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- Private plunge pools
- Those private outdoor showers
- Views from one's bed
- Wildlife at the watering hole
- The cuisine and wine selections
- The friendly staff
- The game drives
- Jamala is one of our favourite lodges
General Lodge Information
- Lodge type; Luxury Safari Lodge
- Location; Madikwe Game Reserve
- Lodge size; 5 Thatched Villas
- Recommended stay; 3-5 nights
Jamala Owner Run And Managed Safari Lodge In the Madikwe Game Reserve
Owner-run and managed, Jamala Madikwe provides a personal bush encounter, in which personalized service along with attention to fine detail is definitely the cornerstones of each and every waking moment.
Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge effectively brings together colonial and African styles and eccentricity within an enchanting marriage of opposites.
Jamala is located within the breathtaking 75 000 hectares of "Malaria Free" and "Big 5" (including African wild dog and cheetah sightings) Madikwe Game Reserve; the safari lodge is the perfect destination for that quintessential safari experience.
The pure unadulterated wilds of this area are as awe-inspiring as is this exceptional lodge - designed from a perfect palette of rich woods, raw stone and soft muted tones.
We have visited Jamala; click here to see our thoughts and photographs on the lodge; Photo Gallery
Rooms And Suites
Five luxury villas at Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge are spaced far enough apart to ensure maximum privacy for guests, with each villa exuding colonial charm in decor and furnishing.
All villas offer air-conditioning, a lounge area, a fireplace, a walk-in dressing room, an outside deck and a small rim-flow plunge pool.
The en-suite bathrooms offer up a large bathtub (for two adults) as well as an indoor and outdoor shower. The outdoor shower is stunning and offers excellent views of the waterhole.
Cuisine And Wine
Chef Nico Verster at Jamala Madikwe creates exquisite dishes for visitors who would like to dine within luxurious surrounds around the long solid wood dining table in the indoor dining room, underneath the stars next to an open fire or perhaps in the seclusion of your private villa.
Chef Nico has released a cookbook called "Safaris and Spices", we highly recommend getting a copy. The book is amazing.
Lodge Facilities
On arrival at Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge, one is met by a welcome drink and a central thatched guest area, this is where your safari starts. Walking through the lounge and dining area that is furnished with a distinctive and elegant flair one gets your first glimpse of that famed Jamala waterhole.
The term "sofa safari" refers to a lodge that one does not have to leave in order to see wildlife and this is Jamala Safari Lodge to a tee. Sit back in comfortable lounge suites with beer (or wine) in hand and the wildlife comes to you.
- Lounge and library with fireplace
- Gourmet dining experiences: Boma and Star deck
- Complimentary Wi Fi access
- "Sofa Safari" overlooking our private waterhole
- Curio Shop
- Watchtower overlooking the Savannah plains and waterhole
- Large Rim flow pool
- Laundry service should you require
Safari Activities
The Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge offers visitors the chance to enjoy game drives twice a day. In the morning, guests can explore the bush and search for animals, while in the evening they can view the scenery in a different light.
Additionally, guests can also take in the stunning views from the lodge's deck and watchtower.
For birders and birdlife photographers, the amount of bird species (especially in summer) is rather good if we have to say so ourselves.
Spa And Wellness
New(ish) to Jamala Royal Safari Lodge is the in-house spa and is open daily between 8 am and 5 pm.
Spa options;
- Full body detox
- Full body massage including aromatherapy, Swedish, deep tissue and hot stone massage
- treatments; Manicure / Pedicure / Facials / Waxing
- A masculine experience for him
- Hot stone massage and mineral clay
- Detox sea salt scrub and deep tissue massage
For those who need a little exercise, the gym offers a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bike, free weights, and TRX training.
Rates from R14 335.00 per person
- Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge rates
- Per person per night sharing (pp)
- Rates are in South African Rands
- *Rates may vary according to season
- Complimentary welcome drinks
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Selected local house wines, spirits, tea’s and coffees
- Early morning and evening game drives
- All transfers to and from the landing strip
- All premium rated wines, spirits and imported champagnes
- Madikwe Game Reserve entry fees
- Madikwe Daily Conservation fees
- Transfers to and from Madikwe Game Reserve
- Laundry
- Telephonic and electronic communications
- All curio shop purchases
- All spa treatments
Best Madikwe Game Reserve Safari Itinerary
Nestled in the heart of South Africa's North West Province, the Madikwe Game Reserve stands as a beacon of wildlife conservation and an unparalleled adventure destination for nature enthusiasts and safari-goers alike. This sprawling sanctuary, home to the Big Five and a plethora of other wildlife species, offers an escape into the wild that is both exhilarating and serene.
As you plan your journey to this remarkable reserve, our latest blog post is here to guide you through crafting the ultimate safari itinerary. From the crack of dawn with lions on the hunt to the tranquil sunsets over vast savannahs, we'll take you on a journey through Madikwe's most breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
5 best lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve
Planning a safari to Madikwe Game Reserve and looking for the best lodges to stay at? Here are five lodges that stand out for their exceptional safari experiences and luxury accommodations. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly getaway or a romantic escape, these lodges offer something unique for every traveler.
Each of these lodges offers a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and adventure, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience. Whether you're seeking thrilling game drives, relaxing spa treatments, or family-friendly activities, these top lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve cater to every traveler's needs and preferences.
Kids On Safari In The Madikwe, South Africa
Madikwe Game Reserve stands out, without question, as an unparalleled gem in Southern Africa. This truly magnificent reserve consistently delivers some of the most phenomenal "Big 5" sightings imaginable, guaranteeing encounters that are nothing short of unforgettable. It is, in my professional opinion, a destination where wildlife dreams truly become reality.
And, as the crowning glory, this spectacular reserve is a completely malaria-free haven. This ensures visitors, especially families, can embark on their adventure with total and absolute peace of mind—a priceless luxury not often found in such pristine wilderness settings.
Impodimo Review
For discerning travelers who demand nothing less than an exceptional safari, Impodimo in The Madikwe is, without a doubt, a true revelation. This lodge is a hidden gem, offering a truly spectacular experience with luxurious amenities and thrilling wildlife encounters that, in my opinion, easily rival properties three times its price.
From the very moment you step foot on this magnificent property, every single detail has been meticulously crafted to ensure your utmost comfort and to deliver unforgettable adventures. Impodimo doesn't just offer value; it guarantees an experience so captivating and deeply satisfying, it will linger in your memories long after you've departed. It's truly one of the best!
Jamala Review
Our absolute favorite lodge, not just within Madikwe Game Reserve but quite possibly in all of South Africa, is so exceptional it truly merits a detailed review. From the moment we arrived, we knew this place was different. It's undoubtedly one of the best and most memorable lodges we've ever experienced.
In short, expect a truly magnificent wildlife experience, exceptional food, and spectacularly comfortable rooms. Most importantly, however, is the incredibly attentive service from the fantastic staff, which without a doubt, makes every moment unforgettable.
Mateya Review
Mateya Safari Lodge truly exceeded all expectations, completely blowing us away. While we anticipated a special destination, we vastly underestimated just how extraordinary and immersive the entire experience would be. It beautifully captures that cherished old-world wildlife and birdlife experience, feeling distinctly more classic than contemporary in its decor and overall ambiance.
There’s a timeless elegance to its design, seamlessly blending into the natural surroundings, which truly enhances the sense of being deeply connected to the wild heart of Africa. Every detail contributed to an unforgettable stay, evoking a nostalgic safari romance.