Tuningi Safari Lodge

Madikwe, South Africa

Virgin rating

The Bar
Family Suite
Family Suite
Family Suite
Family Suite
The Bar
Family Suite
Family Suite
Family Suite
Family Suite

The hotel

Sharing your setting with the 'Big Five', and barely anyone else, Tuningi Safari Lodge gets you front row seats to watch the ever-entrancing residents of the 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve. Reserved for just 16 guests at a time, this escape is both indulgent and intimate, with its ‘Colonial-chic’ styling, authentic bush dining, and twice-daily game-drives. Its luxury suites feature al fresco rock showers and private wraparound decks, so you can gaze out at the wildlife that lazily slinks around the reserve. And the thatched lodge’s rim-flow swimming pool, underground hide, and boma deck look out over a waterhole, so you can take a dip or sip sundowners while watching elephants, lions, and wild dogs do the same.

Amenities

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

Where is it

Located in the malaria-free Madikwe Game reserve. A 4-hour drive from Johannesburg, 50 minute direct scheduled flight from Johannesburg to the reserve.

Hotel information

4 Luxury Suites and 2 Family Suites. All with air-conditioning, heating, fireplaces in the bedroom and bathroom, private wrap-around decks, bathrooms with alfresco rock showers, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-bar* (stocked on request) and safe. Luxury Suites sleep maximum 2 adults.

All Inclusive of: 3 meals daily, a wide selection of local beverages, house wines and spirits, tea/coffee. 2 game drives daily and children’s programme.

Family Suites consist of two suites with an adjoining lounge, kitchenette and dining room, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Rim-flow swimming pool. Main thatched building features a lounge, dining room and bar. Boma and viewing deck next to the water hole. WiFi (in the Main Lodge area). In-room spa treatments*. Gym. Curio shop*. Laundry*.

* 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 (280)
  • Very good (12)
  • Average (1)
  • Poor (2)
  • Terrible (1)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Don’t go anywhere else

Apr 17, 2024 ShaunP0 Lutterworth, United Kingdom

62 . Bucket list. Always wanted to do a safari.I asked the travel agent which was the best park and lodge and this is where we ended up. I went with zero expectations and had the best experience of my life. From the moment we walked in we were met by the most amazing host, Sasha, and it felt like home. Her part, Andrew, is probably the best ranger… Read more
62 . Bucket list. Always wanted to do a safari.I asked the travel agent which was the best park and lodge and this is where we ended up. I went with zero expectations and had the best experience of my life. From the moment we walked in we were met by the most amazing host, Sasha, and it felt like home. Her part, Andrew, is probably the best ranger and guide in the park. Actually, not probably, definitely! He knows everything about every animal, plant etc. He’s also one of the nicest people I’ve met. On the last day, whilst all the other rangers are elsewhere he found the lions! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best game lodge ever!

Feb 9, 2024 Marianne M

This a welcoming place with great food, amazing staff, awesome hosts and a dedicated ranger. There are early morning game drives and sunset drives. Absolutely fabulous and always successful! We have enjoyed the game spotting and warm hospitality! Would go back tomorrow if we could!!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous stay at Tuningi Safari Lodge

Dec 20, 2023 sheilatwilley Brisbane, Australia

Recently stayed at this stunning lodge for 2 nights with my sister. Highly recommend. The water hole and the hide is just amazing especially being so close to the animals. Game drives were excellent, highlight for me seeing the cheetah with her three adult males. Outdoor shower is fabulous and the food is sensational. My sister and I both… Read more
Recently stayed at this stunning lodge for 2 nights with my sister. Highly recommend. The water hole and the hide is just amazing especially being so close to the animals. Game drives were excellent, highlight for me seeing the cheetah with her three adult males. Outdoor shower is fabulous and the food is sensational. My sister and I both celebrated birthdays and on our last evening we were both presented with a birthday cake. Staff are amazing, nothing is to much trouble. Enjoyed having a relaxing massage in our room in between game drives. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Stay !

Nov 20, 2023 laura l London, United Kingdom

This was our first safari experience, and what an experience. ! Having booked for 7 nights, we casually discovered from other guests this is generally not the norm, as people tend to stay 2 to 3 nights and then move onto to a different lodge. However, as the week went on we realised for us, this was totally the right thing to do. We felt… Read more
This was our first safari experience, and what an experience. ! Having booked for 7 nights, we casually discovered from other guests this is generally not the norm, as people tend to stay 2 to 3 nights and then move onto to a different lodge. However, as the week went on we realised for us, this was totally the right thing to do. We felt completely immersed in the experience. Heidi & Gavin welcome you into their characterful lodge with warmth. The Tunigi team are a wonderful, kind and talented bunch (if you are lucky enough to be there for the Boma Night, you will hear ! ) Thank you Future, Patrick (great Pina Colada’s ) Bucks and the rest of the great team. We enjoyed both sunrise and sunset drives. No drive is the same, expect the unexpected, enjoy the scenery as much as the stunning wildlife. The setting, the colours, the changeable weather was all to be drunk in, savoured and enjoyed. The sightings were breathtaking, and emotional. Through the determination of Gavin we managed to see the Magnificent Seven ! The watering hole and the hide at the lodge are a joy to behold. Sit with a GnT and watch the wildlife go about their day !! We believe the lodge is due to be refurbished in spring 24, hoping its loses none of its comfortable charm. Thank you to all At Tuningi Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Tuningi - 10/10

Oct 24, 2023 Patrick B

The Tuningi experience was 10/10. Our room was out of this world and being able to view the animals at the watering hole right beside the lodge was an incredible sight - we also managed to view a Rhino from the ‘hideout’ spot in the evening, which we’ll never forget as we were all but 3m away from the big unit. The food was unbelievable and even… Read more
The Tuningi experience was 10/10. Our room was out of this world and being able to view the animals at the watering hole right beside the lodge was an incredible sight - we also managed to view a Rhino from the ‘hideout’ spot in the evening, which we’ll never forget as we were all but 3m away from the big unit. The food was unbelievable and even the snacks out on the game drives were 10/10, hard to beat a Black Label in the bush as the sun goes down. The staff were always there to help and Heidi even managed to sort out the rugby so I could watch the World Cup…less said about the Irish defeat to the AB’s the better. Patrick was always on hand to help, and we also loved the Braai on the Friday night - the singing was amazing from all involved. Special mention to Marcel, our ranger, who was extremely knowledgeable and passionate! We didn’t want to leave and we will definitely be back in the future as it was an unforgettable experience! Read less