Madikwe Safari – Lelapa Lodge

Experiencing the cuisine at Madikwe Safari Lodge is worth the experience on its own! Chefs introduce local flavors and techniques into international dishes to create a world class dining experience complimented by a selection of South Africa’s finest wines. Dining at Madikwe Safari Lodge becomes an adventure all on its own.

Shaded from the sun with specular views of the surround bushveld in the fresh morning air, you will be treated to a surprise bush breakfast towards the end of their morning game drive.

This traditional African bushveld dining experiences, the Boma barbeque (better known to South Africans as a ‘braai’) is a guest favorite. This is a warm, social, relaxing atmosphere, as guests, as well as their guides, gather around the flames to discuss the day’s sightings and adventures. The air is filled with the scent of fresh bread and cooked meats all cooked on the coals and flames.

Madikwe, meaning “Africa in its majesty”, sits in the uniquely beautiful and malaria-free 75 000-hectare reserve North West Province, close to the Botswana border. This is one of the only places in Africa where you can see Aardwolf, Brown Hyena and Spotted Hyena together in one reserve. Aside from the excellent opportunity of seeing Africa’s Big-5, there is also home to healthy Cheetah and Wild Dog populations. Expert trackers are likely to get you close enough to big game that you’ll smell the musk or feel the vibration of a roar in your own chest. Each sighting has a maximum of three vehicle capacity, while Madikwe also makes allowances for off-roading & tracking through the bush to ensure you get the best possible view of any major sighting.

There is a lot to love about vehicle-based safaris – you can cover more ground and potentially see more game, however, being on foot in the African bushveld is an adrenaline pumping experience that affords guests the opportunity to take in the finer details often missed on a game-viewer. You are literally walking in the animals’ footsteps!

Conservation safari offers an extraordinary experience for true nature lovers, who get to witness and participate in genuine conservation efforts taking place within Madikwe Game Reserve. The experience depends on actual conservation requirements and could include notching & microchipping rhino or collaring elephant, lion, cheetah or wild dog. Additional cost applies and is an adult only activity.

Pamper yourself and indulge in a relaxing and revitalizing spa therapy with Madikwe Safari Lodge’s qualified therapists. Each of the spa therapies uses natural Africology products. Africology is South Africa’s leading organic and ethically formulated spa product brand.

Lelapa’s Eco House is the base for the kids’ activity program. This is a tech-free environment (no phones or screens) where the love of nature and outdoors is ignited. The Safari Club is a fun-filled adventure that transforms kids into mini-guides. Children activities include exploring the lodge in search of animal ‘spoor’ tracks, as well as surprise treasure hunts and other activities, like rock-painting, cupcake decorating and fun dress-ups. As the sun dips over the horizon, the kids all join our chef for pizza making and movies under the stars.

Watch the game come down to the waterhole, as you also refresh!

A collection of safari apparel, art, décor, jewellery, spa products, knick-knacks from local artists and community projects, as well as wildlife reference books awaits you