Madikwe Safari Lodge is in one of South Africa’s largest malaria-free sanctuaries; Madikwe Game Reserve is run as a joint venture between the North West Parks Board, the private sector, and the local communities.
Madikwe Game Reserve is a diverse combination of bushveld and the semi-arid Kalahari. This 76 000 hectare (187 800 acres) Reserve boasts the Super Seven; adding cheetah and the endangered African wild dog to the already famous Big Five. Madikwe is famed for Operation Phoenix, the world’s largest game translocation exercise; successfully introducing more than 8 000 animals of 28 species, including lion, elephant, buffalo, and white rhino, since 1991. It is also home to more than 350 bird species, including several endemics to the Kalahari.
The Madikwe region is rich in history, having seen the passage of the famed warrior Mzilikazi; as well as explorers, traders, and missionaries that included Dr. David Livingstone and Sir Cornwallis Harris. Renowned South African writer Herman Charles Bosman celebrates the area in many of his books.
Set on a gentle slope nestled between two rolling hills in the central-eastern region of Madikwe Game Reserve; Madikwe Safari Lodge overlooks the game-filled plains with the Dwarsberg Hills in the distance and the Marico River nearby.
Meals at Madikwe Safari Lodge cater to all tastes; always flavorsome and sophisticated; with a South African flair; but still keeping it simple for everyone’s enjoyment. Kosher dining is also available on request.
Skip to Madikwe Safari Lodge Rates or Specials and Packages
Madikwe Safari Lodge Accommodation
The luxury Madikwe Safari Lodge features just 20 x suites in three intimate camps. These are Lelapa Lodge (12 x suites), Kopano Lodge (4 x suites), and Dithaba Lodge (4 x suites). Kopano and Dithaba Lodges are ideal for private safari getaways. Or because all three lodges are within walking distance of each other; book them all for a special wedding or celebration for up to 32 x guests.
All the suites at the three lodges are of the same caliber and are approximately 100 m² / 1080 ft²; have an indoor bath and shower, and outdoor shower; a double bed which is convertible to twins; air-conditioning, ceiling fan, ensuite bathroom, safe, minibar, telephone, hairdryer, and a range of deluxe amenities.
Madikwe embodies the warm, bold heart of this spectacularly rugged corner of Africa. With huge circular fireplaces at the heart of every suite. And big glass doors to blur the boundary between inside and out. Spacious wooden decks embrace an inviting private plunge pool in all the suites.
Lelapa Lodge
Lelapa literally means ‘family’ and there is no restriction in terms of age or generation. It is ideal for a full family experience. Each of its 12 x luxury Suites has a private lounge, viewing deck, and plunge pool. Four Family Suites also incorporate a second children’s bedroom, stocked with toys and games. While the lodge epitomizes contemporary African design, its atmosphere is luxuriously laid-back.
Kopano Lodge
The intimate and romantic camp is influenced by African design aesthetics; comprises just 4 x luxury Suites. Kopano Lodge is ideal for honeymooners. It can also be booked out on an exclusive basis; for a get-together of friends or family. Each Suite provides personal space and is an ideal position from which to spot the animals coming by.
Dithaba Lodge
Dithaba means ‘mountain’ in Setswana; which is apt as the lodge enjoys a slightly more elevated location, allowing for spectacular panoramas over the open plains. The Lodge has only 4 x luxury suites. Each is a couple or solo traveler’s retreat. Or together, an exclusive home base for a friend or family group while on safari. The lodge’s construction, incorporating natural design elements, is uncomplicated. Each Suite provides space to unwind and watch animals cross the plain.
Madikwe Family Safari
Children of all ages are welcome at Madikwe Safari Lodge’s Lelapa Lodge. Kopano Lodge and Dithaba Lodge are ideal for small family gatherings on exclusive-use safaris. Or with children of 16 years and older.
Based at Lelapa Lodge, the Eco House children’s entertainment and education center keeps kids very busy. With the wonders of the natural world; as well as sporting and creative activities, during their stays. Just some of the fun includes:
Family morning game drives;
Bug CSI;
Spoor casting in Plaster of Paris;
Scavenger hunts;
Pool games;
Board games;
Rock painting;
Cookie baking in the kitchen;
Toasting marshmallows in the boma; and
Stargazing.
