Jaci's Safari and Tree Lodge

Madikwe, South Africa

Virgin rating

Treehouse Suite at Jaci’s Tree Lodge
Treehouse Suite at Jaci’s Tree Lodge
Treehouse Suite at Jaci’s Tree Lodge
Jaci's Tree Lodge
Jaci's Tree Lodge
Tented Suite
Tented Suite
Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Starbed Suite
Starbed Suite
Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Bush Braai
Jaci’s Tree Lodge
The Nare Suite
Master Bedroom at The Nare Suite
Master Bedroom at The Nare Suite
The Nare Suite
Loft Bedroom at The Nare Suite
Guest Bedroom at The Nare Suite
The Nare Suite
The Nare Suite
Tlou Deck (Tree Lodge)
Tlou Deck (Tree Lodge)
Tlou Deck (Tree Lodge)
Terrapin Hide
Terrapin Hide
Treehouse Suite at Jaci’s Tree Lodge
Treehouse Suite at Jaci’s Tree Lodge
Treehouse Suite at Jaci’s Tree Lodge
Jaci's Tree Lodge
Jaci's Tree Lodge
Tented Suite
Tented Suite
Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Starbed Suite
Starbed Suite
Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Bush Braai
Jaci’s Tree Lodge
The Nare Suite
Master Bedroom at The Nare Suite
Master Bedroom at The Nare Suite
The Nare Suite
Loft Bedroom at The Nare Suite
Guest Bedroom at The Nare Suite
The Nare Suite
The Nare Suite
Tlou Deck (Tree Lodge)
Tlou Deck (Tree Lodge)
Tlou Deck (Tree Lodge)
Terrapin Hide
Terrapin Hide

The hotel

Utterly authentic, this safari sanctuary sits in the world-renowned Madikwe Game Reserve and takes you back to nature at every opportunity. Its walking safaris and game-drives are just the start (although with this malaria-free reserve home to the 'Big Five' and wild dogs, it’s a pretty spectacular start). You’ll also find yourself taking night drives for a spot of astronomy and tucking into fire-cooked meals under a blanket of stars. Or hanging out in the waterhole’s submerged Terrapin Hide, waiting for a unique photo-opportunity of bathing elephants. (Don’t worry, Jaci’s Lodge has its own pool, so you can give in to the urge for a dip yourself). All this before settling in for the night in one of the incredible suites. Perhaps a Treehouse Suite on stilts? Or a Starbed Suite, letting you sleep beneath the night skies?

Amenities

  • Safari
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Set in South Africa’s North West province, in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. A 5-hour drive or 1-hour internal flight from Johannesburg (time restrictions apply).

Hotel information

Accommodation is split into 2 lodges: Jaci’s Safari Lodge and Jaci’s Tree Lodge (unsuitable for small children. Children 13 years and older are welcome). Jaci's Tree Lodge offers 8 custom-built treehouses built on wooden stilts that are connected by raised walkways. All of the suites have air-conditioning, ceiling fan, private outdoor shower, indoor bath and private viewing deck.

All Inclusive of: afternoon tea, dinner and brunch, all house spirits and drinks including local beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Twice daily game-drives, including sunset/sunrise stop and night drive with astronomy.

Safari Lodge has recently been refurbished and offers the following;

- 6 tented suites, all with air-conditioning and ceiling fan, private outdoor shower, mosaic indoor bath and raised private viewing decks.

- 2 Starbed Suites (ideal for couples), set over 2 levels and boasts bold interior and authentic decor, guests can enjoy 2 king-size beds (one on the roof under the stars), lounge areas, a private safari bar and viewing deck.

- Nare Suite, has been completely refurbished and now features a master bedroom (on the ground floor) with a full en-suite bathroom featuring double rain showers and a free-standing bath. A guest bedroom (on the ground floor) with a full en-suite bathroom featuring double rain showers and a free-standing bath. An upstairs loft bedroom with an en-suite shower and WC, as well as a private balcony. Outdoor dining and boma areas. Panoramic glass sliding doors in all the bedrooms and the lounge area. A private viewing deck with a heated swimming pool, sunken fire pit and seating area – all with views of the waterhole. Sleeping up to 6 guests.

Tree Lodge

The Main Lodge has indoor and outdoor dining spaces as well as an open-plan lounge and bar area. Guests have access to the Main Lodge and swimming pool area, as well as the Terrapin Hide, Tlou Deck and Naledi Treehouse* at Jaci’s Tree Lodge Madikwe.

- Terrapin Hide (unique vantage point where a submerged tunnel offers a water-level viewing window)

- Tlou deck (deck overlooking the watering hole, also used for lunches and dinners)

- Naledi Treehouse* (romantic sleep-out experience).

