Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge, located on a rocky outcrop in the centre of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa, is surrounded by 75 000 hectares of bushveld.

The exclusive game lodge is cleverly tucked away among boulders and ancient Tamboti trees in the heart of Madikwe, giving guests a significant game drive advantage over other lodges located on the reserve’s periphery and providing them with the most incredible South African safari experience.

In addition to the “Big 5” animals of Africa (the lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, and leopard), Madikwe Game Reserve is also home to a variety of over 66 mammal species and over 300 permanent and migratory bird species.

Suites

Madikwe Hills Main Lodge boasts 10 supremely spacious and luxurious suites which are very hard to leave. A cosy living room with huge slate-clad chimney (perfect to snuggle up in front of an open fire on cooler nights) leads into the peaceful bedroom with a gigantic pillow-strewn four-poster bed draped in generous layers of muslin, from where it’s possible to lie and gaze in wonder as herds of wandering animals make their way to the watering hole.

Throw open all the floor-to-ceiling windows and retreat to a sunbed in the shade of an acacia tree, or grab a towel and jump into your own personal plunge pool for the ultimate in relaxed game viewing – you’ll be amazed at what passes by just a hundred feet or so from your deck.

The cathedral-like bathrooms are ultra luxurious. A large deep tub takes centre stage in front of fold-back windows that reveal the same wilderness views and a cavernous step-up circular shower is built into the opposite wall – but that’s not all. Just outside the far door is an open-air extension with a private outdoor shower (with hot water) perfect after prolonged plunge pool dips.

As the sun goes down, there’s nothing better than a candle lit bath open to the elements. Some nights, you may even find a freshly run bath when you return to your room, a trail of rose petals leading the way.

If you are celebrating your wedding or have booked the Honeymoon Suite, you will not be able to resist the claw-foot bath tub built into a well-concealed outdoor corner for secluded soaks under African skies. There is absolute privacy here, and it really is quite a feat to tear yourself away for your game drives, especially when you are treated to your own private show of elephants in the waterhole below…

If you’re looking for more secluded Madikwe accommodation, two of the lower 10 Suites (room number 9 and 10) from the Main Lodge can be combined with the Private Villa at Little Madikwe forming an exclusive and private camp for small groups and families up to 8 people.

Little Madikwe Private Camp
The ultimate in luxury and privacy, Little Madikwe boasts an opulent self-contained 2-bedroom Private Villa (±390m²) accommodating 4 to 5 guests, with its own game drive vehicle and game ranger, as well as a villa attendant to take care of your every need! A diverse wine selection, gourmet kitchen and lounge complete the picture.

By reserving suites 9 and 10, Little Madikwe forms a completely private camp accommodating up to 8 guests, ideal for families and small group safaris. This Private Villa also boasts a large swimming pool and offers extended amenities to groups of guests wanting to truly get away from it all on a wildlife safari in Africa.

A personal luxury is being able to set your own meal and safari game drive times, making this the ideal, exclusive family escape in Africa.

Dining

Dining at Madikwe Hills is an experience on its own. From the varied delicious cuisine to the unique dining options, you will not be disappointed and will always look forward to the next delicious delight. Their chef passionately creates a variety of wholesome and satisfying dishes, leaving guests alive to the possibility of fusion food mixed with the finest in African ingredients and decadent local and international flavours. Their chef also goes to great lengths to accommodate guests with specialist dietary requirements (allergies, vegetarian and plant based diets etc) – delicious meals will be tailored around individual needs.

A culinary marvel in our own right, their chef has perfected the art of combining freshness with flavour and turning simple ingredients into cuisine of great visual appeal with every plate that makes its way from the kitchen. Their chef acknowledges passion as the secret ingredient when perfecting that ultimate safari dining experience.

Safari

Traversing over 75 000 hectares, Madikwe Game Reserve is where the plains still team with game and the acacia savannah symbolises a paragon of beauty. Madikwe Hills is in the middle of the Reserve, giving you a huge advantage on game drives.

The malaria-free Madikwe Reserve is home not only to the ‘Big 5’ of Africa, but also to a wealth of other fascinating creatures, including the rare Wild Dog. Wildlife can be viewed on game drives, walking safaris, and from the privacy of your suite deck.

Guests can explore the wonders of the African bush in state-of-the-art open game vehicles with bucket seats ensuring your optimum safety and comfort. Knowledgeable and professional rangers conduct early morning and late afternoon, or evening game drives in search of Africa’s big game and smaller wildlife.

On morning game drives, should you be feeling energetic, you may choose to experience an up-close-and-personal glimpse of the African bush on foot with a gentle bush walk through the bush back to the Lodge. This experience provides exceptional close encounters with the smaller inhabitants of this wilderness.
Due to the heat in summer, winter is the best time for walking safaris.