Luxury Madikwe
Safaris made for you

Family friendly, malaria free safari in the north west

A front facing vector art of a lion face drawn in bold gold lines

The Magnificent Seven

Look out for elephants, rhinos, buffalos, cheetahs, leopards, lions and wild dogs

Varied Landscapes

Explore the varying ecosystems of savannahs, woodlands and riverine forests

Vector art of safari jeep from the side drawn in bold gold lines

Safari Activities

game drives, bush walks, bird watching and many more experiences

Varied, beautiful landscapes and high concentrations of wildlife

The Madikwe Game Reserve, bordering the Kalahari Desert and Botswana in South Africa’s north west corner, is one of the country’s lesser known and more remote of the Big Five safari experiences. Moreover, it’s malaria-free, making the area great for families.

This is South Africa‘s fifth largest game reserve at 75,000 hectares where a wide variety of wildlife can be found. There is a large population of elephants, 300 types of bird and over sixty different mammal species including the ‘Magnificent Seven’ (elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, lion and African Wild Dog).

The reserve also possesses some of the most stunning sandveld terrain in the country, and it’s exactly this range of varying habitats that supports the impressive variety of creatures found here. Activities in Madikwe include exceptional game drive safari experiences, leaving early in the morning to catch the sunrise, returning for lunch and then setting out again in the late afternoon as the animals come alive again after hiding from the midday sun.

Highlights

Explore the different habitats of Madikwe on exhilarating game drives that take you deep into the bush.

Start the day early and journey into the bush for a gourmet picnic breakfast in the middle of nowhere.

Enjoy fully bespoke and family-friendly safari activities, designed to captivated safari-goers of all ages.

As the sun goes down, gaze skywards for spectacular stargazing with an expert guide to explain the constellations.

Amie Larsen

Travel Designer

Madikwe holds a special place in my heart as I've been on safari here a few times and absolutely loved it, once with my daughter when she was little. The landscapes here are stunning, so varied and interesting. And, when it comes to wildlife and incredible places to stay, you won’t be disappointed.

Amie Larsen

Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in Madikwe

There are many incredible places to stay in Madikwe. Here are some of our favourite camps and lodges, handpicked by our experts:

Madikwe

Molori

Molori’s five vast suites are distanced for more privacy and designed to the starry heights of infinite, open-sided African chic. At the hand of celebrated South African interiors master Stephen Falcke, the lodge’s perfectly attuned style is not too overboard to disconnect you from the surroundings. A well-balanced blend of international fittings and furnishings sit well next to more regional equivalents and art, a good example being the glass chandeliers that dangle from the steep thatch-roof ceilings. Each of the suites enjoys a pleasing amount of seclusion being well-spaced apart and with their own private decking, infinity plunge pools not to mention magnificent views of the Dwarsberg mountains and surrounding bush of the Madikwe. The two 600sqm presidential suites (Metsi and Molelo) are decorated to the zenith of luxury with Phillippe Starck bathtubs, Fendi loungers and Swahili tables – but again, the glitz is played down to make way for the breath-taking surrounds. The main lodge features a fantastic, world-class Spa to help you relax and really unwind in this wild setting, plus Molori usually places a celebrated chef in residence for some of the country’s best fine dining on safari.

Madikwe

Mateya Safari Lodge

The epitome of finesse and elegance, Mateya is arguably the most impressive lodge for exceptional traditional luxury within the Madikwe Reserve. A classic, almost regal, style is reflected throughout the entire property from the decadent dining hall, inviting lounge and well-stocked wine cellar to its handmade mahogany furniture and notable fine art collection of oil paintings and bronze sculptures. Its five vast suites, spaced out about the grounds for more privacy, are exquisitely decorated with 6ft-wide four poster beds almost matched in size by the massive marble bath tubs in the en suite bathrooms and extensive private decks with plunge pools that disappear into the brush beyond. What’s more with only a maximum of ten guests, you get a very attentive and personalised service from the staff and game drives are only four persons. The rangers here at Mateya are some of the best in the country and there’s also the chance to do bush walks with them, which are fairly unusual in this game reserve.

