Madikwe River Lodge

Madikwe, South Africa

Virgin rating

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 (216)
  • Very good (62)
  • Average (19)
  • Poor (12)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Problems with Madikwe River Lodge

Apr 1, 2022 JapieCla Beaufort West, South Africa

I had a booking with Madikwe River Lodge for overseas clients. Due to Covid they have to cancel trip and with all other things in SA they are not interested to come to SA any more. But now I struggle for more than a year to get the deposit back. The GM just answer emails when she wants and there are always excuses. Wonder if someone knows who is… Read more
I had a booking with Madikwe River Lodge for overseas clients. Due to Covid they have to cancel trip and with all other things in SA they are not interested to come to SA any more. But now I struggle for more than a year to get the deposit back. The GM just answer emails when she wants and there are always excuses. Wonder if someone knows who is owner that I can get in contact with them Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exceptional service and comfortable game drives

Oct 18, 2021 kmanhuwa

If you want a relaxing hide out with a potential to see all the big five plus a bonus for the magnificent 7, then Madikwe is t place. The food was just delicious, Can’t wait for our 2nd anniversary, we are definitely going back.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Experience

Sep 21, 2021 elizef355 Rustenburg, South Africa

This was one of the most amazing experiences for us in the bush. Great service, food and assistance and the bush trips was excellent. We have learned so much about the animals. Great guide and superb service and food.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Game Viewing Experience

Oct 26, 2020 281reeceb

Travelled with my wife for a weekend getaway in October of 2020. About 4-4.5 hours by private vehicle by road, of which 45mins+ is on a gravel/dirt road. Comfortable accommodation - not fancy or luxurious but definitely clean, comfortable and honest. Food was probably the weakest part of the weekend, its ok just not great. Drinks are priced… Read more
Travelled with my wife for a weekend getaway in October of 2020. About 4-4.5 hours by private vehicle by road, of which 45mins+ is on a gravel/dirt road. Comfortable accommodation - not fancy or luxurious but definitely clean, comfortable and honest. Food was probably the weakest part of the weekend, its ok just not great. Drinks are priced reasonably for a safari/lodge experience. The real winner here is the game, unbelievable viewing experiences with knowledgable, responsible and enthusiastic. guides. Special shout out to Amos for being a real gent and great guide. All in all highly recommended, worth 2-3 nights easily. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Authentic game reserve experience thanks to brilliant service at Madikwe River Lodge.

Oct 26, 2020 Sightsee45364047489

We spent 2 nights at Madikwe River Lodge and we were blown away with the service we received. The package that we received provided incredible value for money as all meals and 4 game drives were included in the deal. We were pleasantly surprised with the standards of accommodation. It is definitely better than a 3-star hotel. It is more in line… Read more
We spent 2 nights at Madikwe River Lodge and we were blown away with the service we received. The package that we received provided incredible value for money as all meals and 4 game drives were included in the deal. We were pleasantly surprised with the standards of accommodation. It is definitely better than a 3-star hotel. It is more in line with a 4-star hotel - the rooms are spacious, bathrooms are great and the food was good (as a vegetarian I was very well catered for). The service received from all the staff really made the trip exceptional. Special shoutout goes to Pride, our game ranger. He went above and beyond to make sure we had a good experience on all our game drives. He has incredible understanding of how the animals behave. He has respect for the animals, which made us comfortable being so close to lions, elephants, cheetah, buffalo, rhino etc. Service received from Julia and Battalion at the lodge was also very special. I would definitely return. It is an authentic experience. The only drawback is the roads into Madikwe. If you are leaving from Joburg, account for at least 5 hours as the last 40 - 50kms are gravel roads where you have to drive very slowly. The Derdepoort gate also closes at 7 which I didn't know. Read less