Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe, South Africa

Virgin rating

The hotel

Boasting sweeping views over the game-filled plains of Madikwe with the purple-hued Dwarsberg mountain range in the background, the luxurious Madikwe Safari Lodge is a malaria-free resort offering the holiday of a lifetime. The swimming pool at Lelapa Lodge is particularly special, get eye-to-eye with passing elephants and giraffe as they come to drink from the permanent water-hole just steps from the Lelapa pool. Ideal for couples or families, the lodge has a choice of accommodation across three lodges: Lalapa Lodge has spacious suites with luxurious bathtubs and open fireplaces for romantic evenings and family suites have a kid’s annex complete with bunkbeds and for those seeking complete peace and quiet, Kopano and Dithaba Lodges offers a slightly more private experience for couples. All are furnished with luxurious soft furnishings in an African style and all suites boast their very own plunge pools, perfect for cooling off under the African sun. Children are warmly welcomed with plenty to keep them occupied including making pizzas in the boma, star gazing and games night. When you’re not immersing yourself in the wilderness, enjoy an African Candle Massage at the spa, a truly sublime experience. Speaking of sublime experiences, we didn’t mention the exceptional cuisine, whether dining in the BOMA, enjoying a sundowner or heading out into the bush for breakfast at sunrise and dinner by starlight, you will be truly spoilt.

Amenities

  • Babysitting service
  • Safari
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Spa

Where is it

In the heart of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province, bordering Botswana. Transfer time: 4-5 hour drive from Johannesburg Airport and a 3-hour drive from Sun City.

Hotel information

Accommodation is comprised of Lodge Suites and Villas. All with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, private plunge pool, balcony or terrace, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer and outdoor shower. Lelapa (meaning family) Lodge is where couples and families are welcomed with hospitality and charm ensuring the most memorable of stays. 1-Bedroom Suites and 2-Bedroom Suites, are spacious and comfortable and are in keeping with the natural environment, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children. Sleeper Suites are as above but with sleeper sofa and are available on request.

All Inclusive of: All meals, tea/coffee, soft drinks, local brand beers, spirits and house wines. Daily game-drives and game activities with refreshments and snacks. Specialist activities include: bush walks, astronomy, wildlife lectures, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, bush dinners and children's activities.

Villas are available and must have a minimum of 8 people in the villa.

Communal swimming pool at Lelapa Lodge. Health Spa*. Bush walks, birdwatching, ecology house and local community village tour. Bush breakfasts and dinners, BOMA dinners. Children’s activities. Babysitting*. Laundry/dry-cleaning facilities*. Complimentary WiFi in public areas.

3 nights between 18 Dec-3 Jan.

* Denotes local charge. 

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (853)
  • Very good (71)
  • Average (14)
  • Poor (10)
  • Terrible (4)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Second Memorable Dithaba Trip

Mar 11, 2024 Kurt H Salt Lake City, Utah

Second memorable trip to Madikwe's Dithaba. Oodles of things to note, especially the food, the cooks (esp. Emihle), and Nic our ranger/guide. And of course, the wildlife :) This time, we flew in from JoBurg instead of driving. The drive was just too long last time due to construction, traffic etc.. although having done it once was good, as it… Read more
Second memorable trip to Madikwe's Dithaba. Oodles of things to note, especially the food, the cooks (esp. Emihle), and Nic our ranger/guide. And of course, the wildlife :) This time, we flew in from JoBurg instead of driving. The drive was just too long last time due to construction, traffic etc.. although having done it once was good, as it provides the wider view of what the lay of the land is. Flying was much more pleasant and worth the modestly added expense, plus getting there at a more reasonable time of day. On balance, would probably recommend flying in for first timers too. Madikwe is a large semi-arid reserve, so not as lush as say Kruger-area reserves. This provides some significant advantages of easier to see animals, more likely to be at watering holes which are not numerous, etc. compared with Kruger-area. Rhinos still have their horns here. :) Nic was spectacular as a guide! Simply wonderful, knowledgeable and willing to share his vast info. We saw anything/everything, including wild dogs, cheetah. Ask him (or anyone else who deals with people at safaris for that matter) about the crazy tourist stories. Lodging was excellent, attractive, and very quiet. We also went to the neighboring lodge, Madikwe Safari Lodge for both gift shop purchases plus sitting by the watering hole to watch the giraffes and zebras drink. MSL is the better option for families with kids, as more to do for them and Dithaba is considerably quieter. The dining was wonderful as before at Dithaba. Emihle is quite the talented chef! All staff were kind and helpful. Would eagerly return again. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing

