampering massage in the privacy of your Suite.
Keeping active at Tuningi is a pleasure in the well equipped gym, which blends into the surrounding bush and gives you the perfect opportunity of viewing wildlife while you build up a sweat.

Overlooking a Waterhole with Some of the Best Views in Madikwe

Tuningi Safari Lodge combines the wonders of the African bushveld with the splendors of five star luxury. The main entertainment and reception area of Tuningi Safari Lodge overlooks an active waterhole that provides fantastic game viewing from the safety of an expansive wooden deck. The rim flow pool and comfy loungers give the lodge a sumptuous and welcoming feel.

The décor at Tuningi Safari Lodge is African-chic, with the main thatched lodge comprising of a spacious lounge, a cosy dining room and a well-stocked bar and wine cellar. These spaces are interlinked by a sweeping wooden pool deck and walkway that leads to a boma under an ancient sprawling Fig Tree, from which Tuningi derives its name. This boma deck is perfect for outdoor dinners around a blazing log fire, where you can see and hear the wildlife just a few feet away.

Keen wildlife photographic enthusiasts will love the underground hide which overlooks the active waterhole. While sipping on a G&T in the hide guests can experience being on the same level as the wildlife. This hide experience is fantastic – especially when elephants walk right past the windows, offering a unique perspective of their size. Amazing images can be captured with a wide-angle lens, and even some creative low angle photos of animals such as giraffe, zebra, buffalo, kudu and impala drinking from the waterhole.

Keeping active while in the bush is a pleasure at Tuningi. The gym blends into the surrounding bush and guests have the opportunity of viewing wildlife while they build up a sweat. The gym is fitted with a treadmill, spinning bike and a cable cross weight trainer.

For guests who battle to divorce themselves from technology a satellite TV and Wi-Fi are provided in the main lounge to keep them connected to the “outside world”. The ideal way for guests to catch up on some quiet time would be to select a book from the library and settle down in the lounge or on one of the outside decks to read, which is often highlighted by some game passing by. Tuningi is family friendly through and through, and offers an endless array of activities to keep the kids entertained. What’s more, babysitting services are offered at an additional cost when the children are too young to go out on safari, or if parents feel their children are tired and need to sleep while they enjoy their dinner.

 Bush Cuisine

Every meal at Tuningi is the ultimate indulgence: varied, unique, beautifully presented and delicious. Meals are served in the cosy dining room or in the unique boma perfectly set under an old Fig Tree overlooking a very active waterhole.

After a morning of sensational game viewing, guests are treated to a hearty brunch consisting of fruits, eggs, cheeses, and cereals – all freshly prepared and scrumptious. Lunch too is enjoyed under the giant Fig Tree, where guests can relax and revel in the animals joining them at the waterhole – some amazing game viewing without even leaving the Lodge. As night sets in, lanterns and candles are lit and the mood goes from bush to baroque. Guests return from their game drive to be presented with a bush extravaganza dinner, prepared by Tuningi’s Executive Chef, in the boma with a blazing log fire to keep them warm.

The boma is a truly memorable way to experience an evening under the African night sky. This is the only meal you will share with the other guests in camp. Here you will indulge in fine cuisine and superb wines, from the extensive cellar, while sitting near a warm, crackling fire. This is the perfect opportunity to reminisce, share and discuss the day’s sightings and experiences. End off the evening with a sumptuous dessert and a nightcap before bidding farewell to the simmering fire to the calling of your suite.

Highlights

• Enjoy Meals in the Boma under the Shade of a Giant Fig
• Private Dining & Bush Romance
• Spectacular Game Viewing while Indulging in Delicious Cuisine
• Varied, Unique and Beautifully Presented Meals.
• Extensive Wine Cellar with Superb South African Wines
• Families Can Discuss Dietary Needs & Preferred Meal Times at Check In

Validity. 1 January 2026 - 31 December 2026

TERMS & CONDITIONS.

