Luxury Madikwe
Safaris made for you

Family friendly, malaria free safari in the north west

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

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.

Jamey Lowis

Travel Designer

Visit Madikwe for an unforgettable safari experience, where the Big Five roam freely across breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Far from the crowds, this destination offers an intimate connection with nature, unmatched tranquility and luxurious lodges nestled in the wilderness.

Jamey Lowis

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

Jamala Madikwe

Individual service, attention to detail and exclusivity are at the heart of the owner-managed and run, Jamala Madikwe, Royal Safari Lodge.

Madikwe

Jaci's Safari Lodge

The Safari Lodge is the camp’s main lodge and has a loft bar, dining room, pool and cosy fireplace for chillier nights. The eight luxury tented suites here all observe the typically refined safari style of open-plan living, making use of the views from every imaginable angle. Leather upholstered headboards and chairs, wooden floors draped in hide rugs, local art, mosaic-laid baths, underfloor heating and outside showers all do their utmost to bring the outdoors in (but with your comfort always in mind too). For families or friends there are two larger suites available: the Nare (sleeping six) and Safari (sleeping eight), both of which come with their own plunge pool, private game guide and vehicle.

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

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge

Not only does the Madikwe Reserve enjoy the Big Five but the Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge delivers all the panache of a Five Star safari experience. Its ten elegant suites all have their own private sun decks, plunge pools and glass-fronts for unbroken views of the surrounding savannah and are the ultimate in Afro-chic safari elegance. Thick linens and rich cotton bedding are surrounded by the native bushveld style of stone, earthy tones, aged wood, fireplaces, underfloor heating and all with the lavish feel of polished luxury. Also if you are after an even more private and personalised stay there’s the separate Private Little Madikwe Hills 2-bedroom suite that comes with a large private swimming pool, personal butler, chef, Landrover and game ranger. The staff here at Madikwe Hills are very accommodating and the gourmet food is equally impressive: eat and swap stories in the light of a late-night Boma, indulge in a late afternoon massage after a game drive and don’t forget to take the opportunity to dine out in the bush one evening.

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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Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Madikwe trip, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Start planning

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Luxury Madikwe Safaris made for you

Varied, beautiful landscapes and high concentrations of wildlife

Highlights

Jamey Lowis

Jamey Lowis

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Luxury Madikwe
Safaris made for you