Madikwe

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Situated in the central eastern section of the Madikwe Reserve known for having some of the best game viewing in the whole park, the Madikwe Safari Lodge’s three intimate and award winning properties are great for honeymooners to holidayers with kids of all ages. The Lelapa Lodge has twelve freestanding suites, with a good ten to fifteen metres between each, and come with private plunge pools, air con, fireplaces, WiFi and spacious en suite bathrooms with both in and outdoor showers. Accepting all ages, this lodge is best for families. The Kopano has four suites staggered in the same layout with similar amenities, however children are not allowed here, so this is a better choice for honeymooners or those looking for some extra privacy and quiet. Dithaba, meaning ‘Mountain’, is the lodge that is more secluded than the first two properties and built on the side of the mountain, elevated for better views over the open plains. Again this lodge has all the same amenities and set out as the others, and takes children if hired on an exclusive basis. Enjoy morning and evening game drives, with some fantastic kid’s facilities and activities curated around them, not to mention romantic boma dinners, bush breakfasts, guided bush walks and astronomy lessons.

Madikwe

Morukuru Family

Morukuru Family offers three exquisite ‘villas’ in Madikwe: the River House, the Owner’s House and the Farmhouse. Each villa provides an exclusive retreat in the heart of the South African wilderness, ensuring an unforgettable experience. You have complete control in each villa, with a team to cater to your preferences. Without set schedules, you can choose precisely what you want to do and when, whether tracking wildlife on a tailored big game drive or lounging by the pool with a cocktail. The River House, the largest property, accommodates up to six adults and four children, offering a spacious and exquisitely appointed setting. A wooden walkway links the River House to the Owner’s House, creating an expansive exclusive-use safari escape. The Owner’s House caters to smaller parties of two to four guests. This intimate accommodation features a heated infinity pool, a well-stocked wine cellar and a library. The minimalist design, featuring natural wood and stone, invites seamless inside-outside living. The Farmhouse, located a ten minute walk from the other two properties, accommodates groups of four to ten guests and is ideal for multi-generational travel or milestone celebrations. The Farmhouse features a warm, neutral palette and bespoke Afro-chic accents, making it a popular choice for a South African family safari. All five uniquely decorated bedrooms are connected to the main area by a covered walkway. All Morukuru Family houses come with a close-knit team including a personal chef, butler, housekeepers, a host, and a safari guide and wildlife tracker.

Madikwe

Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge

Enjoy an utterly luxurious and exclusive safari at Sanctuary Makanyane Lodge. Here, your days begin with the sound of cooing emerald spotted doves or the sight of elephants trundling by your elegant glass-walled suite on their way to drink from the nearby river, where hippos laze in the water and bushbucks graze tentatively through its shaded banks. With just eight lavish suites and its location set in 1,800 hectares of private grounds in the Madikwe Game Reserve, this African wilderness is shared only with the fifteen other guests promising days filled with exclusive game experiences. Meanwhile, nights can be spent sleeping under the stars in the amazing sleep out hide found deep in the bush. After exhilarating daily wildlife encounters, return to Makanyane to cool off in the infinity pool, relax on your private sundeck, dine on delicious cuisine and indulge in full body massages.

Madikwe

Royal Madikwe

A delightful option for families, honeymooners and couples alike, the Royal Madikwe is a stylish bush home in this striking north-western reserve. Housed within a traditional palapa-style building set into the savannah and overlooking a waterhole are five spacious suites all with en-suite bathrooms: two in the main Royal Clubhouse, and the rest are freestanding next to this. The theme is kept contemporary, luxurious yet African throughout with the usual earthy palette interrupted in places by flashes of colour. With masses of amenities to keep the children entertained and enough privacy for the adults, Royal Madikwe is a great safari stay that takes everyone into consideration. What’s more there’s a team of staff such as nannies, butlers, drivers and pilots should you be needing them. There is a maximum of ten guests at any one time.

Why book with Jacada?

Safari expertise

Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.

Unforgettable guides

We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.

Positive impact

By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our Madikwe example trips and then get in touch to plan your own safari adventure

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Luxury Madikwe Safaris made for you

Varied, beautiful landscapes and high concentrations of wildlife

Highlights

Amie Larsen

Amie Larsen

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Luxury Madikwe
Safaris made for you