Madikwe Safari Lodge | Big 5

• Luxury accommodation in a suite with private plunge pool;
• All meals;
• Teas/Coffees;
• 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

• Laundry;
• Beverages;
• Cigars & cigarettes;
• All flights and transfers not specified;
• Gratuities;
• Telephone calls;
• Curio shop purchases; Spa treatments);
• Any additional extras will be for the guests account

• Subject to availability of rooms
• Valid for maximum 2 rooms/ 4 guests
• The DiscoverMORE package can only be booked on your contracted rates and not on any other negotiated or discounted rates, or in conjunction with other packages
• Must specify “DiscoverMORE Package” on enquiry and properties must be requested and booked at the same time. If not requested and stipulated at time of reservation with MORE, the package will not be honoured. 

• Valid for repeat guests, and excludes travelling companions who have not stayed at a MORE property previously
• All promotions are subject to availability of rooms
• Maximum two rooms/ four guests
• The above packages cannot be combined
• Packages cannot be combined
• Other T&Cs may apply
• Enquiries must specify the name of the package (i.e. ‘FriendsofMORE’ etc.)
• Block-out dates:  20 Dec 2020 – 4 Jan 2021

• From 4 January – 19 December 2020
• From 4 January – 30 April 2021

• All promotions are subject to availability of rooms
• Honeymoon offer is valid for a year after date of marriage; marriage certificate to be provided
• Packages cannot be combined
• Other T&Cs may apply
• Enquiries must specify the name of the package (i.e. ‘LoveMORE’ etc.)
• Block-out dates:   20 Dec 2020 – 3 Jan 2021

• Only valid on adult per person sharing and single rates
• Children (6-15 years) qualify for 50% discount off flight fare
• Standard fare applies to kids under 6 years of age
• All promotions are subject to availability of rooms
• Minimum of two full paying guests
• Packages cannot be combined
• Other T&Cs may apply
• Enquiries must specify the name of the package (i.e. ‘FlyMORE’ etc.)
• Block-out dates:  20 Dec 2020 – 3 Jan 2021

Enquire | Book Now

Our three lodges, Lelapa, Dithaba and Kopano comprise of 20 suites in total and give guests a choice to stay together as a group of family and friends, or to have a more private bush experience as a couple. Our staff know exactly how to make you feel welcome, comfortable and relaxed. If you curl up on your couch at home, that is what we encourage you to do with us at Madikwe Safari Lodge.

Lelapa Lodge

Lelapa literally means ‘family’, and this is exactly how we want you to feel – there is no restriction in terms of age or generation. You can expect warm hospitality, sublime comfort and a compelling charm which will make you want to stay forever.

Each of the 12 Suites are spacious, comfortable and ever respectful of the natural environment beyond. Indoor and outdoor showers, private plunge pool and wood-burning fireplace are just some of the added creature comforts to enhance Mother Nature’s subtle signature.

Quick Facts

• 12 Suites for 24 people
• Children of all ages welcome
• Children’s activities and babysitting available
• Family Rooms available
• Private plunge pools
• Communal pool
• Suitable for disabled travellers (with assistance)
• Full range of dietary preferences catered for
• Free Wi-Fi (in public areas)

Kopano Lodge

Kopano directly translated means ‘small gathering’. The Lodge comprises just 4 Suites (each with private plunge pool) which share a magnificent common area. Fine dining to the hoot of an owl, the roar of a lion or the crazed whoop of a hyena is the stuff that dreams are made of. Salut!

Quick Facts

• 4 Suites for 8 guests
• Children of 16 and older welcome
• Private Plunge Pools only
• Open plan lounge and dining area
• Suitable for disabled travellers (with assistance)
• Full range of dietary preferences catered for

Dithaba Lodge

• 4 Suites for 8 guests
• Children of 16 and over welcome, unless lodge is booked exclusively then children of all ages are welcome
• Private Plunge Pools only
• Open plan lounge and dining area
• Not suitable for disabled travellers
• Full range of dietary preferences catered for

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

Spa & Wellnes

Madikwe offers a number of spa & beauty treatments. Wellness means walking in the wild, breathing fresh air, sleeping well and eating freshly prepared food.

