Madikwe Safari Lodge Reviews

There are a number of private game lodges that charge a similar rate but don’t deliver - this one does, in every way! From when you arrive the staff are welcoming, always attentive, thoroughly professional and great hosts (all of them - well led by Frank)! The food is varied and delicious! The facilities are modern but reflect that you are in the bush and have great amenities (loved the splash pool and outdoor shower). And the main reason you are there (hopefully), the safari - great sightings in an awesome vehicle with an excellent guide - thank you Ryan! Every game drive was an adventure with some of the best sightings I have seen in over three decades of visiting the bush!

We went to Madikwe Safari for my husbands birthday celebration. Nothing was too much for the staff, they went out of their way to make everything spectacular from incredible game drives, delicious food and all round just attention to detail. In addition I asked if anyone could take some special photos of the special occasion and Kelsey stepped up to do this. Her photos were absolutely stunning, so we now have beautiful memories captured forever.

What stained my holiday was how much they stressed me at the Kopano lodge where I took an all inclusive safari in late August '24. I got upset because on-site management relented on quoted price, and previously agreed upon service. The quoted price for the safari was inclusive of room, food, game drives, park entry, transfers etc... and associated taxes. However at payment time, Kopano sprung on us a VAT tax of about R14000. Why wasn't it spelled out earlier as a non-included item? Rather strange, since at Bakubung Lodge where we also holidayed, the quoted price had held firm. Stress also arose from having uncooked food and outdoor dining relentlessly pushed on us despite a pre-vacation in writing agreement that all our meals be cooked and served in the lodge dining room at least at insect biting time. Being "encouraged" again and again by Kopano to eat on the outdoor terrace and what was put on our plate, we got STRESS, not relaxation. By the way, meals were individually prepared for the six to eight guests. In the room, the following was no good: - The room lacked adequate lighting for pre-dawn and after dark. - The only sitting in the room is a CONCRETE sofa with a scatter of soft cushions. - The table cloths indoor and outdoor dragged on the floor ......OUCH! - The room filled with smoke coming down the chimney when it was windy, because the fireplace was not closed. To summarize, I had a much better time at the Bakubung safari lodge in Pilanesburg although the game rides there had been of an uneven quality.... but at a quarter of the price! Mainly, it was because of the bait and switch experienced at Kopano.

Wow. What a place. Madikwe safari lodge for four nights was the perfect way to start our trip. All of the staff were super lovely and welcoming. Byron was an unreal guide to be led by and created an experience that I feel was unique to the national park. Can't wait to come back again

A heartfelt thank you to the entire team at Madikwe Safari Lodge for making our stay unforgettable. Everyone was incredibly kind and attentive, ensuring we felt completely relaxed during our time there. It’s bittersweet to leave, but we know we’ll be back someday! A special shoutout to Petrus, who guided us on daily adventures to discover the wonders of nature. His deep knowledge and passion for wildlife made every outing fascinating and memorable. Whether we were learning about plants, picking up litter to protect the environment, following tracks, or spotting incredible animals, Petrus made every moment special. We leave with so much gratitude in our hearts and can’t recommend Madikwe Safari Lodge enough. With love and warmest recommendations, J & P

What an amazing first safari experience here at Madikwe. Our brilliant guide Nel made sure we saw so many incredible animals and sightings. The lodge itself is beautiful and the rooms with the private plunge pool were just spectacular. We can’t wait to return one day!

This is a really special place. The reserve is a lovely blend of having enough animals that you will regularly see them, without so many that it feels artificial. Every day we went out, we would see something new and interesting. The lodge is beautiful, and the staff are kind and very attentive. Our guide, Nel, was knowledgeable, funny and made the whole experience really special. We learned a lot. We would not hesitate to come back!

We spent 4 nights at Modikwe Safari Lodge at the end of October in a family suite. Our guide Brendin was excellent, very knowledgeable and engaging with our 12 year old son. Lovely, friendly waiting staff and delicious food. Very well appointed reception areas and Spa all tastefully decorated. Given it a 4 star rating as the family suite bathroom was a little dated. Highly recommend the Lodge particularly if travelling with children.

From the moment we arrived we were welcomed into the lodge like old friends. Nothing was too much hassle, the staff thought of things before we asked. All the staff were excellent, Priscilla in particular was fantastic, as were all the hosts. Our guide/ driver was Brendan who showed us some of the most incredible things and made every effort to ensure we saw what we’d hoped for. We’re already looking forward to visiting Dithaba again soon! Thank you!

Fantastic stay at Madikwe Safari Lodge. We could not have asked for more. Our ranger Dan was truely wonderful at explaining and teaching us everything about the animals. The lodge is divine and the staff are all incredibly nice. 100% recommened.

All our hopes were exceeded. The game drives with excellent games wardens were fascinating and exciting. The hospitality was as first class and definitely five star luxury. We would definitely like to return and warmly recommend Madikwe Lodge. The staff were delightful and added much to our enjoyment.

We had a magical 3 day safari stay at Madikwe. The staff took such good care of us and were so kind. The setting is perfect with elephants wandering by all day. The drives exceeded expectations and there were thoughtful surprises like the pop-up cocktail bar in the bush. The lodge itself and the rooms are tasteful and restful to relax in. The meals were delicious - the only challenge being what to choose! I can’t recommend it enough.

The lodge was in an excellent position, extremely close to a waterhole, so enabling viewing the wildlife at a close proximity. When out in the bush our guide (Mitchell) was excellent. It wasn’t just a job for him it was a passion. We saw 4 of the big 5 as well as numerous other wild animals including long haired brown hyena’s, zebra, giraffes,warthogs and impala. The food and accommodation in the lodge was excellent as were the staff. I would thoroughly recommend it.

Had a fabulous stay at Madikwe Safari Lodge. The lodge itself is gorgeous, very clean, delicious food and wonderful, kind, helpful staff 🥰 Would like to give a BIG THANKYOU to Petrus, our game driver. He is so knowledgeable, and we didn't miss any of his drives. The only man I know who can spot a spider on the ground whilst driving in the dark holding a flash light 😳 I would also like to recommend the spa at the lodge. I had a lovely facial, and it was so relaxing I fell asleep 😴 We would love to come back one day and will cherish the memories of our stay, together with the 100's of photos taken 📸