• A 50% single supplement will apply from the 1st Suite booked.
• Minimum 2-night stay applies over weekends
• Children (6 – 12yrs) pay 50% of adult rate when sharing with parents (2 full paying guests in a Luxury Suite & 4 full paying guests in a Family Suite). *Subject to availability.
• Family Suites are charged as a unit rate for 4 guests. Children pay adult rate in a Family Suite.
• Additional children from 6 years of age sharing with adults in any suite is subject to availability, and will be quoted on a case-by-case basis, dependent on occupancy. Please contact reservations.
• Rates subject to change without notice.

RATES INCLUDE

• VAT
• Luxury accommodation
• Tea/coffee
• Three meals daily
• A wide selection of local beverages, house wines and non-premium spirits.
• Two game drives daily (morning and afternoon)

RATES EXCLUDE

• Transfers
• Airport departure taxes
• Premium Beverages & Cellar Wines.
• Park Entrance Fees
• Fly in: Airstrip landing fee
• Conservation fee
• Telephone calls
• Curio purchases
• Gratuities
• Additional activities
• Wellness treatments
• Laundry

In the heart of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, there is a place where two valleys meet, an ancient Fig Tree and a tranquil waterhole mark your ‘home away from home’ at this South Africa safari lodge. Built on Madikwe’s rolling slopes, Tuningi Safari Lodge offers you highly personalised service, five-star luxury and an environment that is friendly and relaxed.

Situated near the Botswana border, Tuningi can be reached by car from Johannesburg in four and a half hours. For those with a wider budget, and wish to experience an exhilarating fly-in safari, Federal Airlines operates scheduled 45 minute charters from OR Tambo to Madikwe Game Reserve’s excellent all weather 1500m gravel airstrip. The Lodge is a 20 minute complimentary transfer from the strip.

Madikwe Game Reserve, one of the largest game reserves in South Africa, boasts a rich diversity of vegetation ensuring a wide range of game while the topography offers ideal game viewing opportunities. Madikwe is one of few game reserves in the world that was proclaimed a wildlife reserve purely on the grounds of being the most appropriate and sustainable land area for such use.
 
DIRECTIONS FROM JOHANNESBURG
SELF DRIVE: ±4.5 hours via Zeerust / Wonderboom Gate

• From ORT International get on the R21 towards Pretoria up to the Exit to the N1 Polokwane (about 37km).
• Get onto the N1 towards Polokwane and continue up to the N4 Rustenburg slipway (about 22km).
• Take the slipway onto the N4 towards Rustenburg (this is just after the Zambezi drive offramp).
• At Rustenburg continue on the N4 through Swartruggens towards Zeerust. Please note that The N4 is a toll road with four toll gates to Zeerust. Three before Rustenburg and one just after Swartruggens.
• Once in Zeerust turn right at the four way stop street into President Street. There is a signpost on the left that says Madikwe Game Reserve/Gaborone and an ABSA Bank on the corner on your left.
• Follow the R49 towards the reserve for approximately 97km.
• The first entrance to the reserve is Abjaterskop gate.
• Pass that gate and enter at the next gate – Wonderboom Gate exactly 7km from the first gate.
• Once you have entered the Wonderboom Gate follow the ‘LODGES’ sign posts to Tuningi for another 7.2 km. This is indicated with red arrows on the map below.
• It should take you between 15 and 20 minutes to get to the lodge from the Wonderboom Gate.

FROM OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO TUNINGI SAFARI LODGE

• From ORT International get on the R21 towards Pretoria up to the Exit to the N1 POLOKWANE (about 37km).
• Get onto the N1 towards Polokwane and continue up to the N4 Rustenburg slipway (about 22km). Take the slipway onto the N4 towards Rustenburg (this is just after the Zambezi drive offramp). At Rustenburg continue on the N4 through Swartruggens towards Zeerust. Please note that The N4 is a toll road with four toll gates to Zeerust. Three before Rustenburg and one just after Swartruggens.
• Once in Zeerust turn right at the four way stop street into President Street. There is a signpost on the left that says MADIKWE GAME RESERVE/GABORONE and an ABSA Bank on the corner on your left.
• Follow the R49 towards the reserve for approximately 97km.
• The first entrance to the reserve is ABJATERSKOP GATE.
• Pass that gate and enter at the next gate – WONDERBOOM GATE exactly 7km from the first gate.
• Once you have entered the WONDERBOOM GATE follow the ‘LODGES’ sign posts to Tuningi for another 7.2 km. This is indicated with red arrows on the map below.
• It should take you between 15 and 20 minutes to get to the lodge from the Wonderboom Gate.

