Jaci's Safari Lodge | Madikwe Lodges

Highlights

Game drives
Guides are fantastic
Meals and wine list
Family friendly
Exercise route
Birdlife around lodge
Jaci's Terrapin Hide is awesome

Information

Lodge type; Safari Lodge
Location; Madikwe Game Reserve
Lodge size; 10 rooms
Recommended stay; 2-5 nights

Introduction

Jaci's Safari Lodge blends into her surrounding, from the outside one would never guess that there was a lodge hiding in that riverine forest in front of you.

Walk across the wooden suspension bridge and safari lodge reveals herself as friendly staff welcome you to your home in the bush.

If you are looking for that perfect 5-star family safari experience, look no further. The Madikwe Game Reserve is Malaria free and offers guests that "Big 5" safari experience. Combine that with all that is Jaci's and you are in for a safari of a lifetime.

We have visited Safari Lodge, click here to see our thoughts and photographs on the lodge; Jaci's Safari Lodge Photo Gallery

Rooms and Suites

Jaci's Safari Lodge at the moment features 8 large tented suites with thatched roofs, canvas walls and large tented windows that can be found by following the gravel walkways from the main lodge area.

A new double roomed family suite, as well as two luxury suites with their own star beds, are currently being built, these additions will be a game changer for the lodge.

All suites offer up comfortable bedding in either twin or double configuration, all beds are draped by romantic mosquito nets and have electric blankets in winter. There is a small verandah at the front of each suite where one can sit and ponder life as you know it.

The en-suite bathroom facilities comprise a toilet zone, bath and outdoor shower area as well as his and hers basins.

Suites have underfloor heating, air-conditioning and a ceiling fan.

Cuisine and Wine

All cuisine at Safari lodge is prepared in an open plan kitchen that borders and is open to the dining area, guests are encouraged to have a chat with the chefs and staff or simply watch as they prepare your dinner.

Meals at Jaci's range from breakfast to brunch to high tea and of course, a 3-course dinner and that is not forgetting the snack times on the twice-daily game drives. There is an outdoor gym area where one can work off all those additional calories being added to one's mid-rift.

Meals are eaten either in the indoor or outdoor dining area or the boma, weather dependent.

At the far end of the main lodge, one stumbles across a small bar area. Do not be fooled by the size, this bar has a rather lengthy wine list, a selection of cold beers and a must try, which is the selection of South African made Gins.

Facilities

A small curio shop is available just above the kitchen in the main lodge, perfect for buying those fluffy toys for your loved ones back home.

The smallish swimming pool is the perfect spot to hide from those seriously hot Madikwe summer days. The pool is found around 75 metres from the main lodge area.

Activities

Well, here it is, the main reason to visit the Madikwe Game Reserve. Wildlife and boy does Madikwe show off around the two Jaci's Lodges.

Twice daily game drives on which one has the chance to spot lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino, cheetah, wild dog...... and the list goes on and on.

Your guides are extremely knowledgeable in where the wildlife is, what the wildlife is doing and how the wildlife is going to react.

And now the best part, Jaci's Terrapin Hide. This special Hide is around 500 metres walk from Safari Lodge to Tree Lodge. This is NOT to be missed, in other words, do not leave the Madikwe until you have spent at least an hour in the magical little spot.

The game drive vehicle do not have roofs so please hats and sun cream (remember that the ozone in South Africa is thinner than a mouses hair).

Child Friendly

Children of all ages are most welcome at Jaci's Safari Lodge. Kids are accommodated on stretcher beds in their parent's room should you not want to spend on separate accommodation for the little ones.

Kiddies play area found next to the swimming pool is perfect for when the kids get bored, this safe haven offers up table tennis and quite a few other activities. Babysitters are available should you need a break from the kids or the kids need a break from you.

For those with children under 6, there is a jungle game drive that takes the little ones on a safari drive in a safe area that borders the lodge.

Remember that the Madikwe is Malaria Free.