North West
Tuningi Safari Lodge

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Nestled in a verdant valley, Tuningi’s guest areas overlook a waterhole and are linked by a wooden deck to the boma, sheltered by the ancient fig tree from which the lodge received its name.

This charming safari lodge sleeps up to 16 guests in luxurious suites with outdoor showers, plunge pools and wide verandas.

The lodge had a full refurbishment in 2024!

Gallery

Lounge Interior

Facilities & Activities

The ‘Colonial African chic’ main thatched lodge offers a sumptuous lounge, a spacious dining room and a well-stocked bar with an impressive rim flow pool that overlooks a watering hole, all interlinked by a sweeping wooden deck that leads to the boma area. For guests who battle to divorce themselves from technology in the bush, they are able to watch satellite TV from the bar, and connect with the “outside world” with Wi-Fi in the lounge.

Each day brings something different, as you explore the endless fascination of Africa’s wildlife in an open-air Land Cruiser, in the morning & afternoon. Exciting walking safaris are also offered (16 – 60 years only).

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Abi

Founder & Director

Emily

Worldwide Travel Consultant

Amy

Africa Travel Manager

Dining

Delicious meals are served in the cosy dining room in the Main House or in their unique boma. Fresh from a morning of observing the stunning wildlife South Africa has to offer, you’ll be greeted with a hearty brunch consisting of fruits, eggs, cheeses, and cereals – all freshly prepared. Lunch is set under an old fig tree overlooking an active waterhole, then as it gets dark lanterns and candles are lit and the mood goes from bush to baroque. You’ll return from your game drive to be presented with a bush extravaganza dinner, prepared by Tuningi’s Executive Chef, with a blazing log fire to keep you warm. Their chef strives to accommodate guests with specialist dietary requirements (allergies, vegetarian and plant based diets etc).

Rooms

There are 4 Luxury and 2 Family Suites, with interiors themed on ‘Colonial African Chic’, including air-conditioning, both indoor and outdoor showers, newly added private plunge pools, private wrap around decks and gas fireplaces for chilly nights.

All rooms are connected by wooden walkways, but separated from the next providing peace and privacy.

Take a Video Tour

Family

Children aged 6+ are welcome at the lodge, and can join the main game drives. Alternatively, you can book a private game drive vehicle for an additional charge.

Afternoons include storytelling, treasure hunts and games. Educational talks are given by a knowledgeable staff member on the items found on treasure hunts. Children also receive Animal Reference Guides, magazines and bush experience certificates. In the evenings, children can eat dinner in their room or they can enjoy an interactive dinner with a chef, who allows them to make their own treats. All other free time is spent drawing, clay modelling, building puzzles, swimming and relaxing by the pool.

Family Suites consist of two en-suite double bedrooms, joined by a dining area, kitchenette and a living room with an expansive timber deck with private plunge pool from where the surrounding beauty can be appreciated. Family Suites can sleep up to 4 guests, however can take an extra bed in the room for children aged 6-11.99 years – however is subject to availability.

Luxury Suites can take 2 adults, an additional bed can be added to the room for children age 6-11.99 years – however is subject to availability.

Sustainability

The lodge has played a significant role in the sustainability of eco-tourism development, conservation and upliftment of the local rural communities within the Madikwe Game Reserve. They have helped to introduce new investors to the reserve, selling the land to them and ensuring it is developed with the local ecosystem in mind. They also donate proceeds from the sales of their Rhino Bracelets to support anti-poaching efforts in South Africa.

Tuningi has adopted a local pre-school as well as the Grade R class in the Supingstad Primary School as their community project. They have provided new tables and chairs for the grade R classrooms and purchased formal educational materials; donated T-shirts and memory sticks for the new Matric class; water bottles and lunch boxes for the grade Rs and lots of story books for the pre-school. Clothing has been supplied to the entire pre-school class and school rucksacks fully stocked with pencil cases, crayons etc have been supplied to the students.

Location

Madikwe Game Reserve is a 4 – 5 hours’ drive from Johannesburg and for those that wish to experience an exhilarating fly-in safari, the reserve has an excellent all-weather 1 500-metre gravel airstrip with return shuttle flights from Johannesburg International Airport (1 hour).
Established in 1991, the 75,000 hectare, malaria-free, Madikwe Game Reserve on the border with Botswana is today one of South Africa’s top wildlife destinations. A stay at one of the luxury lodges within the Reserve offers the chance to see a variety of game including Africa’s ‘big five’ and endangered Wild Dog alongside an abundant birdlife, with over 300 resident and migratory species making their home here.

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