FROM GABORONE TO TUNINGI SAFARI LODGE
The estimated driving time is 1 to 1½ hours.

•  From Gaborone take TLOKWENG ROAD towards the TLOKWENG/KOPFONTEIN BORDER POST.
•  After passing through the border post continue along the R49 for approximately 10km, theWONDERBOOM GATE (thatched roof building) will be situated on your left hand side.
•  Once inside Madikwe follow the sign that states LODGES and signs that state TUNINGI SAFARI LODGE.
•  The distance from Wonderboom Gate to Tuningi Safari Lodge is approximately 7.2km

 THIS ROUTE NORMALLY TAKES 2.5 HOURS FROM PRETORIA TO SUN CITY AND 2.5 HOURS FROM SUN CITY TO TUNINGI. THE GRAVEL ROAD ON THIS ROUTE MAKES IT A LITTLE BUMPY BUT NOT IMPASSABLE IN A SEDAN VEHICLE. THIS ROUTE IS SHORTER THAN THE ROUTE THROUGH ZEERUST, BUT NOT OUR FIRST RECOMMENDATION, AS IT IS PARTIALLY GRAVEL. IT IS ADVISABLE TO FILL UP WITH FUEL AT THE SUN VILLAGE, JUST AFTER THE SUN CITY ENTRANCE ON THE RIGHT AS THERE IS NO FUEL AVAILABLE INSIDE

THE RESERVE.

•  From ORT international get on the R21 towards Pretoria up to the Exit to the N1 Polokwane (about 37km).
•  Get onto the n1 towards Polokwane and continue up to the N4 Rustenburg slipway (about 22km). Take the slipway onto the N4 towards Rustenburg (this is just after the Zambezi drive offramp).
•  Once on the n4 continue in the direction of Rustenburg – take exit #225 which is the r556 sun city/majakaneng. (About 64km)
•  Turn right at the top of the off ramp to Sun City and continue straight to Sun City (approx 73 km’s to Sun City from this off ramp). After passing Sun City on the right, continue straight (approximately 5 km) until you reach a four-way junction
•  Turn right to derdePoort.
•  Follow the road for approximately 8.5 km’s and turn left at the sign saying, “BaPonG” and “madikwe Game reserve”
•  Continue straight along this road for approximately 34.8 km’s (ignoring ALL signs saying “MADIKWE”) after passing through maBeskraal at the 4 way stop turn right to derdePoort/molatedi Gate.
•  After 26kms the road will become gravel/dirt, the Dwarsberg Liquor Store will be on your left. Watch out for a “bump” as the tar ends.
•  Continue straight along this road for about 32 km of gravel, (do not take the next Derdepoort turning to the right, continue straight), passing through the Molatedi village over the Marico River and straight to the molatedi Gate entrance into the Park.
•  Continue on this road for approximately 10 km’s, you will pass the Park Admin buildings and come to a T-Junction.
•  There will be a sign board stating ABJATERSKOP Gate and Derdepoort Gate. Turn left towards Abjaterskop Gate.
•  Follow this road and turn right at next signboard that says ABJATERSKOP gate. Stay on the tar road.
•  Continue with this road, you will bypass the Western Air strip and come to ABJATERSKOP Gate 2 km’s after the Western Air strip.
•  Exit ABJATERSKOP Gate and turn right on the R49 to Gabarone.
•  Follow this road for 7 km’s and turn right into the WonderBoom Gate entrance.
•  Follow the signs that state “LODGES” and Tuningi Lodge

