Madikwe Game Reserve Review
My husband and I have recently enjoyed a four night stay at the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa and I am pleased to say there are only great things to report. On arrival at OR TAMBO, we made our way to the Budget Car Rental desk to pick up our car. This was the first time I had picked up a car at Johannesburg airport and I found it to be hassle-free and easy!
As a suggestion, I would allocate an hour to the landing, luggage collection, car-pickup and exit onto the highway. The road journey from the airport to the Madikwe Game Reserve is on a national highway, which is very safe and in excellent condition; however, there are a few tolls along the way, so be sure to have around ZAR 400.00 cash for the return trip.
Our first destination was Motswiri Private Safari Lodge.
I did not inform the lodge that I was six months pregnant because I didn’t want any fuss made. As soon as I was greeted by Adri, the lodge manager, my ‘state’ drew attention and the fussing began. She made me feel very special about being pregnant and when lunch time came, I had my own egg-free potato salad and delicious phyllo pastry vegetable pies waiting. Our ranger, Zede, requested that I sit in front with him for my comfort. He had even placed some pillows on and around the seat, ensuring the game drive was divinely comfortable, to say the least!
A pride of lion had made a zebra killing that morning, and our aim was to get there and see it. When we got to the sighting the zebra carcass was almost bare after having 9 lion cubs and 2 big mama lions feasting on it all day.
After a delicious dinner of kudu shank, traditional pap and sauce among other things, it was time to retire to our very large and well-appointed room.
I did not go on the morning game drive as I preferred to take in more of this lovely lodge before heading on to our next stop: Jamala Madikwe.
As soon as we pulled up to the entrance, we were delighted at the site of around 15 elephants at the watering hole just in front of the lodge. Rodney and Nico – the owner managers of the lodge – informed us that there had been 40 elephants onsite earlier that morning.
The Jamala suites are set out in such a way that each suite has a view of the watering hole and the animals that visit it throughout the day and night. They are extremely private, ensuring that nobody at all will catch a glimpse while you use the outdoor shower. The same cannot be said about the wandering game, however, as I found myself to be spied upon by lone wildebeest that clearly found my outdoor shower display quite interesting!
With just 5 suites; this lodge is the epitome of luxury and exclusivity; from the silver service to the Charlotte Rhys bathroom products to the private deck and plunge pool. I cannot say enough about Jamala Madikwe, only that 1 night is far from enough!
Almost begrudgingly, we set off from Jamala Madikwe and headed for Madikwe Safari Lodge.
Madikwe Safari Lodge is made up of 3 lodges. We stayed at Lelapa ‘Family Lodge’ and found that it is exactly that – children of all ages are welcome. Lelapa is made up of 12 suites that are arranged in such a way that you would never know just how big the lodge is, as the suites manage to create a sense of privacy and intimacy.
We stayed at this lodge for 2 nights, and enjoyed being able to ‘settle in’ for a while.
The terrain in the Madikwe Reserve is perfect for pregnant women and also anyone with physical discomforts. The roads are all moderately flat, but you will not lose the sense of being on a bushveld safari! The biggest draw-card of the Madikwe is that it is a malaria-free reserve. Many people cannot take malaria prophylactics for health reasons and many prefer not to take it for varying personal reasons, making this private reserve entirely safe and comfortable for everyone.
