North West Safari
The Royal Madikwe
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Step through the Clubhouse doors at The Royal Madikwe and we can guarantee you are in for an out-of-this-world experience! Weave your way through the soothing interior, straight out of your favourite interiors magazine, to the focus of the whole lodge – the wrap-around deck, which overlooks what must surely be one of the best and busiest waterholes in all Madikwe.
You could well be in the midst of The Jungle Book, surrounded as you are by elephants, zebra, giraffe, warthog and the many other wonderful creatures that come here to freshen up. Back inside, the relaxed, intimate vibe is truly a balm for the soul and those exquisite suites – what can we say, prepare to be pampered and indulged safari-style! You really won’t want to leave….
“ Discover wild Africa and discover yourself ” – Dr. Chai Patel
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Facilities & Activities
The charming Clubhouse is a thatch and stone affair which blends perfectly with the colours of the bush and belies the stylish interior, oozing laid back sophistication. Outdoors, terraces on different levels, one with a firepit, make the most of the incredible waterhole views which you can also soak up from the appealing pool deck too. The lodge is partially fenced but wild animals do visit occasionally.
The dawn and dusk game drives are the main attraction – highly qualified and experienced rangers are on hand to ensure you get the most out of your safari experience. The Big Five, (Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, Lion and Leopard) are all present in Madikwe Game Reserve, as well as many species of birds, antelope and other mammals; including the endangered African Wild Dogs and Cheetah. Children under the age of 6 years are not allowed on scheduled Game Drives but can take part in the Kiddie bumbles, depending on availability at time of arrival.
Bushwalks offer a different perspective – following in the footsteps of the animals allows you the opportunity to learn more about the smaller creatures as well as the flora that make up this unique wildlife reserve. NB for ages 16+ although adults over the age of 60 years require a medical fitness certificate in order to participate.
For something with a cultural angle, how about Tswana Dancing? The ‘warrior tribe’, as the Tswana are known, were mighty and fierce in their battles on the plains of Africa, using their dramatic tribal dance as a means to instil fear in the hearts of their enemies! Unlike the warrior men in the tribe, the Tswana women danced to show joy and love. Or budding drummers might like to take some drumming lessons – used as an instrument to send messages to warn the tribe of approaching danger, as well as to celebrate happy occasions, the Jemba drum was a vital form of communication amongst African tribes. Pre-booking is essential for these activities.
The Lodge also offers massage treatments in the comfort and privacy of your suite or on the sundeck – what could surpass a gentle breeze blowing over your shoulders as you relinquish your mind to the tranquil wilderness surrounding you….
Last but by no means least, star-gazers will be mesmerised by the African night sky, ablaze with sparkling lights hanging in the dark of night like diamonds. Witness the awe inspiring constellations and clusters that form part of our solar system through the crisp lens of a GPRS Telescope. Best viewing from February to late August but available year-round with pre-booking.
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Feeling inspired? Start planning your next adventure by contacting us today.
Dining
Post game-drive breakfasts are a hearty affair with a plentiful buffet of pastries, cereals, fruit and yoghurt, with hot meals to order. Lunch and dinner options can be selected in advance from the daily menu but typically you can expect lunch to be a light three-course offering, for example a soup, followed by a quiche or salad and of course a delicious desert as you gaze out over the waterhole! For dinner, you could be eating a meal around the campfire under the stars, accompanied by some very tempting South African wines – maybe a Chenin Blanc or Pinotage: guaranteed to help lull you to sleep. Game-drives are punctuated by a drool-worthy coffee and muffin stop, or sun-downers – depending on the time of day. For most guests these little safari rituals quickly become a real highlight!
Rooms
The accommodation is spread out either side of the welcoming Clubhouse, ensuring plenty of privacy. All have wooden decks, plunge pools with sunbeds, outdoor showers and/or baths and mesmerising views of the waterhole and hence the plentiful wildlife that pass by. The owner’s flair for style is apparent in the relaxing interiors which reflect both African and Mediterranean chic, with four-poster beds, wood floors, high thatched ceilings, cosy window seats and of course those lovely fireplaces for chilly evenings. Mini bars, hairdryers, air-conditioning, safes, and Bluetooth devices are in all rooms.
For those with little ones in tow, The two-bedroom Royal Villa includes 1 King Size XL bed and 2-3 Single XL beds, both with en-suites. Endless views and large living areas including a kitchen, dining room with fireplace and TV lounge make up this beautifully appointed Villa.
The best pick for larger groups of up to 6 is Sovereign House, tucked alongside an active elephant game path; the epitome of outdoor living with open-air bathtub and rain showers, shaded dining space, day beds, comfortable benches and a sunken plunge pool all centred around the endless 180° views. There’s a loft style lounge for the youngsters, an open plan kitchen with a wine cellar and a relaxing living room area for the adults too. A private guide and land rover are also included in this.
If you favour a more romantic setting where the the abounding wildlife is almost within touching distance, the 1-bedroom Lenyalo Suite is for you. The tranquil alfresco lounge is adjacent to the private viewing deck with a sunken plunge pool and outdoor shower.
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Family
Madikwe is malaria-free, so it’s ideal for little explorers. Children over five can join game drives and babysitters are available at extra cost. Kids’ Club activities are frequently reinvented, with a focus on immersing your child in nature, but often include bush bumbles, tracking, crafts, baking, movie nights, archery and African story-telling.
The daily bush bumbles are designed to suit all interests with tolerant rangers assessing and evaluating which sightings your children would enjoy most. Children receive a wonderful Royal Madikwe backpack filled with all sorts of goodies to take with them on the bush bumbles.
Sustainability
You can stay guilt-free as 20% of the profits support local education and healthcare initiatives. They are wholeheartedly committed to responsible tourism practices and strive to combine tourism, environmental management and local economic development.
Location
The Royal Madikwe is easily accessed by road, daily shuttle flights or private charter flights. The lodge, overlooking a waterhole teeming with wildlife, is a 10-minute drive from Wonderboom Gate or half an hour from the airstrip.
Many guests transfer by car – it’s approximately 4.5 hours’ drive from Johannesburg, about 3 hours from Sun City and1.5 hours’ drive from the Sir Seretse Khama Airport in Gaborone, Botswana. For the more intrepid, there’s also the option of renting a vehicle at the airport and driving yourself to the lodge. The roads are generally in good condition, so a 4×4 vehicle isn’t essential.
Alternatively, you can opt for a shuttle flight from (OR Tambo) Johannesburg International Airport to Madikwe Game Reserve Western Airstrip (flight time is approx. 1 hour). You will be met on arrival by one of the lodge guides. Shuttle flight times may vary by up to an hour, so please ensure to allow a minimum of 3-4 hours between connecting flights.
Current departure times are as follows:
Depart Johannesburg @ 13h00 and arrive at Madikwe Western Airstrip @ 14h00
Depart Madikwe Western Airstrip @ 11h15 and arrive in Johannesburg @ 12h15
NB Luggage restrictions are very strict with an allowance of 20kg checked luggage per person in soft sided bags only as well as 5 kg hand luggage per person. For excess luggage, there is complimentary luggage storage at the Federal Airlines lounge. If flights are fully booked there is the option of Private Charter flights.
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