Madikwe Safari Lodge is one of our favourite camps in Madikwe. Owned and run by More Hotels, who also run some of our favourite Cape Town hotels, you can be certain that you're in good hands. They have an excellent level of service and good guides which when coupled with excellent game viewing, makes for an unforgettable experience.
Madikwe Safari Lodge - The Details
Madikwe Safari Lodge offers three luxury lodges, each with its own appeal. The right lodge for you will depend on whether you are travelling with the family, with a group of friends or on your own, and on your personality. Do you prefer a smaller and more intimate lodge environment, or a more social atmosphere in the company of other guests from around the world? For families, especially those with toddlers, very few places can beat it.
- Lelapa Lodge - Translating into 'family', Lelapa is one of the best places in South Africa for a family holiday. With no restriction on ages, Lelapa is ideal for any family. With a variety of children's activities that will keep the children entertained, the parents can relax and not have to worry about constantly amusing the kids, especially with the babysitting service that is also available. The new addition of a communal pool also provides entertainment for all and gives children an area to release some of that energy and make new friends. Although the lodge is geared towards families, luxury is not compromised. Each of the twelve suites is beautifully furnished and comes with it's own private plunge pool. Two of the rooms also have a second bedroom where children's bunbeds and a sleeper couch can be found.
- Kopano Lodge - With just four suites making up Kopano, the literal meaning of 'small gathering' is aptly applied here. Unlike Lelapa, only children ages sixteen and older are allowed here to maintain a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. Each suite has its own private plunge pool but all share an open plan lounge and dining area. The atmosphere here is ideal for honeymooners and couples who are looking for a private and intimate safari experience.
- Dithaba Lodge - Mirrorring Kopano, Dithaba also only has four suites, however this lodge is also available to be exclusively booked. If it is booked exclusively, children of all ages are welcome, however if there are separate parties in the lodge, children under the age of sixteen are not allowed. Again, this is to maintain a sophisticated atmosphere that certainly lends itself towards couples and honeymooners.
All accommodation options are also equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, balcony or terrace, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer and outdoor shower and a range of deluxe amenities that guarantee your stay to be both luxurious and memorable.
Whilst Madikwe boasts a fantastic population of the 'Big 5' plus the elusive cheetah and wild dog, it is also one of the best places in South Africa to see the rarer brown hyena and aardwolf. Although the game viewing here is fantastic, we would say it is a reserve more geared to first time safari goers or families, the reason is that due to the high concentration of lodges, that truly 'wild' feel is slightly lost which may deter safari purists.
For game viewing, the best time of the year is definitely during the dry season, between May and September when water is scarce and the vegetation is at its lowest, game becomes easier to find and photograph. November to May sees the return of the migratory birds where there is an explosion of colour and sound in a lush green utopia which may not appeal to everyone, but is certainly a beautiful time of year to visit.