Mar 2, 2024 SnooperTheBeagle Hessle, United Kingdom

We had an amazing four night stay at the Lelapa lodge. We weren't sure what to expect as this was our first luxury holiday destination. It was a very relaxing experience, and the food was of a very high standard. The view of the waterhole from the pool area, and the many animals visiting it during the day, was a particular highlight. The only… Read more
We had an amazing four night stay at the Lelapa lodge. We weren't sure what to expect as this was our first luxury holiday destination. It was a very relaxing experience, and the food was of a very high standard. The view of the waterhole from the pool area, and the many animals visiting it during the day, was a particular highlight. The only minor criticism is that some aspects of the facility, particularly the accomodation, are showing their age and could do with some refurbishment. However, the main reason for visiting is of course the twice daily game drives and these were exceptional and very rewarding. This was made possible by our amazing guide, Petrus, who's knowledge of the natural world far exceeded what was necessary for the game reserve. There was a 7 year old on our game drives, and no weird question from him ever phased Petrus who always had an answer! I'm sure all of the guides are knowledgeable, but if you get Petrus as your guide, you're in for a very special experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Madikwe Safari Lodge - ‘family villa’

Jan 22, 2024 Devlin C

We stayed at Madikwe Safari Lodge in the ‘family villa’ and what an experience it was. The beds are super comfortable, the living area full of leathery luxury, a refreshing pool to cool down and a fire pit that reminds me of a love island villa. The staff are friendly, helpful and sport a great attitude. The bush is teeming with life and the… Read more
We stayed at Madikwe Safari Lodge in the ‘family villa’ and what an experience it was. The beds are super comfortable, the living area full of leathery luxury, a refreshing pool to cool down and a fire pit that reminds me of a love island villa. The staff are friendly, helpful and sport a great attitude. The bush is teeming with life and the guides may as well be Google they’re so clued up. Don’t think twice about it. This is a special set up and the only regret you will have is not going. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful Lodges, Excellent Game Viewing

Jan 15, 2024 joni863 Bedfordshire, United Kingdom

We stayed at Lelapa Lodge, which is excellent with fantastic staff. It’s typically African in style, and everything is to a high standard, and totally relaxing. The food is of a very good standard, and the game drives are awesome, so many animals our ranger Brendin was extremely knowledgeable. The main meals area looks out towards the pleasant… Read more
We stayed at Lelapa Lodge, which is excellent with fantastic staff. It’s typically African in style, and everything is to a high standard, and totally relaxing. The food is of a very good standard, and the game drives are awesome, so many animals our ranger Brendin was extremely knowledgeable. The main meals area looks out towards the pleasant pool, and the waterhole beyond. At times you could just sit there and watch large numbers of game just wandering up including many elephant, wildebeest, impala, rhino and giraffe - plus of course the adorable warthogs. It was a long 4 hour drive from Jo’Burg, so in future I would try and fly into their airstrip, and I would go back without hesitation, our three days went by way too quickly, we felt we could stay for longer, and would definitely consider going back. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Why you should visit Madikwe!

Dec 13, 2023 Passport06828936007

Madikwe Safari Lodge will always have a special place in mine and my Partner's heart. I have travelled to quite a few places in South Africa and I can confidently say none can quite compare to the experience we had at Madikwe! The rooms were amazing and clean, a place where you can truly relax and call home for a couple of days. The location of… Read more
Madikwe Safari Lodge will always have a special place in mine and my Partner's heart. I have travelled to quite a few places in South Africa and I can confidently say none can quite compare to the experience we had at Madikwe! The rooms were amazing and clean, a place where you can truly relax and call home for a couple of days. The location of the lodge is positioned beautifully in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve and you have quick and easy access to rest of the Safari. The views from the lodge were spectacular and the dining area was at the center of it all, where you have an amazing view of the watering hole. The lodge had also assisted me with making arrangements for my proposal and made it special in everyway. It is and will always be unforgettable moment for both of us. Thank you! On top of all this, I would say it was the staff that made the trip the most enjoyable with Emry and Henny checking up on us to ensure we are having good time and assisting where they can, Pricilla "Queen of the Desert" always bringing out her bright smile on the coldest day and making you feel welcomed and to our amazing game drivers Ryan, Mitchell and Billy for making every excursion out to the safari something unique and amazing. This is only a handful of the amazing staff they have at Madikwe that we had the pleasure to interact with. I could not recommend this place enough, especially if you are coming from overseas! We will be definitely coming back, as soon as we can! Thank you again for this amazing experience! Read less