Set within 75 000 hectares of safari park, Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge is situated on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa. Ingeniously set amongst boulders and age-old Tamboti trees, the private game lodge is situated in the middle of Madikwe, giving visitors a huge game drive advantage over other lodges situated on the borders of the reserve and offers visitors the most amazing South African safari adventure
Madikwe Game Reserve is home not only to the Big Five of Africa (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino and Leopard), but also to a wealth of over 66 mammal species, including the rare African Wild Dog, as well as Cheetah, Eland, Kudu, Giraffe and a range of more than 300 resident and migratory species of birds.
Accommodating up to 24 guests in vast, well-spaced and utterly private glass-fronted suites scattered across the hillside, camouflaged by tamboti-beamed thatch roofs. Wooden walkways lit by hurricane lamps criss-cross the grounds and connect the secluded suites to the central open-plan lounge, bar, wine cellar, library and dining area up the slope, where cooling fans make slow rotations and the giant twisted trunks of leadwood trees hold up the vaulted ceiling.
The total dedication and passion of the team at the Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge ensure that every guest departs with a memory of an African safari never to be forgotten. From outstanding wildlife holidays to unforgettable safari weddings and honeymoons Madikwe offers the complete adventure in South Africa.
Accommodation at Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
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 its 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 will 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. 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 - The ultimate in luxury and privacy, Little Madikwe Hills boasts an opulent self-contained 2-bedroom Private Villa (390 m) accommodating 4 to 5 guests, with its own game drive vehicle and game ranger, as well as a personal butler 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. Your sumptuous gourmet experiences are enjoyed in Little Madikwe’s beautifully decorated and enchanting dining room, and prepared in the state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen by your personal chef. You can even pick up a few culinary tips whilst you watch your meal being prepared!
A butler is on hand to respond to the groups every need. A dedicated game ranger and game viewing vehicle means that Little Madikwe Hills guests can enjoy private game drives at their leisure, for as long or as short as they wish. Parents need not worry about their young ones disturbing the peace for other guests, as Little Madikwe Hills reception room is also equipped with a satellite television and DVD collection.
Nowhere else in South Africa can groups be accommodated in such privacy and luxury, whilst being able to experience the Big 5 in South Africa, with Wild Dog viewing at their leisure creating a truly unforgettable experience that far exceeds expectations. Open-air decks, plunge pools, luxurious dcor, outdoor showers, fireplaces, air-conditioning, and concertina glass doors that open the room up entirely; are all standard in each suite at Little Madikwe Hills.
Explore the wonders of the African bush in state of the art open game vehicles with bucket seats and fold-down armrests ensuring your optimum safety and comfort.
Knowledgeable and professional rangers conduct early morning and late afternoon, or evening, game drives in search of Africas 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.
- Four weeks before arrival - 50% of full amount.
- Two weeks before arrival - 75% of full amount
- One week or less - 100% of full amount
Directions from Johannesburg International Airport via Zeerust
* From the airport, take the R24. Continue with the interchange where it joins the N3 follow the Pretoria signs. Keep straight on this highway do not turn right onto the N1 to Pretoria.
* Follow the N1 South Roodepoort Concrete Highway or Western Bypass heading South, and take the M8 off-ramp signposted 14th Avenue and then follow M47/N14 signs.
* At Tarlton, where the N14 intersects with the R24 at a 4-way stop, turn right taking the R24 signposted Rustenburg, which goes to Magaliesburg.
* On the way out of Magaliesburg, fork left and take the R509 signposted Derby/Koster and follow the R509 all the way to Swartruggens. (Please note that it is necessary to turn right in Koster: the signpost R509 Swartruggens is on the right hand side of the road in the middle of Koster).
* At the T-junction just before Swartruggens, turn left onto the N4 signposted Swartruggens and then Zeerust.
* In Zeerust, turn right at the third stop street into President street, following the signpost R47 Gaborone/Madikwe Game Reserve. (The First National Bank is on the corner where the signpost is).
* Follow the R49 (this used to be the R505 north towards Gaborone for 85km and look out for the Abjaterskop Gate into Madikwe which is on your right hand side. It is clearly signposted.
* The above route is tarmac all the way. Allow at least 3 4 hours traveling time from Johannesburg to the gate. Follow directions below from Abjaterskop Gate to the lodge.
Gates open at 06h00 & closes at 21h00.