Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe, South Africa

Virgin rating

Madikwe Lelapa Lodge
Kopano Lodge Suite, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort, Johannesburg, South Africa
Bush Walk at Madikwe Safari Lodge
Cubz Bush Walk, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort
Madikwe Lelapa Family Suite, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort
Madikwe Lelapa Family Suite, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort
Walking Trail, Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park
Madikwe Lelapa Lodge
Kopano Lodge
Lelapa Lodge Lounge, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort
Boma Dining Experience, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort
Lelapa Lodge, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort, Johannesburg, South Africa
Madikwe Lelapa Lodge
Kopano Lodge Suite, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort, Johannesburg, South Africa
Bush Walk at Madikwe Safari Lodge
Cubz Bush Walk, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort
Madikwe Lelapa Family Suite, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort
Madikwe Lelapa Family Suite, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort
Walking Trail, Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park
Madikwe Lelapa Lodge
Kopano Lodge
Lelapa Lodge Lounge, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort
Boma Dining Experience, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort
Lelapa Lodge, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Resort, Johannesburg, South Africa

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 (856)
  • Very good (71)
  • Average (14)
  • Poor (10)
  • Terrible (4)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating LELAPA SAFARI LODGE

Apr 14, 2024 Matodzitours Johannesburg, South Africa

From JNB Airport to Madikwe Lelapa Lodge we had a relaxing drive of 5:30hrs . From JNB AIrport to Madikwe Abjaterskop gate it is a very fine road straight forward road . The adventurous road start now when u are driving inside the game reserve . You will have about 17 KM on the mini concrete road than have about 5 KM of dead road . Dont forget as… Read more
From JNB Airport to Madikwe Lelapa Lodge we had a relaxing drive of 5:30hrs . From JNB AIrport to Madikwe Abjaterskop gate it is a very fine road straight forward road . The adventurous road start now when u are driving inside the game reserve . You will have about 17 KM on the mini concrete road than have about 5 KM of dead road . Dont forget as u still locating the lodge alongside the road u will be seeing wild animal rooming around grassing and others crossing the road , wild animals like Elephant , Rhino , Giraffee and Zebras . Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A return visit

Mar 21, 2024 suephillipson Lichfield, United Kingdom

I enjoyed a visit to Madikwe some years ago and found that standards had not slipped. All staff went out of their way to make my stay comfortable and the game watching was as good as on the previous visit.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful and Tranquil

Mar 19, 2024 DeliciousEarth

This was our first African safari after thoroughly enjoying a luxury safari stay in Sri Lanka, and Madikwe Safari Lodge was incredible! We were picked up from Jo'burg airport and transferred to the lodge, the drive took 4.5 hours and was a mini safari in itself! We saw so many animals on the way, and the driver would frequently stop while we… Read more
This was our first African safari after thoroughly enjoying a luxury safari stay in Sri Lanka, and Madikwe Safari Lodge was incredible! We were picked up from Jo'burg airport and transferred to the lodge, the drive took 4.5 hours and was a mini safari in itself! We saw so many animals on the way, and the driver would frequently stop while we enjoyed the show! I'd highly recommend the transfer as it's super comfortable, professional and the sightings are amazing. We stayed in Dithaba, since Lelapa was being renovated. Dithaba was incredibly peaceful and felt so exclusive. The communal pool there was also a bonus as we didn't realise it had one, and although much smaller than the Lelapa pool (which overlooks a watering hole), it was lovely and overlooked the Savannah. Mr T gave us a super warm welcome and our first impression was Wow! The rooms were so gorgeous, we loved how they were so rounded (like a hobbit house!) and all the special touches put in to it are so thoughtful. The food was delicious and nourishing with lots of plant based options too. We had such a laugh with Priscilla who made our stay so memorable, and all the staff make such an effort to make you feel at home. Our guide was Petrus who was incredibly knowledgeable, super considerate and shared so much of his wisdom. He really loves what he does and this just shines through! We had some incredible sightings and plenty unusual ones too! We're definitely turning into Safari addicts now. Read less
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