The Royal Madikwe, North West Safari

rooms

The accomodation 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 Afican and mediterrean chic, with four-poster beds, wood floors, high thatched ceilings, cosy windown seats and of course those lovely fireplaces for chilly evenings. Bathrooms are equally stylish with rain showers, twin basins, a bath with waterhole views and Africology toiletries. Mini bars, hairdryers, air-conditioning, safes, and Bluetooth devices are in all rooms.

Sovereign House (438m² including deck)
Three bedroom house with 3 ensuite bathrooms each boasting rain showers and one with a large bathtub. The epitome of outdoor living with shaded dining space, day beds, comfortable benches under the Marula trees and a sunken plunge pool all centred around the endless 180° views. A loft style lounge for the youngsters, an open plan kitchen and dining area with wine cellar and the large comfortable lounge with fireplace make up this elegant family house. Private guide and Land Rover.

The Emperor Suite (140m²)
Two bedroom suite with ensuite bathroom boasting a large bathtub and rain shower, while the second bathroom has a single rain shower. Located within the clubhouse, on the second level with a lovely waterhole view, this lavish suite and it’s private adjacent dining space and TV lounge makes it a perfect retreat for families with younger children.

The Naledi Suite (110m² including deck)
One bedroom suite with ensuite bathroom boasting a large bathtub and rain shower. The tranquil alfresco lounge is adjacent to the private viewing deck with a sunken plunge pool and outdoor shower.

The Korone Suite (94m² including deck)
One bedroom suite with ensuite bathroom boasting a large bathtub and rain shower. The tranquil alfresco lounge is adjacent to the private viewing deck with a sunken plunge pool and outdoor shower.

The Lenyalo Suite (115m² including deck)
One bedroom suite with ensuite bathroom boasting a large bathtub and rain shower. The tranquil alfresco lounge is adjacent to the private viewing deck with a sunken plunge pool and outdoor shower all overlooking the private Royal Madikwe waterhole. Ideal for honeymooners.

The Royal Villa (300m² including deck)
Two bedroom villa with two ensuite bathrooms boasting large bathtub and rain shower. The tranquil alfresco lounge with fireplace is adjacent to the spacious private viewing deck with a sunken plunge pool and outdoor shower all overlooking the private Royal Madikwe waterhole. Endless views and large living areas including a kitchen, dining room with fireplace and TV lounge make up this beautifully appointed Villa.

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 deck pool too. The lodge is partially fenced but wild animals do visit occasionally and you can stay guilt-free as 20% of the profits support local education and healthcare initiatives.

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 5 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 instill 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.

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, maybe a soup, followed by quiche or salmon salad and of course a delicious desert as you gaze out over the waterhole! For dinner, you could be looking at a Boma - 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 puntuated 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!

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 include bush bumbles, tracking, crafts, bush baking, face painting and African story-telling. 

Children over the age of 5 years are welcome to join their parents on the scheduled game drives. There are also daily bush bumbles for younger children, which 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 back pack filled with all sorts of goodies to take with them on the bush bumbles.

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.

rates & specials

Only pay for 2 nights and get 1 night free, valid for stays in May, June, July and November 2020.

If you book within 30 days of travel, you will also receive a further 30% discount!