Pamper yourself and indulge in a relaxing and revitalising treatment with Madikwe’s qualified therapist, all in the privacy of your suite.

All products used are 100% organic.

MADIKWE’S SPA TREATMENT MENU

Including Massages, Facials, Reflexology, hand and foot treatments, and a specialised treatment for kids.

Honeymoons

This is the place for romance. Spend your honeymoon at Madikwe, & take with you beautiful memories of a very special time that will remain with you forever!

Whether it’s your first breakaway as a couple or your second honeymoon, you want it to be an unforgettable experience. Romantic, idyllic, private and secluded – Madikwe Safari Lodge is the ideal setting to celebrate the start of a new life together or to fall in love all over again.

The suites at Kopano Lodge, Dithaba Lodge and Lelapa Lodge are private and spacious, each with its own private swimming pool boasting a breathtaking view over the surrounding landscape. In Winter (May through to August) the wood burning fireplace makes for a beautiful turndown, and the perfect accompaniment to falling asleep as the crackling light flickers throughout the room.

Our special treat to honeymooners

• A romantic ‘turn down’
• A surprise gift
• A bottle of sparkling wine

“We recently held our wedding here, and what an amazing place with amazing people. We have been to Madikwe before, and knew that we would have an excellent experience but we never thought that they could be even better! They pulled out all the stops, from the rangers to the managers who helped us with every little detail and request – no matter how small.

What a wonderful friendly bunch of people in the most beautiful setting. All we can say is Thank You – Thank You – Thank You. And we look forward to coming back soon.”

- Warren and Nat Shaw

There is arguably no better place to celebrate the start of a very special union than in the African bush. Whether small and intimate, or more extravagant, Madikwe Safari Lodge is highly flexible and can accommodate groups of up to 40 guests across our 3 lodges.

THE MADIKWE WEDDING PACKAGE:

• Lelapa “Family“ Lodge: 12 suites for 24 guests
• Kopana “Private” Lodge: 4 suites for 8 guests
• Dithaba “Mountain” Lodge: 4 suites for 8 guests

BE MORE PACKAGE:

• A private wedding venue for your exclusive use
• Legal fees which include fees for your unabridged marriage certificate application and collection (a full marriage certificate must then be applied for which can take up to 2 months to process in South Africa. Once completed it will be mailed to your address)
• A Christian minister to officiate the ceremony. If you require another religious ceremony, this will have to be contracted out (for your account)
• Dedicated on-site co-ordinator to ensure the experience runs smoothly
• Elegant wedding venue set-up, inclusive of white & cream tablecloths and overlays
• Specially created wedding menu (exclusive of drinks). Menu can be discussed with our chef
• A handcrafted two-tiered wedding cake
• Champagne for the bridal couple 
• Romantic in-room breakfast the morning after the wedding
• A private game vehicle
• Special gift for the Bride & Groom
• Bridal bouquet
• Romantic turndown
• Groom’s button hole flower
• A relaxing couples spa treatment
• Champagne for guests to toast the bridal couple (1 glass per guest)
• A photographer to capture special moments during the day (excluding accommodation & transport costs)
• Hairdresser & make-up artist for exclusive use of the bride

Food

Healthy. Fresh. Delicious. Plentiful. That’s the secret to Madikwe’s culinary success.

[Unforgettable! Tripadvisor] “I would be remiss if I did not mention the extraordinary food served throughout the visit. From the sit down meals to the impromptu snacks while on the drives in the bush. Everything was delicious!

No two mealtimes at Madikwe are the same. Whether in the dining room, on the deck, in the boma or out in the bush – the one thing that remains consistent is the calibre of dishes presented. Simple and unpretentious, yet packed with wholesome flavour.

Younger palates will also find their flavour, with a full kid’s menu specially crafted around our younger guests.

