Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge is situated in the north east of Madikwe Game Reserve. Set on a slope between two rolling hills the lodge overlooks game-filled plains with the Dwarsberg Hills in the distance and the Marico River nearby. Madikwe Game Reserve is malaria free and at 76,000 hectares (187,800 acres) it is one of South Africa’s biggest wildlife sanctuaries. Children of all ages are welcome at Madikwe Safari Lodge’s Lelapa Lodge.

Accommodation & Facilities
Madikwe Safari Lodge comprises three intimate camps with a total of 20 suites between them. Lelapa meaning ‘family’ is the family camp and children of all ages are welcome here. The four suites suitable for families comprise a little lounge that has a sleeper couch, a smaller room with bunk beds and the main area with a king sized bed for the parents. Bathroom facilities are shared. These suites can accommodate a maximum of three small children/two older children and their parents.  All the suites have a sitting area, a fireplace in the main bedroom,  personal bar, an en-suite bathroom with bath, indoor and outdoor shower and a private plunge pool. The private plunge pools can be netted for safety upon request. Each camp has its own dining and lounge areas.

The main lodge has a library, safari shop, a covered outdoor living room and boma area where guests can enjoy starlit dinners, and a swimming pool. The main pool is heated and there is a large shallow end where children can play.

Eating & Sleeping
There is a children’s menu and food preferences and timings are discussed daily with the parents to ensure everyone is provided for. Typical dishes include pizza, pasta dishes, salads, toasted sandwiches etc. A baby sitting service is available at an additional cost of R85.00 per hour.

Wildlife & Activities
Activities include morning and afternoon/evening game drives and bush walks. Madikwe has a diverse geology and broad mix of habitats which allows a wide range of African wildlife to flourish ‘ including the Big 5, cheetah and a thriving population of wild dog. In recent years there has been habitat restoration work and a massive reintroduction programme dubbed ‘Operation Phoenix’ that has returned all of the large mammal species known historically to occur in the region.

Specifically for children …
The dedicated child liaison coordinator  ensures there’s plenty on offer for children and every-other-day the guides offer an activity out in the bush for children after the normal morning game drive.
Other activities include :
• Family safari drives – children under the age of six years are not permitted on any of the daily safari drives. If the family has a private vehicle, the guide assesses the situation with younger children.
• Bush orientation.
• Bug identification.
• Dung tracking.
• Track pack with plaster of Paris.
• Baking in the kitchen.
• Making pizzas in the boma.
• Star gazing.
• A good selection of games.