Bird Watching
Madikwe Game Reserve is home to over 350 different bird species, making it a haven for birding enthusiasts from around the world. The lodge’s location, nestled within a pristine riverine forest alongside the Marico River, makes it a hotspot for a wide variety of different species, while the lodge’s active waterhole boasts an impressive variety of aquatic birds. Bring your binos and camera!
Experiences:
Terrapin Hide
The submerged Terrapin Hide at Jaci’s Tree Lodge provides a truly unique vantage point with uninterrupted 270 degree views from the water level up. Accessible via a tunnel, the submerged photographic hide is open to Jaci’s Tree Lodge and Jaci’s Starbed Suite guests 24-hours a day.
Thutlwa Lookout
Thutlwa Lookout is designed especially for idyllic outdoor dining experiences, sublime safari sundowners and game viewing opportunities throughout the day. The perfect sofa-safari!
Tlou Deck
Tlou Deck is arguably the best sundowner and unique safari dining location at Jaci’s Tree Lodge, epitomising all the “golden hour” beauty and epic bushveld vistas that the Madikwe Game Reserve is famous for.
Madikwe Game Reserve is a 75 000-hectare wildlife reserve which lies in the North-West Province of South Africa. Home to a wide variety of animals, birds, trees and grasses, the reserve is world renowned as a spectacular Big 5 wilderness safari destination.
The reserve’s location – a perfect blend of the Kalahari and Lowveldt area – ensures visitors a truly diverse game-viewing experience. Madikwe Game Reserve is famous for its Big 5. We like to take it a step further and say that we consistently see the Top 10! This consists of lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, both rhino species, African wild dog, cheetah, both hyena species, giraffe and hippo.
When visiting Madikwe, it’s important to pack clothing suitable for both warm and cool weather conditions, along with safari-appropriate attire (neutral colours, comfortable shoes, and a good pair of binoculars). Additionally, always check the specific weather forecast closer to your travel dates for the most accurate information. No matter the season, game drives go out every morning and evening! Read below for details information on the seasons.
Carefully combining contemporary design with an eco-friendly bushveld aesthetic, Nare Suite is an idyllic, private safari haven for families and groups. The suite luxuriously accommodates up to 6 guests on an exclusive-use basis.
The Safari Suite at Jaci’s Safari Lodge offers a refreshing, authentic safari space in which to unwind. Here, guests can experience some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife from our eclectic, down-to-earth bushveld haven.
With a choice of sleeping indoors, or under a blanket of African stars, each suite boasts two king-size beds, outdoor showers and indoor bathrooms, as well as lounge areas, a safari bar and private viewing deck. There is 1 double-occupancy full en-suite Master Bedroom on the ground level and a second King-size “starbed”, perfectly perched on the outdoor rooftop extension.
Our Tented Suites feature thatched roofs, low stone walls, private outdoor stone showers, viewing decks, and a floor-to-ceiling glass entrance that seamlessly lets “The Great Outdoors” in. They are decorated in vibrant colours and African textures, and boast canvas panels and extra-large hand-mosaiced baths. Children 12 years old and under can be accommodated on camp-style stretcher beds in the Tented Suites.
Our Treehouse Suites blend effortlessly into the overarching canopy of lush foliage, making for fantastic birdwatching in a peaceful, natural environment.
- Only written cancellations will be accepted.
- Ensure you receive an acknowledgment of cancellations from the reservations office.
- 30% cancellation fee is incurred if the booking is cancelled any time after the deposit has been received.
- 100% cancellation fee is applicable if booking is cancelled 45 days or less prior to arrival.
Directions from OR/JHB/Pretoria/Sun City: Approx a 3- hr drive to the Lodge, refuel at Sun Village, as there is no fuel available inside the Reserve. After leaving Oliver Tambo Intl airport, watch out for the sign saying R21 PRETORIA / KEMPTON PARK. It is on the left, and the turning is soon after leaving the Airport, so keep a sharp lookout. Follow the signs to Pretoria and N1 PIETERSBERG/POLOKWANE After approx. 36 kms you will see big signs over the highway you need to follow the direction N1 PIETERSBERG/POLOKWANE turn onto this highway (you are now travelling in a northerly direction) and go for quite a while. You will see signs for a toll road called Bakwenya Platinum Highway N4 Rustenberg. Take this toll road. Once on the N4 continue in the Rustenberg direction - take exit R556 Sun City/Majakaneng. Turn right at the top of the off ramp to Sun City and continue straight to Sun City (approx 73 kms to Sun City from this off ramp). After passing Sun City on the right, continue straight about 5km until you reach a four-way junction. Turn right to DERDEPOORT. Follow the road for approx. 8 kms, and turn left at the sign saying BAPONG. Continue straight along this road (ignoring ALL signs saying Madikwe etc.), after passing through MABESKRAAL you will come to a 4 way stop - turn right to DERDEPOORT after about 25kms the tar road ends and becomes gravel/dirt, the Dwarsberg Liquor Store is on your left, continue straight along the gravel road towards MOLATEDI Village (do not take the next Derdepoort turning to the right, continue straight), pass through the Molatedi village, over the Marico River and straight to the MOLATEDI GATE entrance into the Park. From here, just follow the signs to Jaci's Safari Lodge.
Children welcome at Safari Lodge and can be accommodated in the tented suites on stretcher type beds.
No children at Tree Lodge.
