Accommodation in Madikwe Game Reserve | Malaria-Free Safari Lodges
Madikwe Game Reserve offers a strong collection of high-quality private safari lodges in a malaria-free setting near the Botswana border. Most properties operate on a fully inclusive basis, with accommodation, meals and twice-daily guided game drives included.
Madikwe is particularly well known for its family-friendly safari lodges, but also offers exclusive, higher-end camps suited to couples and private travellers.
What to expect from Madikwe lodges
Accommodation in Madikwe is almost entirely lodge-based rather than self-drive. Properties typically include:
- Fully inclusive rates (accommodation, meals, game drives)
- Open safari vehicles with professional guides and trackers
- Walking safaris at selected lodges
- No day visitors in the reserve
- A strong focus on conservation and community upliftment
Lodge styles range from contemporary luxury to more traditional safari camp design, with options suitable for families, small groups and honeymooners.
Why Madikwe works particularly well
Madikwe has built a reputation for:
- Malaria-free Big Five safaris
- Strong African wild dog sightings
- Excellent rhino and elephant viewing
- Family-friendly safari experiences
- A more exclusive atmosphere than many national parks
Because there are no day visitors and no self-drive vehicles, the experience feels more controlled and private than busier reserves closer to major cities.
Choosing the right Madikwe lodge
While most lodges operate at a 4- or 5-star level, there are important differences in:
- Family policies and children's programmes
- Lodge size and privacy
- Vehicle capacity
- Price point and seasonality
- Style and atmosphere
We've personally visited the lodges listed below and can advise on which property best suits your travel style, budget and expectations.
How to use this page
Use the listings below to compare lodge styles and price levels, or speak to us if you'd like guidance choosing the most suitable Madikwe lodge for your safari.
Found 12 Results
Impodimo Game Lodge
Situated on a rocky ridge in malaria-free, Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve, family-friendly Impodimo Game Lodge offers fabulous views and good value for money. Qualified safari guides, Shangaan trackers and 7-seater game-viewing vehicles give you a personalised safari experience. The lodge has tailored child-friendly programmes for kids, including 'bush bumble' game drives.
Jaci's Safari Lodge
Situated in one of the best locations in the Madikwe Big 5 reserve, Jaci's Safari Lodge is built on the banks of the Marico River, in arguably the best game-viewing area of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve: its eastern Lowveld section. There are eight luxurious en-suite rooms and two exclusive family suites. Jaci's Safari Lodge is very family friendly (the owners have brought up their own 3 children here) and its 'homely' feel is very evident and welcoming.
Jaci's Tree Lodge
Jaci's Tree Lodge, situated in the Big 5, malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, is a collection of luxurious tree houses on stilts high above the ground, connected by wooden walkways. These unique tree-top rooms offer you a magnificent safari experience: you can watch the wildlife passing below and enjoy superb views from your elevated vantage point.
Jamala Madikwe
Wherever you are at Jamala Madikwe, you'll have front-row seats to all the action at the expansive and highly-frequented waterhole that stretches the length of the lodge. In Madikwe's eastern section, Jamala offers a luxuriant safari experience in exquisite surrounds.
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
Set on a hilltop in the heart of malaria-free, Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe Hills Private Game Reserve is the essential 5-star safari lodge where the emphasis is on privacy, discreet and intuitive service and culinary excellence. It's the perfect safari choice for romantic getaways, corporate breakaways and special family gatherings.
Madikwe River Lodge
Madikwe River Lodge is the original safari lodge in the Big 5, malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Each wooden en-suite chalet has a private deck overlooking the Marico River and is set amongst lush, riverine bush. The lodge is family-friendly and has an excellent position in one of the best regions of Madikwe from a game-viewing viewing point-of-view.
Madikwe Safari Lodge
Madikwe Safari Lodge offers 20 luxury suites in three private lodges: Lelapa, Dithaba and Kopano, each with its own purpose and personality - in the best game-viewing section of malaria-free, Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve. Set on a ridge overlooking the reserve, the lodge offers sweeping views over the plains of Madikwe.
Morukuru Family Lodge
The Morukuru "Family" consists of three luxury safari villas available for exclusive use - each with your own dedicated team of staff taking care of your every need. Children are especially welcome. Morukuru specialises in making your safari an individual, luxurious and personal experience. The Morukuru Family of upmarket lodges offers an exceptionally high standard with a fantastic position in Madikwe Game Reserve, with one of the best traversing areas – besides Madikwe itself, you'll have access to Morukuru's exclusive, private traversing area.
Rhulani Safari Lodge
A small, private safari lodge, Rhulani Safari Lodge offers 5-star luxury accommodation and the chance to spot the Big 5 and a wide variety of wildlife, with an unhurried, uncrowded safari experience. Malaria-free Madikwe has incredibly diverse plant life and topography, attracting a wide variety of wild animals.
Tau Game Lodge
Tau Game Lodge (Tau meaning 'lion' in Tswana) is in the far north-western corner of the malaria-free, Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve. The vegetation here is less dense Kalahari-thornveld, easier for game spotting. The main lodge and luxury safari chalets all look out over the vast waterhole where a pageant of wildlife comes to drink at all hours of the day and night.
Thakadu River Camp
Thakadu River Camp has 12 luxurious safari tents on the banks of the Marico River in the malaria-free, Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve. Thakadu is a wholly-owned, community-based project and an ecotourism success story. This exclusive, tented safari bushcamp is situated in the far eastern part of Madikwe, in a good area for game viewing.
Tuningi Safari Lodge
Well-located in Madikwe's western sector, Tuningi Safari Lodge overlooks a small waterhole which attracts a large variety of wildlife – by day and by night. Exclusive luxury, excellent cuisine and superb hospitality will make your safari an experience to remember.
