Madikwe Game Reserve spans approximately 75,000 hectares, making it the fifth-largest national park in South Africa. Established as a national park in 1991, it is one of the lesser-known reserves in the country. The reserve is home to a variety of luxury lodges and is located in a malaria-free area, adding to its appeal as a safe and exclusive safari destination. Day visitors are not permitted, which reduces traffic and creates a more private and serene experience.

Madikwe is an excellent location to see the Big 5, and guests often have the chance to encounter the Magnificent 7. However, sightings are influenced by the season and the expertise of guides and trackers. Many lodges also offer walking safaris or bush walks led by specially trained guides. These excursions focus on the Small 5 and provide insights into the region’s plants and ecosystems.

Safari Collection recommends staying at a private lodge, where accommodation is typically all-inclusive, covering three meals a day and two guided game drives. Guides in Madikwe are permitted to drive off-road, allowing for closer wildlife encounters. With a wide range of 5-star lodges to choose from, Madikwe Game Reserve is considered one of the best safari destinations in Africa, offering unforgettable wildlife experiences in a unique and pristine environment.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Spanning approximately 75,000 hectares, Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth-largest national park in South Africa. Established in 1991, Madikwe is one of the country’s hidden gems, boasting an array of exclusive luxury lodges and offering a malaria-free safari experience. The terrain is characterized by open grasslands, bushveld plains, rocky outcrops, and occasional mountains. The reserve is home to one of the largest populations of African wild dogs in the world. Unlike many other reserves, Madikwe does not allow day visitors, ensuring a less crowded and more serene safari experience. Exceptional walking safaris are a hallmark of the reserve, with varying offerings depending on the lodge you choose.

Jamala Madikwe

Located in the eastern part of Madikwe Game Reserve, Jamala Madikwe is renowned for delivering extraordinary safari adventures paired with exceptional personal service. Its culinary expertise is unmatched, having been awarded “Best Safari Cuisine in Africa” in 2014, 2015, and 2019 under the leadership of the acclaimed chef Nico Verster. Gourmet dining under the African night sky is an experience of unparalleled sophistication.

Safaris at Jamala are intimate, with a maximum of six guests per jeep. The lodge consists of just five luxurious suites, accommodating no more than ten guests at a time. Each suite is elegantly designed in colonial style, featuring views of a waterhole and the vast savannah. From the comfort of the lodge, guests can often observe wildlife up close. Suites include fireplaces, outdoor showers, and private plunge pools, offering an unmatched level of comfort and exclusivity.

Children under 16 are welcome upon request. If the entire lodge is booked exclusively, children of all ages are welcome.

Madikwe Hills

Madikwe Hills Lodge is beautifully set on a hillside in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, offering not only incredible safari adventures but also exceptional personal service and exquisite dining. Gourmet meals are served under the star-studded African sky, creating unforgettable culinary experiences. The lodge also features a gym and spa, and safari jeeps are limited to just six guests, ensuring an intimate and personalised experience.

Accommodation includes 10 spacious and luxurious suites, each thoughtfully designed with a lounge and fireplace, elegant bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, and private plunge pools. The verandas offer stunning views of the nearby waterhole, where guests can observe wildlife from the comfort of their suite. Among the suites is a honeymoon suite, specially crafted for romance, with a private outdoor bath beneath the stars overlooking the waterhole.

For those seeking seclusion, Little Madikwe, a two-bedroom private villa, is perfect for families or small groups. It offers its own private chef, ranger, tracker, and safari jeep, as well as a large pool, indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace, air conditioning, and more.

With its combination of outstanding service, world-class facilities, and breathtaking wildlife, Madikwe Hills Lodge promises a truly luxurious safari experience for every guest.

Children of all ages are welcome at Little Madikwe, while the main lodge accommodates children aged 10 and older.

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge offers three distinct lodges, each tailored to suit different types of safari travellers: Lelapa Lodge, Kopano Lodge, and Dithaba Lodge.

Lelapa Lodge is the ideal choice for families, with 12 spacious suites, including four family suites. Each suite features a private veranda, an outdoor shower, and a small plunge pool. The lodge also includes a large pool area and a dedicated children’s play area. Family suites have an additional bedroom, designed to accommodate parents with young children. Children of all ages are welcome at Lelapa, making it a truly family-friendly destination.

