Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe, South Africa

Virgin rating

The hotel

Boasting sweeping views over the game-filled plains of Madikwe with the purple-hued Dwarsberg mountain range in the background, the luxurious Madikwe Safari Lodge is a malaria-free resort offering the holiday of a lifetime. The swimming pool at Lelapa Lodge is particularly special, get eye-to-eye with passing elephants and giraffe as they come to drink from the permanent water-hole just steps from the Lelapa pool. Ideal for couples or families, the lodge has a choice of accommodation across three lodges: Lalapa Lodge has spacious suites with luxurious bathtubs and open fireplaces for romantic evenings and family suites have a kid’s annex complete with bunkbeds and for those seeking complete peace and quiet, Kopano and Dithaba Lodges offers a slightly more private experience for couples. All are furnished with luxurious soft furnishings in an African style and all suites boast their very own plunge pools, perfect for cooling off under the African sun. Children are warmly welcomed with plenty to keep them occupied including making pizzas in the boma, star gazing and games night. When you’re not immersing yourself in the wilderness, enjoy an African Candle Massage at the spa, a truly sublime experience. Speaking of sublime experiences, we didn’t mention the exceptional cuisine, whether dining in the BOMA, enjoying a sundowner or heading out into the bush for breakfast at sunrise and dinner by starlight, you will be truly spoilt.

Amenities

  • Babysitting service
  • Safari
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Spa

Where is it

In the heart of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province, bordering Botswana. Transfer time: 4-5 hour drive from Johannesburg Airport and a 3-hour drive from Sun City.

Hotel information

Accommodation is comprised of Lodge Suites and Villas. All with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, private plunge pool, balcony or terrace, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer and outdoor shower. Lelapa (meaning family) Lodge is where couples and families are welcomed with hospitality and charm ensuring the most memorable of stays. 1-Bedroom Suites and 2-Bedroom Suites, are spacious and comfortable and are in keeping with the natural environment, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children. Sleeper Suites are as above but with sleeper sofa and are available on request.

All Inclusive of: All meals, tea/coffee, soft drinks, local brand beers, spirits and house wines. Daily game-drives and game activities with refreshments and snacks. Specialist activities include: bush walks, astronomy, wildlife lectures, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, bush dinners and children's activities.

Villas are available and must have a minimum of 8 people in the villa.

Communal swimming pool at Lelapa Lodge. Health Spa*. Bush walks, birdwatching, ecology house and local community village tour. Bush breakfasts and dinners, BOMA dinners. Children’s activities. Babysitting*. Laundry/dry-cleaning facilities*. Complimentary WiFi in public areas.

3 nights between 18 Dec-3 Jan.

* Denotes local charge. 

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (876)
  • Very good (71)
  • Average (14)
  • Poor (10)
  • Terrible (4)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating WOW WOW WOW!

Aug 18, 2024 joboyington Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

Wow wow wow what an amazing experience from start to finish. We have just returned from a 7 night stay at Lelapa lodge. I don't want to say too much as I don't want to spoil your visit with the lovely things that the staff there do for you. However, the food was world class, the accommodation was amazing, the staff were awesome and the game drives… Read more
Wow wow wow what an amazing experience from start to finish. We have just returned from a 7 night stay at Lelapa lodge. I don't want to say too much as I don't want to spoil your visit with the lovely things that the staff there do for you. However, the food was world class, the accommodation was amazing, the staff were awesome and the game drives magnificent. Petrus, our guide was outstanding. His knowledge of the animals and the park is endless and his love for the animals is infectious. He truly made our holiday. The spa was fabulous. I had 2 treatments there with Olga and her magic hands and they were so relaxing. Big thanks again to Petrus, Noah,Priscilla, Aletta, Kebo, Kabelo and every single member of staff there. All I can say is that you must go to this lodge. It is great for couples and families and I wouldn't hesitate to go back. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 10/10

Aug 16, 2024 Q5651KBsamanthac

Everything at Madikwe was great. We stayed a Kopano and could not have had a better experience. The staff was so friendly and accommodating. The game drives were incredible. Of the 3 safaris we have been on, we saw far and away the most exciting things here. Our guide, William, made the trip. He was so knowledgeable, answered our (many, many)… Read more
Everything at Madikwe was great. We stayed a Kopano and could not have had a better experience. The staff was so friendly and accommodating. The game drives were incredible. Of the 3 safaris we have been on, we saw far and away the most exciting things here. Our guide, William, made the trip. He was so knowledgeable, answered our (many, many) questions, and was just so fun to spend time with. A guide can make or break a safari experience and we could not have been more lucky to have such an amazing guide! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Dithaba family stay WOW

Aug 15, 2024 Victoria D

A world class experience in the bush at Dithaba. Staffs attention to detail was impeccable. Rooms clean & spacious. spa is beautiful & massages from heaven ! Food incredible & variety. Every detail thought out. super special ! A must visit !
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Holiday of. a lifetime!!

Aug 13, 2024 Companion36244276648 Tutbury, United Kingdom

This place is incredible…. We all had an amazing time from start to finish. The accommodation was stunning and truly luxurious given its location. The staff would go out of their way to make your stay memorable and they literally didn’t skip a beat the whole time we were there. Our 3 boys (18, 10, 6) all had the holiday of their lives and the… Read more
This place is incredible…. We all had an amazing time from start to finish. The accommodation was stunning and truly luxurious given its location. The staff would go out of their way to make your stay memorable and they literally didn’t skip a beat the whole time we were there. Our 3 boys (18, 10, 6) all had the holiday of their lives and the younger two cried when we left. The game viewing was superb and we saw everything we hoped. Special mention to Mike and Dan our guides who work so hard to ensure you get the best experience and their knowledge and enthusiasm is boundless. What a place…. We’ll definitely be back soon!!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Madikwe LeLapa Magic

Aug 13, 2024 Gayle L

We had the most magical few days celebrating our friend's 50th birthday. From the day we arrived to moment of departure the attention to detail and luxury was there. 2 awesome game drives daily plus we enjoyed 2 bush walks. There is a watering hole directly in front of the hotel so even sitting at the pool afforded us the most spectacular game… Read more
We had the most magical few days celebrating our friend's 50th birthday. From the day we arrived to moment of departure the attention to detail and luxury was there. 2 awesome game drives daily plus we enjoyed 2 bush walks. There is a watering hole directly in front of the hotel so even sitting at the pool afforded us the most spectacular game viewing. While we were there, daily herds of elephants graced us with hours of entertainment. The room I stayed in was well appointed and the option of having the fireplace lit each night , which I loved or the option of a heater/ air con for those who don't like the fireplace. I appreciated the attention paid to my special diet request and there were fish/ vegetarian options at every meal even the night of the spectacular boma dinner. The authenticity of the South African experience even extends to the gift shop which stocks some of the best proudly South African artists/ jewellery/ crafts to buy which is worth a mention. The staff went the extra mile to make our friend's 50th special. The staff gathered to sing her happy birthday - you would have thought it an audition for America's got talent! just spectacular. Not related to the lodge itself but the drive to the lodge from Jhb and back to Jhb took us longer than expected despite using wayz/ google maps and would recommend driving on the main road via Zeerust not using route via the Molatedi Village due to bad road works Read less