Madikwe River Lodge

Madikwe, South Africa

Restaurant
Lounge
Dining area outside around the fire
Pool
Spa, Madikwe River Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Landscape views, Madikwe River Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, Johannesburg, South Africa, Africa
Standard Room, Madikwe River Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa, Africa
Swimming Pool, Madikwe River Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, Johannesburg, South Africa, Africa
Bedroom
Lounge
Game drive
Restaurant
Lounge
Dining area outside around the fire
Pool
Spa, Madikwe River Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Landscape views, Madikwe River Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, Johannesburg, South Africa, Africa
Standard Room, Madikwe River Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa, Africa
Swimming Pool, Madikwe River Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, Johannesburg, South Africa, Africa
Bedroom
Lounge
Game drive

The hotel

Great cuisine with a bush theme is a feature of Madikwe River Lodge, with the traditional fireside dinner being one of the highlights. Professional and friendly staff ensure the best in quality and service at this charming African hideaway in a reserve, free from malaria, and it caters perfectly for families with kiddies game drives for children under the age of 6! The lodge has a split-level lounge opening onto a wooden viewing deck overlooking the Marico River. Offering excellent value for money, the lodge is situated within the Madikwe Game Reserve, home to the "Big Five" as well as cheetah, wild dog, hippo and crocodile.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Safari
  • Near National Park
  • Restaurant

Where is it

Situated in Madikwe Game Reserve, approximately a 4-hour drive from Johannesburg and 3-hour drive from Sun City. It is also possible to fly directly to the Madikwe private airstrip, the lodge is then just a 10 minute drive.

Hotel information

16 luxury thatched chalets, all with private wooden viewing deck overlooking the river, heating/air-conditioning, lounge area, telephone, mini-bar* and fridge. Standard Rooms sleep maximum 2 adults.

Full Board includes: all buffet-style meals and 2 daily game-drives.

Standard Family Rooms sleep maximum 2 adults and 2 children.

Luxury Rooms sleep maximum 2 adults.

Lounge/dining area. Thatched boma for fireside dining. Full service bar. Swimming pool. Viewing deck overlooking the river. Daily game-drives. Bush walks and game walks (available on request).

* 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 (212)
  • Very good (61)
  • Average (19)
  • Poor (12)
  • Terrible (5)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Always an Amazing Experience

Mar 9, 2020 TheBajanQueen Wilmington, Delaware

I have gone to this lodge at least five or six times in the past 10 years--each time with a group of college students. The experience never disappoints--from the staff, the food, and the property to the game drives--everyone was spellbound by their experience. It was hard to get them to leave at the end of our three day-two night visit. Some saw… Read more
I have gone to this lodge at least five or six times in the past 10 years--each time with a group of college students. The experience never disappoints--from the staff, the food, and the property to the game drives--everyone was spellbound by their experience. It was hard to get them to leave at the end of our three day-two night visit. Some saw all of the big five--which is exciting. Definitely reommended for those who want a more authentic "game lodge" experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Heaven on earth

Feb 29, 2020 jeppetraveller

When you’ve never been on a safari before, but you feel like you don’t even need to visit other lodges - that’s when you know you have found the perfect place. Madikwe River Lodge was exactly like that for us. We were a little suspicious when booking, as the pictures were not great, however, we decided to try it out. Thank god for that. It’s… Read more
When you’ve never been on a safari before, but you feel like you don’t even need to visit other lodges - that’s when you know you have found the perfect place. Madikwe River Lodge was exactly like that for us. We were a little suspicious when booking, as the pictures were not great, however, we decided to try it out. Thank god for that. It’s authentic to the African spirit and culture and combines this with the most profound hospitality and luxury. The staff sang and danced for us the first night, and made an unforgettable experience with a Boma Dinner the next night. But that wasn’t even the best part. The game drives were truly memorable thanks to our ranger Benson. It is so rare to meet a person that is so nice, fun and KNOWLEDGEABLE. He is so skilled and has huge knowledge about everything in the bush. He is THE MAN! Food was great. Good selection of wines. Nice, clean, updated rooms. Beautiful, authentic main lodge area. Utmost tranquility with the Groot Marico River running just past the lodge and all of the chalets. Conclusion: Words and pictures just don’t do Madikwe River Lodge justice. YOU JUST HAVE TO GO HERE! I cannot stress this enough. Thanks to all of the staff members, Benson, Belinda and Henry, Werner, Sabrina and Anna for an unforgettable stay! Hope to be back soon! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating What a feeling!

Feb 7, 2020 AnnRydh Stockholm, Sweden

The feeling of sitting 10 m from wild lions in an open jeep is almost unreal! Waking up early in the morning and going out with the jeep to see the animals in their environment. At the same time, you know that you cannot leave the car without ending up on the animal's breakfast menu! That feeling is surreal but a memory of a lifetime! Thanks to… Read more
The feeling of sitting 10 m from wild lions in an open jeep is almost unreal! Waking up early in the morning and going out with the jeep to see the animals in their environment. At the same time, you know that you cannot leave the car without ending up on the animal's breakfast menu! That feeling is surreal but a memory of a lifetime! Thanks to our guide Takura! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Safari trip of a lifetime

Jan 21, 2020 Krachelwood Beckenham, United Kingdom

We were lucky enough to stay 4 nights at the river lodge. It was a trip of a lifetime and it really didn’t disappoint. The main building, food, service and staff were top notch. My children tried lots of the different types of food. We appreciated the lovely pool to cool off in between morning and evening safaris. The staff put on a lovely party… Read more
We were lucky enough to stay 4 nights at the river lodge. It was a trip of a lifetime and it really didn’t disappoint. The main building, food, service and staff were top notch. My children tried lots of the different types of food. We appreciated the lovely pool to cool off in between morning and evening safaris. The staff put on a lovely party for New Year’s Eve. The outdoor evening meals by the fire pit were also special. The accommodation was nice but a bit of a squeeze for a family of 5 in one room. The best bit was Amos our guide. He knew so much about the animals, was able to spot cheetahs, lions with ease. His experience shine through. My husband and I did a safari in Chobe but this was far better. Less trucks and more respect for the wildlife. We would love to return one day. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Safari with all the bells and whistles

Jan 18, 2020 X7547CWbruce Sydney, Australia

Lots of places have good service and food, but what sets Madikwe River Lodge apart is the fantastic game ranger Benson, his knowledge of the park & animals blew our minds, we never expected to get so close to a lion vocalising.