For a more private and intimate experience, Kopano Lodge and Dithaba Lodge are excellent options. These smaller lodges each consist of just four luxurious suites, all with private verandas, outdoor showers, and their own plunge pools. The intimate size and personalised service make these lodges perfect for couples or small groups seeking exclusivity and tranquillity.

With its blend of family-friendly and exclusive options, Madikwe Safari Lodge provides a unique safari experience for all guests.

Children of all ages are welcome at Madikwe Safari Lodge.

Mateya Safari Lodge

Mateya Safari Lodge is beautifully situated on the rocky outskirts of Madikwe Game Reserve, drawing inspiration from ancient ruins that tell the story of the great Queen Mateya’s journey. A majestic bronze statue of the queen now stands as a tribute to her legacy, adding an air of history and grandeur to the lodge. Elegance and prestige define the Mateya experience. To celebrate Africa’s rich cultural diversity, Mateya Safari Lodge houses one of the continent’s finest private art collections, creating a unique blend of luxury and heritage.

The lodge offers impeccable service and a commitment to fulfilling every guest’s desires. Facilities include a well-equipped gym, a tranquil spa, and an exclusive wine cellar. With a maximum capacity of just ten guests, Mateya ensures an intimate and personalised experience. Accommodation consists of five exquisitely designed suites, each featuring stunning views of the savannah and nearby waterholes, where wildlife can often be observed from the comfort of your suite. Every suite is adorned with unique art pieces and offers air conditioning, a minibar, a luxurious bathroom with a bathtub, an outdoor shower, a private pool, and a veranda.

Children aged nine and older are welcome at Mateya Safari Lodge.

Molori Safari

Set deep within the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, Molori Safari is celebrated as one of South Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges. Combining incredible safari experiences with top-tier service and exceptional dining, it offers a perfect balance of adventure and indulgence. Gourmet meals are served under a canopy of African stars, creating unforgettable culinary moments.

The lodge features a fully equipped gym, a serene spa, and an observatory for stargazing. One of Molori’s standout features is its “Hide,” strategically located near a waterhole, providing guests with a close-up view of wildlife—an ideal setting to enjoy breakfast while observing animals in their natural habitat.

Molori Safari comprises five private suites, each thoughtfully spaced to ensure absolute privacy, luxury, and tranquility. The suites include two premier suites (Ngwedi and Lesedi), one family suite (Sephiri), and two presidential suites (Metsi and Molelo). Each suite is tastefully designed with floor-to-ceiling retractable glass walls that open to a private deck. Amenities include air conditioning, fireplaces, stocked minibars, copper bathtubs, outdoor showers, and private infinity pools. The presidential suites elevate the experience further with kitchens, dining areas, studios, walk-in closets, and guest bathrooms.

Children of all ages are warmly welcomed, making Molori Safari an excellent choice for families.

Contact Safari Collection for more information about safari in Madikwe.

Curated Add-On I

Elevate your safari adventure in Madikwe by adding a few serene days on one of these exclusive paradise destinations: the luxurious Thanda Island, the exotic allure of Zanzibar (Tanzania), or the enchanting Benguerra Island and stunning Machangulo (Mozambique). Here, you’ll discover—quite literally—a slice of paradise with powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and incredible snorkelling. Contact Safari Collection, and we’ll guide you to your dream escape.

Curated Add-On II

Enhance your exclusive safari journey with a truly unparalleled train experience. Begin or end your adventure aboard a moving masterpiece of timeless elegance and unmatched luxury. The world-famous Rovos Rail and the iconic Blue Train offer journeys spanning 2 to 15 days, seamlessly blending with our spectacular safari destinations. Let yourself be captivated by the grandeur of this enchanting, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Reach out to us for all the details!

Curated Add-On III

Cape Town and its surroundings are a world-renowned haven for gourmet experiences. Combine your safari journey to this iconic city with a luxury tour filled with indulgence. Let us guide you to the ultimate wine and culinary adventure, where every moment is a feast for the senses. Contact Safari Collection to learn more and start planning your unforgettable getaway.