Angela from our Johannesburg office just returned from visiting Madikwe Private Reserve, a 185,000 acre (75,000 hectares) reserve, and just an easy hour’s flight (or 3-1/2 hour drive) from Johannesburg.

While Madikwe Private reserve is fabulous, with a large amount of elephant and a healthy wild dog population, over 350 species of birds and the ability to find the Big 5 (lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), it’s also great for families traveling with small children as it is Malaria free.

Madikwe Private Reserve houses quite a few accommodations in the mid-to high-end categories and Angela visited three of our favorite lodges on the southeastern side, “each with its own WOW factor.” In her words:  “professional photographic safaris, walking safaris, sleeping in a star bed and phenomenal game drives are what you can expect from the lodges- just to mention a few of their activities. Also:

  • Top notch culinary experience is offered from all 3 lodges.
  • Guides are all very knowledgeable with years of experience in the Madikwe Reserve.
  • The lodge staff are eager to please and meet your every need, thus complimenting your overall experience.
Deck at Jaci's Safari Camp Madikwe Private Reserve
A Deck at Jaci’s

Jaci’s Safari Lodge

Jaci’s blends beautifully into its surroundings with the Main Lodge Area built around an ancient termite mound. Featuring only eight large rooms and an exclusive 2 bed-roomed suite” built with shaggy thatched roofs, canvas walls and large tented windows creating fabulous safari ambiance.

The Hide at Jaci's Madikwe Private Reserve
The Hide at Jaci’s

Madikwe Safari Lodge

There are three very different accommodations at Madikwe Safari Lodge which caters to families, romantic getaways and solo travelers. There are children’s activities, babysitting services and they easily cater to physically-challenged guests (traveling with a companion).

Madikwe Safari Lodge at dusk - Madikwe Private Reserve
Madikwe Safari Lodge

Jamala Madikwe

Five free standing, luxurious villas overlooking the large savanna and their own watering hole. Angela particularly liked the “sofa safari” aspect of these villas, relaxing on an overstuffed sofa, feet up and binoculars in hand.  (We think we should patent the phrase “sofa safari”!)

Jamala Madikwe Safari
Jamala Madikwe

Please let us know if you have any questions for Angela about Madikwe, or any questions at all for our Rothschild Safaris experts. We are standing by to help turn your dream vacation into a reality.

Madikwe safari bird
Angela’s sofa safari, even the birds came to her!