Safari Lodge

The Main Lodge has a spacious, open-plan lounge, copper fireplace and bar, chef’s kitchen and dining areas. Guests have access to the Main Lodge and swimming pool areas, as well as Thutlwa Lookout at Jaci’s Safari Lodge.

- Thutlwa Lookout (designed for outdoor dining experiences, safari sundowners and game viewing opportunities).

Complimentary WiFi access.

* 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 (249)
  • Very good (35)
  • Average (6)
  • Poor (0)
  • Terrible (0)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unforgettable immersive retreat

Apr 13, 2024 Resort33912438679 Solana Beach, California

Jaci's lodge was the highlight of our trip to South Africa. The moment we arrived we felt taken care of and immersed in a world class experience. Each morning and night game drive with Kiwi led to new discoveries and understanding of the amazing animals and nature surrounding us. We would return again just for her. The beautiful accommodation,… Read more
Jaci's lodge was the highlight of our trip to South Africa. The moment we arrived we felt taken care of and immersed in a world class experience. Each morning and night game drive with Kiwi led to new discoveries and understanding of the amazing animals and nature surrounding us. We would return again just for her. The beautiful accommodation, food, and staff were just the cherry on top of an unforgettable time. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A very special Safari Lodge and experience

Jan 23, 2024 DianeJ501 Wirral

What an amazing place. The drive from the main road to the lodge was a fantastic start to our safari days with a welcome from the animals, mostly giraffes and zebras! From the moment we arrived to the day we left we were made to feel very special. All the staff were so attentive, hospitality was second to none. We fine dined somewhere different… Read more
What an amazing place. The drive from the main road to the lodge was a fantastic start to our safari days with a welcome from the animals, mostly giraffes and zebras! From the moment we arrived to the day we left we were made to feel very special. All the staff were so attentive, hospitality was second to none. We fine dined somewhere different every evening in beautiful settings. Our guide Kiwi was so accommodating and knowledgeable, suggesting all the time how best to use our available time, which worked including 2 leopard sightings in one morning. Lovely morning coffee’s and evening sundowners. I felt quite sad to leave her. The accommodation is five star, everything you could possibly want (and more). A viewing gallery looking over the savanna and a hide over the water. There are two natural small pools for a lunchtime cool off. I felt humbled to be part of this great organisation! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating World class safari - highly recommend

Jan 16, 2024 Tomtomsa South Africa

We stayed in the Nare family suite absolutely world class. It’s set on a steam overlooking a waterhole and saw lots of game from our suite including elephants and buffalo. The food was exceptional- world class, as was the service. On the game drives we saw excellent game sighting, rivalling the Timbavati and much better general game than the Sabi… Read more
We stayed in the Nare family suite absolutely world class. It’s set on a steam overlooking a waterhole and saw lots of game from our suite including elephants and buffalo. The food was exceptional- world class, as was the service. On the game drives we saw excellent game sighting, rivalling the Timbavati and much better general game than the Sabi Sands. In our 3 day stay we even saw wild dog and cheetah as well as the big 5. Highly recommended!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The ultimate family safari experience

Dec 28, 2023 mattjs1976 Melbourne, Australia

From the moment Andrew and Rhona greet you at the door, to Mocca’s warm welcome and help, everything was amazing. Jannie the head chef did an incredible job of catering to our requirements and provided exquisite meals every time. We had the best guide/driver, Aubrey, whose passion for the animals showed with his determination to ensure we saw as… Read more
From the moment Andrew and Rhona greet you at the door, to Mocca’s warm welcome and help, everything was amazing. Jannie the head chef did an incredible job of catering to our requirements and provided exquisite meals every time. We had the best guide/driver, Aubrey, whose passion for the animals showed with his determination to ensure we saw as many unique things as possible. We can’t speak highly enough of our time here and highly recommend it to people that love nature Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A luxury lodge for families

Nov 5, 2023 Rowena B

We spent 3 amazing days at Jaci's with our family, including our 9yr old granddaughter. Hardie our guide, took us all over the game reserve seeing lots of animals including the Brown Hyena. Hardie tried hard to show us everything that Madikwe had to offer but sadly the Leopard remained elusive! The family swimming pool was great and the various… Read more
We spent 3 amazing days at Jaci's with our family, including our 9yr old granddaughter. Hardie our guide, took us all over the game reserve seeing lots of animals including the Brown Hyena. Hardie tried hard to show us everything that Madikwe had to offer but sadly the Leopard remained elusive! The family swimming pool was great and the various dining experiences the staff provided were lovely. The food was out of this world. The lodge and the the rooms are luxurious and spacious. The viewing decks at the lodge and near the waterhole provide great animal viewings. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. We really felt we were in the middle of the bush with the elephants, antelopes and lions passing so close to the lodge. Read less