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
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (847)
  • Very good (71)
  • Average (14)
  • Poor (10)
  • Terrible (4)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A holiday of a lifetime!

Nov 5, 2023 KatieEJ77

From the time we arrived at Madikwe to the time we left, we were in paradise! It really was the holiday of a lifetime and was absolutely perfect in every way! The lodge itself is stunning, and immaculate and you immediately feel at home. The staff are AMAZING and can't do enough to assist and make your stay relaxing and fun. I thought I would… Read more
From the time we arrived at Madikwe to the time we left, we were in paradise! It really was the holiday of a lifetime and was absolutely perfect in every way! The lodge itself is stunning, and immaculate and you immediately feel at home. The staff are AMAZING and can't do enough to assist and make your stay relaxing and fun. I thought I would struggle with the 5am wake ups for the morning safari drives but when you see the beautiful sunrise you quickly forget any tiredness and there is coffee and muffins to get you going! We went as a family of four and we all had such a brilliant time. Although there is a great programme of activities for kids, our boys were a bit too old for it but it didn't matter as they had both the main pool (with the nearby watering hole that attracts the elephants!) and the private plunge pool to keep them occupied and it was great to spend some family time playing board games and card games when we weren't out seeing cheetahs, lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinos with Mike, our wonderful game driver. The game drives were spectacular and we saw so many amazing animals up close on every drive. The accommodation was sublime and really luxurious. The indoor and outdoor showers were so powerful and were the best way to wake you up before the early game drive. They make our home power shower feel like a dribble!! The kids loved the enormous bath too! The food was also out of this world. Really beautifully presented with lots of choice. They also have a kids menu which is great for fussy eaters! Whilst we didn't want to leave, at least we know we can always come back. Something to look forward to! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent Experience

Oct 23, 2023 rgbasque

The Madikwe experience was amazing. The arrangements were easy to make and everything happened as expected. The lodge and rooms are beautiful, the food was amazing and the staff are wonderful. Most enjoyable were the game drives - amazing sights.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic family safari experience

Oct 22, 2023 jodic826 London, United Kingdom

We stayed at Madikwe safari lodge (Lelapo lodge) for 4 nights. The lodge is amazing, very family friendly, the staff are lovely, food was fantastic and our guide was great. The watering hole at the lodge made it. Woukd hit hestigate to recommend.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Top notch luxury safari

Oct 14, 2023 Dorian G Scarsdale, New York

It was beyond my expectations. My husband and sister in law planned everything so I did not even look at the reviews until just before the trip. From the time we were greeted on arrival to the last good byes, there was superb attention to detail. The food was amazing and varied. We traveled with 2 vegans and the kitchen was on top of it even for… Read more
It was beyond my expectations. My husband and sister in law planned everything so I did not even look at the reviews until just before the trip. From the time we were greeted on arrival to the last good byes, there was superb attention to detail. The food was amazing and varied. We traveled with 2 vegans and the kitchen was on top of it even for the game drive treats! The accommodations were spacious, immaculate and unique in its style on blending into the natural surroundings. Location was excellent because the dining patio looked out over a watering hole which was as as busy as Grand Central station with animals at all hours of the day! Our guide Ivan and his tracker were knowledgeable and enthusiastic in getting us the best views of the animals without risking our comfort or the safety of the animals. Rooms with individual plunge pools were very spacious , clean and very well appointed with a stocked fridge, filtered water and coffee maker. The additional outdoor shower was a fun added touch ! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A wonderful place with amazing staff - 10/10 doesn't do it justice.

Oct 13, 2023 Adam G Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

This place is the dream, and the staff are amazing. Everyone is so accommodating and helpful. The staff set up a private dinner away from other guests for me to propose, which exceeded all expectations and was so romantic! The chef was great, food was so tasty, and really accommodating to our vegetarian diet. Rowan, our guide was incredible -… Read more
This place is the dream, and the staff are amazing. Everyone is so accommodating and helpful. The staff set up a private dinner away from other guests for me to propose, which exceeded all expectations and was so romantic! The chef was great, food was so tasty, and really accommodating to our vegetarian diet. Rowan, our guide was incredible - so were the animals that was saw. He was very knowledgable and a good laugh. I can't thank everyone enough, they made the whole experience unforgettable. I'm sure we'll be back again! Read less