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Madikwe North & South Safari

Madikwe North South Safari 6 days Jaci's Safari Lodge Impodimo Game Lodge South Africa

Safari Information

  • Departure; Daily
  • Duration; 6 Days / 5 Nights
  • Lodging; Safari Lodges
  • Group Size; Minimum 1
  • Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris

Embark on a 6-Day Madikwe Safari Adventure Blending Wildlife Encounters and Luxurious Comfort

Dive into South Africa's majestic Madikwe Game Reserve on this exceptional six-day self-drive safari, split between two superb lodges on opposite sides of the reserve. Twice-daily game drives, beautiful suites and an unhurried pace make it the perfect balance of adventure and downtime, in a reserve that is entirely malaria-free and home to the Big Five and around 350 bird species.

Your safari begins with a self-drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Jaci's Safari Lodge in the east of Madikwe, where you spend three nights. The lodge offers two game drives a day, a swimming pool, a gym, optional spa treatments and a kiddies' play area, so it works beautifully for families. Keep your eyes open for lion, leopard, cheetah and the African wild dog that Madikwe is celebrated for.

The final two nights are at Impodimo Game Lodge in the west of the reserve, with a different traverse and a whole new stretch of Madikwe to explore. Expect a wine cellar, a library, dinners under the stars and in-room spa treatments between expertly guided game drives. On your last morning, enjoy one final drive before heading back to Johannesburg with memories to last a lifetime.

Days 1–3: Jaci's Safari Lodge, Eastern Madikwe

  • On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, collect your hire car and self-drive to the Madikwe Game Reserve.
  • Depending on your flight arrival time, a night in Johannesburg is worth considering.
  • Madikwe is about 4.5 hours from the airport, allowing for stops, on roads that are tarred for most of the way with gravel on the final approach.
  • Arrive at Jaci's Safari Lodge and, time allowing, join a late-afternoon game drive.
  • The next few days are spent viewing, photographing and experiencing the wildlife of eastern Madikwe.
  • Jaci's Safari Lodge highlights:
    • Two game drives a day
    • Big 5, cheetah and African wild dog
    • Spotted and brown hyena
    • Malaria-free
    • 66 large mammal species
    • Around 350 bird species
    • Fully equipped gym
    • Kiddies' play area
    • Swimming pool
    • Spa treatments (optional)
  • Distance: O.R. Tambo International Airport to Madikwe = ± 341km
  • Accommodation: Jaci's Safari Lodge

Days 4–5: Impodimo Game Lodge, Western Madikwe

  • After breakfast, check out of Jaci's Safari Lodge and transfer across the reserve to Impodimo Game Lodge in an open game viewing vehicle.
  • Check into Impodimo Game Lodge in time for lunch, followed by a siesta and a late-afternoon game drive.
  • The next two days are spent viewing, photographing and experiencing the wildlife of western Madikwe.
  • Impodimo Game Lodge highlights:
    • Two game drives a day
    • Feature swimming pool
    • Library
    • Outdoor dining at the boma and pool lapa
    • Wine cellar
    • Bush dinner venue
    • In-room spa treatments (optional)
  • Accommodation: Impodimo Game Lodge

Day 6: Madikwe North & South Safari Ends

  • After your morning game drive and breakfast, depart for Johannesburg, about 4.5 hours allowing for stops.
  • Distance: Madikwe to O.R. Tambo International Airport = ± 341km

Madikwe North & South Safari: Frequently Asked Questions

Why split a Madikwe safari between two lodges?

Because each lodge drives its own traverse rather than the whole reserve, two lodges on opposite sides of Madikwe give you two different stretches of country, two teams of rangers and twice the chance of the sightings that matter. Jaci's Safari Lodge sits in the east of the reserve and Impodimo Game Lodge in the west.

How do I get from Jaci's Safari Lodge to Impodimo Game Lodge?

By lodge transfer in an open game viewing vehicle, not in your hire car. After breakfast on day four you check out of Jaci's Safari Lodge and are driven across the reserve to Impodimo Game Lodge in time for lunch, and because the vehicle is open, the crossing doubles as one more chance at a sighting.

How are the nights split on this safari?

Three nights at Jaci's Safari Lodge, then two at Impodimo Game Lodge, with two game drives a day at both. Time allowing, your first drive is the afternoon you arrive, and your last is the morning you leave. Because the safari is tailor-made, the split can be reversed or lengthened to suit your dates.

How do the two lodges on this safari differ?

Jaci's Safari Lodge is the family-friendly half, with a kiddies' play area, a fully equipped gym, a swimming pool and optional spa treatments. Impodimo Game Lodge leans towards indulgence, with a wine cellar, a library, a bush dinner venue, outdoor dining at the boma and pool lapa, and in-room spa treatments.

Rates From

This Safari is Tailor-made Rates On request

Rates Information
  • Madikwe North & South Safari Rates
  • Per person sharing
  • Rates are in South African Rands
  • *Rates may vary according to season
Rates Include
  • Accommodation based on budget
  • Vehicle type based on budget
  • Meals as stated
  • Activities as stated
Rates Exclude
  • Activities not included in above itinerary
  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Local and International Flights
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Fuel costs
  • Car Hire Insurance
  • Gratuities

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