Located in South Africa along the Botswana border, the Madikwe Game Reserve may be one of the lesser-known parks in South Africa, but this hidden gem has plenty of delights up its sleeve. Transitioning between lowveld bushveld and the Kalahari thornveld, the reserve showcases 75 000 hectares of jewel-toned flora and fauna in an area comprised of vast open plains of grasslands, woodlands, rocky outcrops, and single mountains. This spectacular reserve is also malaria-free, one of the biggest reserves in South Africa and its diverse ecosystem provides a habitat for 86 mammals, 420 bird species and 105 tree species. Madikwe Hills is an enticing private game lodge ingeniously perched on a rocky outcrop, set amongst boulders and age-old Tamboti trees. The lodge is ideally situated in the very heart of the Madkiwe Game Reserve where the Big 5 roam freely giving guests an added advantage over the other lodges situated on the borders of the reserve. These teeming plains means that guests can expect to hit the Big 5 jackpot, as well as encounters with the rare African wild dog, cheetah, eland, kudu, giraffe, zebra and more.
Madikwe Hills Main Lodge boasts 10 beautifully crafted glass-fronted suites perched on raised interlinking wooden walkways. Each suite is spacious, ultra-luxurious and features stylish African inspired décor. Settle into your cosy lounge around a large slate clad chimney for chilly nights indoors or simply gaze out at the abundance of wildlife through floor to ceiling windows that envelop you in the outside panorama. Each suite includes a wooden deck, refreshing outdoor shower and sparkling plunge pool, with perfect views of the animals drawn to the water hole. As the sun goes down, you may find a freshly run bath when you return to your room, a trail of rose petals leading the way before you retire to a sumptuous muslin-draped four-poster bed. For those with romance in mind, the Honeymoon Suite has a private and secluded lookout deck with an al fresco bathtub overlooking the water hole where you can lie back in supreme lantern-lit comfort and watch the wildlife. It is also the ideal spot for a memorable ‘under the stars experience’ which is an added element offered by the lodge for loved-up couples who would like to spend a dreamy night outdoors under the inky African sky. Amenities include air-conditioners, fans, fireplace, fully stocked mini-bar, indoor/outdoor showers, venetian bath, and Wi-Fi.
Large majestic, age-old East African doors welcome you to the opulent central area which is designed to bring guests closer to nature with an expansive wooden deck overlooking a bustling water hole. Here you can spend the day reclining on a sunbed with a refreshing poolside cocktail or you could head indoors to the lounge which is stocked with beautiful books just waiting to be read and explored. An intimate, circular room has a television with a satellite decoder which means you’ll never miss the news or that all-important sports game. The bar is the perfect spot to enjoy the cool evening breeze with a pre-dinner drink or a night cap followed by fine cuisine in the dining room. An extensive wine cellar means you have a selection of superb South African wines especially paired to suit the menu of the evening. Whether it is under the stars in the traditional boma, a breakfast in the bush, fine dining in the dining room, or next to the fire on the main deck, dining at Madikwe Game Lodge is always an absolute delight. A fully equipped gym means you can work off all those extra calories and a day in the bush is not complete without a bit of pampering. A few treatments in the Spa will soothe and revive readying you for an evening around the campfire as you watch the flames dance around you in the darkness.
Madikwe Hills Game Lodge offers twice-daily game viewing expeditions on state-of-the-art open 4×4 safari vehicles with comfy bucket seats for your ultimate relaxation. Led by experienced game rangers you’ll set off at dawn to discover Africa’s wonderful wildlife and in the evening as the sun is setting, you’ll enjoy sundowners in the savannah. Madikwe Hill’s bush walks among the trees, birds and stunning natural scenery are a real treat for adventure lovers and children alike. The African bush is a unique and exciting playground for children and Madikwe Hill’s offers excellent educational Junior Ranger programmes and special bush environment activities that are loads of fun.
Madikwe Hills Main Lodge caters for children over 10 years, while kids of all ages are welcome at Little Madikwe.
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Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