• 4 Luxury Suites (2 guests per suite)
• 2 Family Suites: : The maximum capacity of a Family Suite is 4 guests; only one child (6-12 years old) may share on an extra bed in the room (maximum capacity 4 full paying guests + 1 child).
• Children between 6-12 years will pay the child rate when sharing 1 Family Suite with 4 full paying guests (subject to occupancy and availability).
• One child sharing with one parent will be charged as 2 adults (2 full paying guests per room).
• Adding an additional child to the Family Sulte will be subject to availability based on occupancy
• Fine Percale Linen
• Air-conditioning & Heating
• Fireplaces in Bedroom & Bathroom
• Private Wrap-around Decks
• Spacious Bathrooms with Alfresco Rock Showers
• Mini-bar Stocked on Request (additional charge)
• Tea/Coffee Facilities
• Mosquito Nets
• Robes, Slippers, Hairdryer,
• Umbrella & Safe
• Animal Reference Guides & Magazines

A Veritable Extravaganza of Local Flavours

Dining
At Tuningi Safari Lodge, guests enjoy tailored, indulgent meals in stunning settings, from private dinners on your wrap-around deck to candlelit boma dinners under African skies.

Every meal at Tuningi is the ultimate indulgence: varied, unique, beautifully presented and delicious. Our chef goes to great lengths to accommodate guests with specialist dietary requirements (allergies, vegetarian and plant based diets etc) – delicious meals will be tailored around individual needs. Meals are served in the unique boma perfectly set under an old Fig Tree overlooking a very active waterhole, on the deck outside the main lodge area or inside in the cosy dining room on cold or rainy days.

Dining Areas
From Dining Under The Stars to Cosy Indoor Tables

Pool Deck
After a morning of sensational game viewing, guests are treated to a hearty brunch consisting of fruits, eggs, cheeses, and cereals – all freshly prepared and scrumptious. Lunch too is enjoyed under the giant Fig Tree, where guests can relax and revel in the animals joining them at the waterhole – some amazing game viewing without even leaving the Lodge. As night sets in, lanterns and candles are lit and the mood goes from bush to baroque. On some nights, guests return from their game drive to be presented with a bush extravaganza dinner, prepared by Tuningi’s Executive Chef, in the boma with a blazing log fire to keep them warm.

The boma is a truly memorable way to experience an evening under the African night sky. This is the only meal you will share with the other guests in camp. Here you will indulge in fine cuisine and superb wines, from the extensive cellar, while sitting near a warm, crackling fire. This is the perfect opportunity to reminisce, share and discuss the days sightings and experiences. End off the evening with a sumptuous dessert and a nightcap before bidding farewell to the simmering fire to the calling of your suite.

Highlights

• Enjoy meals in the boma under the canopy of a giant fig tree.
• Private dining and bush romance.
• Spectacular game viewing while indulging in African cuisine in its most exquisite form.
• Varied, unique and beautifully presented meals.
• Extensive wine list with superb South African wines.
• Families can discuss dietary needs and preferred meal times at check in. 

Look forward to memorable wildlife encounters, luxury accommodation and warm hospitality in the stunning Madikwe Game Reserve. Start your adventure today.

Explore our experiences page to discover a range of activities that ensure an unforgettable stay at Tuningi Safari Lodge. Browse through various safari options – including Wedding Safaris and Malaria-Free Safaris – and uncover all the ways in which you can view the incredible wildlife of Madikwe Game Reserve, a list which includes the Big 5, cheetah, African wild dogs, giraffe, zebra and more. 

• Game drives
• Spa & Wellnes
• Underground Hide

During a stay at Tuningi Safari Lodge, guests are taken on two daily game drives in open-air Land Cruisers, led by a professional and knowledgeable game ranger. Each day brings something different, as you experience the endless fascination of Africa’s wildlife. Whether it is a pride of lion on the hunt, a leopard feasting in a tree, elephant going about their business, or impalas grazing – all offer an unforgettable experience!