 
As parents of twins – Mack and Madi – my late wife Britt (matriarch of the MORE family until her passing in 2016) and I learned first-hand what it meant to travel with young children. They don’t fit into prescribed timelines, and have specific needs when it comes to what they eat, where they sleep, and their entertainment. We experienced the joy in their effervescent excitement at discovering a new place, and came to realise that schedules should be left at home, with a little extra freedom for them to just play, explore, and be kids… And so began our journey of crafting the Mack & Madi Family Experience, which we have brought into our lodges and hotels for our family travellers. – Robert More, Owner of MORE

We have carefully created environments that are welcoming to guests of all ages, and encourage your family to feel at home away from home – but with some added luxuries. We provide space and places for loved ones to come together, and with every comfort and convenience afforded, there is time for the rest to take care of itself.

Madikwe offers families (with both older and younger children) a very special place to experience something magic together. At Lelapa Lodge children of all ages are welcome and we offer a host of activities for their enjoyment. Dithaba Lodge: Regret no children except if the Lodge is booked exclusively.

Many of us have kids of our own, so we know and understand what an unforgettable experience it is for children to be in the bush. We have taken a lot of time to design a kids’ menu of activities which will keep juniors entertained, and parents relaxed.

The ECO HOUSE is an educational (and entertainment) centre built specifically for kids – and anyone with a fascination for the wild world and its inhabitants.

The facility is always a hive of activity, where kids can partake in painting, drawing, making location specific models and arts and get to experience some of the live specimens from the reserve.

Parents have the choice of either engaging in the learning with their kids, or stealing a few hours for themselves. This experience is unique to Madikwe Safari Lodge, and has been crafted in consultation with the owner parents, guest parents, managers and North West parks (who have assisted in all the required permits for the live specimens).

In kid language… ECO-HOUSE is just AWESOME!

QUICK FACTS ABOUT FAMILIES AT MADIKWE SAFARI LODGE

• Children between the ages of zero and five years stay free of charge and children aged six to fifteen pay 50% of the per person adult rate.
• Children under the age of 3 years old are not permitted on any of the daily safari drives, but may participate on a dedicated family safari game drive between 10:00am & 12:00pm daily. Parents are welcome to join this game drive too, subject to the availability of seats on the vehicle.
• Children younger than 6 years old are not permitted on the scheduled daily safari drives that take place early mornings & late afternoons. Children aged between 3 and 5 years old .

MACK & MADI KIDS ACTIVITIES ON OFFER

• Family safari drives
• Bush orientation
• Bug CSI
• Long hours spent in the Eco-House
• Dung tracking
• Baking in the kitchen
• Making pizzas in the boma
• Star gazing
• Games night, and much more..

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.

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
• Inclusive of 15% VAT (subject  to government change)

Rates Exclude

• Laundry; 
• Premium brand beers, spirits, cellar wines & champagnes; 
• Cigars & cigarettes; 
• All flights and transfers not specified; 
• Gratuities; 
• Telephone calls; 
• Curio shop purchases;
• Spa treatments; 
• Madikwe Game Reserve Landing fees (subject to change);
• Madikwe Game Reserve entrance/ conservation fees; 
• Any additional extras will be for the guests account

• Game drives; 
• Bush walks; 
• Stargazing
• Wildlife lectures; 
• Bush breakfasts, 
• picnic lunches & bush dinners; 
• Children’s activities

Specialist Activities Excluded:

• Private open safari vehicle hire  
• Any additional external services
• Local village experience

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

• 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.

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

• 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 years and younger cannot participate on game drives and gaming activities.

A family drive is offered for younger children, after breakfast.

• Children aged 0 - 5 years stay free of charge
• Children aged 6 -15 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate
• Children aged 16 years and older pay the full adult rate
• If two children under 16 are in a room on their own, the first child  is charged for at the  full adult per person sharing rate

Dithaba Lodge

Children are only accepted if the lodge is booked exclusively. If so, tnen same policy as above ** applies.

Kopano Lodge

• We regret that we are unable to accommodate children under the age of 16 years.
• Children aged 16 years and older will be accommodated in their own room and will pay full adult per person sharing rate.

• 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

• Upon confirmation 50% deposit is due to secure the reservation, of which 10% is non-refundable
• 30 days prior to arrival Full prepayment