Parents are welcome to join in or sneak a few hours for themselves. Or; relax at the pool or get a Spa treatment; knowing your kids are in good hands.
For children between the ages of two and six; the mid-morning safari drive of one or two hours is ideal. Children older than six can accompany their parents on the morning and evening game drives.
After the game drive, older kids can take part in thrilling bush orientation and bush skills courses. All with knowledgeable and highly trained rangers.
Children between the ages of zero and five years stay free of charge. While children aged six to fifteen pay 50% of the per person adult rate. Teenagers aged 16 years and older pay the full adult rate.
Madikwe Safari Lodge Wildlife Experiences
The superb safari experience only varies in temperature and not in the quality of the game viewing. This makes Madikwe an excellent year-round safari destination. The rich biodiversity of mammals; such as Africa’s Big Five, cheetah, brown and spotted hyena, oryx, eland, springbok, and ostrich. The African wild dog is Madikwe’s signature species as it is now flourishing; however; it is still one of the continent’s most endangered species; largely due to habitat loss.
Diverse geology and a broad mix of habitats provide excellent bird watching with over 350 bird species. The best birding period is from October until April.
Getting to Madikwe Safari Lodge
Madikwe Safari Lodge Rates
Please use these for indicative purposes only as they are indicative and could be less
| Rates at LELAPA LODGE | Per person sharing |
| 5th January until 19th December 2023 | R 12 000 |
| 20th December 2023 until 4th January 2024 | R14 400 |
| 5th January until 19th December 2024 | R 13 500 |
| 20th December 2024 until 9th January 2025 | R 16 200 |
| 5th January until 19th December 2023 | Kopano | Dithaba Lodge |
| Per person sharing | R13 800 | R16 800 |
| Exclusive use for 6 x people | R89 800 | R109 000 |
| Exclusive use for 8 x people | R97 000 | R118 000 |
| 20th December 2023 until 4th January 2024 | ||
| Per person sharing | R16 500 | R19 500 |
| Exclusive use for 6 x people | R107 700 | R127 000 |
| Exclusive use for 8 x people | R116 000 | R136 500 |
| 5th January until 19th December 2024 | Kopano | Dithaba Lodge |
| Per person sharing | R 15 500 | R 18 500 |
| Exclusive use for 6 x people | R 101 000 | R 120 500 |
| Exclusive use for 8 x people | R 109 000 | R 130 000 |
| 20th December 2024 until 9th January 2025 | ||
| Per person sharing | R 18 600 | R 22 200 |
| Exclusive use for 6 x people | R 121 000 | R 144 500 |
| Exclusive use for 8 x people | R 130 500 | R 155 500 |
Single room rates are available on request.
Madikwe Safari Lodge Special Offers
Stay 4, Pay 3
Get a free night on safari at Madikwe Safari Lodge with our Stay 4, Pay 3 offer
Honeymoon Offer
A 50% discount for one person for newlyweds on their honeymoon.
A minimum stay of 3 nights or more at any of these lodges!
Return Guests Offer
Repeat guests will be gifted 10% off their accommodation rate.
Valid for repeat guests who have visited the lodge within the last 5 years.
Excludes traveling companions who have not stayed at Madikwe Safari Lodge before.
Can be combined with other promotions and special
All specials are valid until 31st January 2025 excluding peak season (20th December – 4th January 2024 and 20th December – 9th January 2025).
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge (Madikwe)
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge is a luxury 5-star Big 5 lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Perfect safari for families and couples
Tuningi Safari Lodge (Madikwe)
The Colonial African Chic Tuningi Safari Lodge is in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve, providing Big 5 safaris and wild dog territory
Madikwe Safari Lodge
Madikwe Safari Lodge accommodation in Big 5 malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, about 4 hour’s drive from Johannesburg. Best rates and offers
Madikwe Game Reserve South Africa
